SETTING SAIL - Canadian Paraplegic Association (Alberta)

Spring 2011 Volume 26 Number 2COVER STORY DEPARTMENTSExecutive Editor.........................Larry PempeitAssistant Editor.........................Betty MacIsaacLayout/Design....................................Aaron YeoSpinal Columns is published fourtimes a year by the CanadianParaplegic Association (Alberta).Advertising rates available uponrequest. Ideas, submissions,requests, suggestions and letters arealways welcome. Address them to:The Editor, Spinal ColumnsCanadian Paraplegic Association(Alberta)#305, 11010 - 101 StreetEdmonton, Alberta T5H 4B9(780) 424-6312Material printed in Spinal Columnsmay not be reproduced withoutwritten permission from the CanadianParaplegic Association (Alberta). Weneither endorse nor guarantee any ofthe products or services advertisedwithin Spinal Columns. Readersare strongly urged to thoroughlyinvestigate products/companiesbefore purchase. Spinal Columnsis available in alternate formats bycontacting our office as listed above.Publications Mail Agreement#40011327Return undeliverable Canadianaddresses to:Canadian Paraplegic Association(Alberta)#305, 11010 - 101 StreetEdmonton, AB T5H 4B9E-Mail: edmonton@cpa-ab.orgISSN 1195-576718 Taking to the SeaRyan Yeardon’s sailing adventureshave led him to training with theparalympic team for a chance tocompete in the 2016 ParalympicGames in Rio de Janeiro.FEATURE STORY24 Spread Your Wings and Fly AwayKary Wright takes advantage ofthe spring beauty and explores theskies in a glider.4 EditorialRick Hansen’s 25th AnniversaryRelay5 Inbox6 Meet the StaffCPA (Alberta) Staff ProfilesIn your Community6 In the NewsOn Your Behalf8 CPA (Alberta) AdvocacySurfing for SolutionsInnovations10 Can You Build It?11 5 Simple ThingsFitZone12 Exploring the CountrysideMemoriam13 A Great Loss for Studentswith SCIFeatures14 Universal Office Design16 Home Improvements22 The Hotchkiss Brain InstituteThanks26 The Red Carpet AffairAboriginal28 A Mother in TransitionOpinion29 From My Perspective`Service30 Translational Research inAlbertaRegions32 What’s New in AlbertaService34 SCI Alberta Strategy Update36 Barrier-Free Medical Services37 LifeFit in Grande PrairieTravel38 An RV for EveryonePSA Summer CampsSpinal Columns 3

e ditorialCongratulations to Rick Hansen! The25th Anniversary of Hansen’s Man inMotion World Tour comes to Alberta inthe form of a relay to start off this fall.Twenty-five years ago, inspired to makea difference in the lives of others with spinalcord injuries, Hansen set out on his legendaryMan in Motion World Tour. For two years, from1985-1987, Rick wheeled more than 40,000kilometres through 34 countries, raising over$26 million to help those with SCI. In theyears since, the Rick Hansen Foundation andthe Rick Hansen Institute have worked withgovernment agencies, researchers, health care professionals, community serviceproviders, such as the Canadian Paraplegic Association, and wheelchair sportorganizations, to create remarkable advances in care and opportunities for individualswith SCI.The Rick Hansen 25th Anniversary Relay will be an exciting and inspiringjourney that begins on August 24th, 2011, in Cape Spear, near St. John’s, N.L.The relay will travel west across Canada for nine months before its conclusion inVancouver, B.C. on May 22, 2012, retracing the Canadian portion of the originalMan in Motion World Tour.With participants either walking or wheeling, over 7,000 Canadians will passthe singular Rick Hansen Medal to each other, as they weave their way across thecountry. The Rick Hansen Medal created by the Royal Canadian Mint is a symbolof its namesake and his inspiring story of courage, determination and call to actionfor each of us to make a difference in our communities.Relay participants will embody the values of determination and excellenceand be selected to participate through a national public contest. These differencemakers will carry the Rick Hansen Medal across the country, and their storieswill showcase the difference they have made in their communities, and remindus that we can all become powerful champions of change, by working together,building a stronger country and world.Each relay day will conclude with an End of Day Celebration in select communities.These celebrations will provide the opportunity for communities to cometogether, recognize local difference makers, raise awareness about accessibility,celebrate progress that has been made, and inspire a new generation to take action.The relay will reach southeast Alberta in mid-February, continue to Calgary,head north to Edmonton, and then exit the province in mid-March via Highway16 in Jasper.Many members of CPA (Alberta) demonstrate the attributes of difference makersevery day, and so I encourage you to get involved by applying to be a medalcarrier—celebrating your accomplishments, or by participating in the End of DayCelebrations. CPA (Alberta) will be actively participating in each of the eventsassociated with the relay in Alberta.We look forward to your enthusiasm and support. Please let us know if youwish to get involved as a volunteer at the local level. Let’s make this relay trulymemorable for all!Teren ClarkeCanadian Paraplegic Association (Alberta)Toll Free: 1-888-654-5444www.cpa-ab.orgFind us on Facebook and become a fan!Watch videos on our Youtube channel:www.youtube.com/user/cpaalbertaHEAD OFFICE#305, 11010 - 101 StreetEdmonton, Alberta T5H 4B9Telephone: (780) 424-6312Fax: (780) 424-6313E-mail: edmonton@cpa-ab.orgExecutive Director: Teren ClarkeSOUTHERN DISTRICT OFFICE5211 4 Street NECalgary, AB T2K 6J5Telephone: (403) 228-3001Fax: (403) 229-4271E-mail: calgary@cpa-ab.orgRED DEER OFFICE#103, 4719 - 48th AvenueRed Deer, Alberta T4N 3T1Telephone: (403) 341-5060Fax: (403) 343-1630E-mail: reddeer@cpa-ab.orgGRANDE PRAIRIE OFFICE#104, 9715 - 105 StreetGrande Prairie, Alberta T8V 7X7Telephone: (780) 532-3305Fax: (780) 539-3567E-mail: grandeprairie@cpa-ab.orgLETHBRIDGE OFFICE#360, 515 - 7th Street SouthLethbridge, Alberta T1J 2G8Telephone: (403) 327-7577Fax: (403) 320-0269E-mail: lethbridge@cpa-ab.orgMEDICINE HAT OFFICE26-419 3rd Street SEMedicine Hat, Alberta T1A 0G9Telephone: (403) 504-4001Fax: (403) 504-5172E-mail: medicinehat@cpa-ab.orgST. PAUL OFFICEBox 653St. Paul, AB T0A 3A0Telephone: (780) 645-7147Fax: (780) 645-5141E-mail: stpaul@cpa-ab.orgLLOYDMINSTER OFFICE4419 52 Avenue,Lloydminster, AB T9V 0Y8Tel & Fax: (780) 875-1046E-mail: lloydminster@cpa-ab.orgFORT McMURRAYGregoire Park Centre194 Grenfell CrescentFort McMurray, AB T9H 2M6Tel: (780) 743-0307Fax: (780) 743-4563E-mail: fortmcmurray@cpa-ab.orgCPA (Alberta) BOARD OF DIRECTORSDale Williams, ChairAaron Miller, Vice ChairMartin Purvis, Past ChairScott Sankey, TreasurerMaxwell BrunetteLisa CrownHarvey J. DeCockKent HehrBill HendsbeeTimothy HillRay RoyerNed ShillingtonEleanor SugarmanExecutive DirectorCPA (Alberta)4s4 Spinal Columns

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i nnovationsCan You Build It?Lending a Helping HandMike Otto, a mechanical engineer-in-training, andKristi Gurski, an occupational therapy student atthe University of Alberta, are determined to developa successful Edmonton chapter of the TetraSociety of North America. Otto, a graduate from the U of A engineeringprogram, explained his interest in the society.“It’s a great way for engineers to use their creative designtalents to help people with disabilities,” he said.Gurski said that she “is excited to be involved in projectsthat will enable people to participate in activities they findmeaningful.”The Tetra Society of North America is a non-profit organizationthat recruits skilled volunteers to create customizedassistive devices for people with physical disabilities - devicesthat cannot be met through commercial items. Their volunteerbase includes engineers, technicians, and healthcare professionals,including occupational and physical therapists. Tetravolunteers create unique items that are tailored to the needsof each individual. The cost for materials of assistive devicesis generally covered by clients.Mike Otto and Kristi Gurki help build assistive devices.In a recent issue of the Tetra newsletter Gizmo, a few projectswere highlighted. One individual who uses a power wheelchairfor mobility had a Tetra volunteer develop an LED lightsystem that attaches to the back and sides of his wheelchair toincrease visibility when crossing the street at night. This individualhad previously been hit when the driver of a vehicle didn’tsee him. In another project, volunteers developed a meditationbench that could be used to support an individual who had severearthritis. The bench offered her the opportunity to transferin a safe manner. There have been many other devices such asthese developed over the past few years.The Tetra Society was founded in 1987 in Vancouver bySam Sullivan, an individual who is quadriplegic. After his accidenthe was frustrated by some of the difficulties of everydayactivities. After Sullivan wrote a letter to the Association ofProfessional Engineers and Geoscientists of British Columbia,professional engineer Paul Cermak responded and helpedsolve a great number of his problems. The design skills of anengineer are a great fit for the specialized problems frequentlyencountered by those with disabilities. Otto said that theEdmonton chapter of the Tetra Society was started in late2010 and that they’re currently looking for both volunteersand clients.For more information about the Tetra Society, if you are interestedin volunteering, or would like to request assistance,you can visit their website at tetrasociety.org, or contact theEdmonton chapter coordinator, Mike Otto at mike@mikeotto.ca.10 Spinal Columns

i nnovations5 Simple Thingsthat I can’t live withoutby Barry LindemannTIC TAC BOXESIf you are quadriplegic and can’t open prescription bottlesyourself and yet you still want to take medication on yourown, look no further than the lowly Tic Tac box for an easyand low-cost solution. Dump out the Tic Tacs, pour in yourpills or medication, and you’re all set! A bonus is that you’llprobably even have fresher breath with all the extra Tic Tacslying around.STRINGS AND ROPESWith my limited hand function I get really tired of droppingthings, like my phone and my remote controls, and havingto wait for someone to come by and help me pick them up.One thing I found that really helps me to pick up, move, anduse smaller items is to attach a short loop of string to the backof the item, allowing me to grab the item by hooking a finger,stick, or reacher through the loop.STEEL KEYRINGSThese are another unsung hero of the disability world—imagine the frustration when it comes time to pull a zipperor grab a set of keys when your hands are not cooperating.Just throw a semi-large steel keyring through the little holethat every zipper or key has and then any finger can usuallydo the trick when a helping hand isn’t around. A bonus isthat if your keys hit the ground, a magnet can help you getthem back as well.productive day and it’s hello to independence. It might soundfunny but I take it as a personal challenge to try to pick up asmany items off the floor as I can by myself, even though it canbe pretty frustrating. And while I never was much of a fishermanbefore I was hurt—trying to get what I need picked up or“on the hook” can sometimes be a little fun too.ROUND YOGA BOLSTERNow I know this item is the one on my list that you’ll probablyscratch your head about, but when my aunt gave me myfirst one, it changed my life. A yoga bolster is just a round firmpillow about two feet long. I use it when I go to sleep at nightto keep my feet up and get the swelling to go down in my legsand ankles. What’s even better is that during the day when Ineed a little rest and don’t want to have someone transfer meto bed, I just rest one end on my knees, the other end under mychin to take the weight off my neck and shoulders, and voilà,instant relaxation! I just shut my eyes and 15 minutes laterI’m a rested new man! Trust me, you’ll love it too!Know of a new or innovative product that you think other SpinalColumns readers would like to hear about? Send us a descriptionand company contact information to editor@cpa-ab.org and wemay publish a profile in an upcoming issue!WIRE COAT HANGERSLook no further than your local dry cleaner for this nexthandy little helper. The best thing about wire coat hangers isthat you can bend them into any shape you need to help you getthose (sometimes desperately needed) extra few inches of reach.Give me a wire coat hanger and throw a loop of string or a steelring on a lot of the everyday items that I need to get through aSpinal Columns 11

f itzoneExploring the Countrysideby Amy MacKinnonJust... a little bit... more. She reaches the top of the hill, andprepares to coast along the smooth asphalt as fast as shecan down the other side. She tries to make it at least halfwayup the next hill before she has to expend effort again.Just long enough to catch her breath while she whizzes pastthe most gorgeous part of the ride; where the sun shines on thewater, lighting up the whole river valley, showcasing the vibrantcolours of summer in the trees and on the river bank. The bestpart of her week is the day she meets with her friends and otheractive-minded people to hand cycle on the trails.Don’t look down, don’t...look...down, he tells himself as hereaches for the home stretch. He’s almost at the top, where hecan then ring the bell; “Down, please!” Using a chair, he neverthought he’d ever be this high without it, but once he swallowsthe lump in his throat and looks down, he can see little peoplelooking up at him, the rope he’s attached to, and a little, unoccupiedchair off to the side. He’s breathing hard and his arms aretired, but he has improved so much since the first day of the rockclimbing program he signed up for a few weeks ago.Challenge. Friends. Laughter. Sunshine. You will find allof this when you choose to participate in all the great outdoorshas to offer. Most of us in Alberta have had more winter than wecare for, and are just itching to get out of the house for a goodol’ dose of vitamin D. While you’re at it, why not abandon theconcrete jungles in favour of a real one? Experience nature theway it was meant to be experienced: by getting yourself rightin the thick of it. Go on an adventure in a trailrider, or kayak,canoe, hand cycle, or rock climb.I can rock climb? Yes, you can. Opportunities to participatein a variety of outdoor activities are popping up all overAlberta, a place known around the world for just that, as wellas for beautiful scenery, only to be enjoyed by those who ventureoutside. The Canadian Paraplegic Association (Alberta)in Edmonton, in conjunction with many other organizations,is pleased to introduce the Outdoor Adventures program, developedfor anyone with a physical disability. The program wasintroduced at the Limelight Film Festival in Edmonton wherethree films featuring individuals participating in a variety ofoutdoor activities were showcased. Tony Flores, a member ofthe national para-kayak team, was there to introduce a film inwhich he is featured, showing his journey from his first time ina kayak to competing at an international level.Information about what the program has to offer:Hand cycle clinic and weekly rides: starting late MayTrailrider excursions: weekly starting in MayTrailrider excursions racing series: runners serve as sherpas,and teams will enter a variety of trail races in and aroundEdmonton. Weekly training starting in May.Indoor rock climbing skill building program: weekly startingearly June.Mark Wellman coming to Edmonton: author, filmmaker, paralympian,motivational speaker and avid outdoorsman will talkabout his experiences participating in outdoor adventures as aparaplegic. End of May.Outtrips: in all the above activities, planned for late July toAugust.Other events that give you the opportunity to participate insome of the above activities include:The Adaptive Kananaskis Challenge: August 6-7, 2011.The Adaptive Parkland Challenge, Eagle Point ProvincialPark and Blue Rapids Provincial Recreation Area: August20-21, 2011.Please visit pushtoopen.ca for more information on thesetwo events.Whichever way you like, get out there and take advantageof living in one of the most beautiful nature areas in the world!Happy Adventuring!Please contact Amy MacKinnon at (780) 424-6312 ext.2231 or via e-mail at amy.mackinnon@cpa-ab.org for moreinformation.12 Spinal Columns

m ermoriamA Great Loss forStudents with SCIby Kuen TangImet Marion Vosahlo (néeNicely) nine years agowhen I decided to returnto the University of Albertain Edmonton to finish myeducation degree after a motorvehicle collision which left mequadriplegic.I remember the first time I wheeled into Specialized Supportand Disability Services (SSDS). I was greeted by laughterfrom Marion as she and Pat Sears bounced ideas back andforth about how to help students with disabilities. At thatmoment my fears and worries disappeared—I had a feelingthese two passionate individuals would take good care of myeducational needs.Pat became my counselor (followed by Joanne Yardley)throughout my years at the University...with very close supportfrom Marion. When I became the first quadriplegic female toearn an elementary education degree in 2006, SSDS and Marionwere there to cheer me on. I credit my success in part to theservices provided by SSDS and wonderful supporters such asMarion, Pat, Joanne, and many others. They took away some ofthe stress of having a disability and took care of the how-to’s,by arranging adaptive equipment, exam accommodations, andfunding applications, allowing me to focus on my education.I am but one of the many students with disabilities whograduated from the U of A in large part because of the supportfrom Marion and SSDS over the past 30 years. Marion will besadly missed.Prior to her retirement in September 2010 as SSDS director,Marion was one of the longest serving members of UniversityStudent Services, having been appointed as the Coordinator ofServices for Disabled Students in the Office of Student Affairsin July, 1981. Marion passed away on March 24 at the Universityof Alberta Hospital.IN MEMORIAMThe Canadian Paraplegic Association (Alberta) would like torecognize the following individuals who have recently passed on.Wauneta CampbellCalgaryGordon ChapmanCalgaryMike DaltonWainwrightChuck LoveMedicine HatWill SmithCalgaryAudrey StechynskyEdmontonMarion VosahloEdmontonIf you would like to make an In Memoriam donation, see page 15.Do You Suffer From “Drop Foot?”One of the newest treatment options available for foot drop is theWalkAide System. The WalkAide utilizes electrical stimulationwhich restores specific muscle function.More than simply bracing the foot, WalkAide uses advanced sensortechnology to analyze the movement of your leg and foot. It then sendselectrical signals to your peroneal nerve, which controls movement in yourankle and foot. These gentle, electrical pulses prompt the musclesto raise your foot at the appropriate time, producing a muchmore natural and efficient pattern of walking.Although highly advanced, WalkAide is surprisingly small and discreet,and quite easy to use. To inquire if the WalkAide is appropriate for youplease call our office.10733-124th Street Edmonton, AB T5M 0H2Local : 780-452-5771 Toll-Free: 1-800-387-5053 Web: www.khager.comThe help you wantwhen youneed it the most.Pipella LawSerious Personal Injury LawyersEdward S. Pipella, Q.C., leads a legalteam with over 70 years combinedexperience practicing exclusively in thearea of serious personal injury law.HemiplegiaPermanent DisabilitiesBrain InjuryQuadriplegiaParaplegiaMultiple TraumaFree Consultation and Hospital VisitNo Fee Unless RecoveryCompetitive RatesAssistance with Securing Medical AidFor maximum results call:Edward S. Pipella, Q.C.(403) 265-8733 or (403) 660-9383or (403) 660-938124-hour Service Call PersonalPInjuryL PIPELLA Law Lawyers600, 404 6th Avenue S. W. Calgary, AB T2P 0R9Spinal Columns 13

f eatureOFFICE DESIGNby Ron WickmanThe office space for the Premier’s Council on theStatus of Persons with Disabilities is located onthe 11th floor of the HSBC Building in downtownEdmonton. Meeting rooms and offices of varyingsizes, support spaces, and an accessible washroom are alldesigned to accommodate as many people as possible in thebest way. The office space, completed in 2005, was also designedto accommodate staff members who use wheelchairsand/or who are blind.Upon entering the office space, the most immediate featureis the tremendous spaciousness. The waiting area isextensive, highlighted by light from the west over a low,curving wall and on the north by a wide, open reception area.To the east, directly off the foyer, a main feature that amplifiesthe spaciousness is a universally designed toilet roomin a circular shape. Meeting rooms, offices, and cubicles arecomfortably roomy, but secondary to the spaciousness thatsurround them.The design of wayfinding, or how people orient themselvesin a space, is what truly makes the office unique, andcreative. The most important feature is the use of one-and-ahalf-meter-widesquares cut into the existing carpet at pointswhere people would need to make a decision to change directionin their path of travel. The squares are made of Marmoleum,a greener, more sustainable variety of linoleum, andprovide a colour and texture contrast to assist people withvisual disabilities to make positive and purposeful choicesin movement. In fact, for people who are blind, the squaresallow them to move about completely independently, withoutthe use of a cane or a guide dog.Access to cubicles is reinforced with three-ring groovescut into the circumference of a wooden handrail, indicatingthe locations of adjacent cubicles. The handrail detail isunique to this office space, and users would need to be toldthe purpose of the grooves. A problem that we encounteredduring construction was the relocation of one of the openingsinto a cubicle office space. One of the tactile groove sectionsin the handrail no longer lined up with the cubicle opening.Ron Wickman’s design for the office for the Premier’s Council on theStatus of Persons with Disabilities features many universal design ideas.I find it interesting that in a world of design, architects focusso much on just the visual aesthetics of a detail, which, whencompleted with great effect or not, generally matters only tothe designer and his peers. A universal design detail, however,must not only have beauty but it must work functionally for allusers. When a universal design detail is completed incorrectlyit will look dumb to everyone.I especially enjoyed working with Diane Bergeron on thePremier’s Council on the Status of Persons with Disabilitiesoffice project. Bergeron, a staff member who is also blind,gave me great insight into the way persons with visual limitationsmove about. I found that during the design meetingsI had to be describe verbally the layout of the office. I foundthat I could identify the sequence of spaces in a way that shecould understand. I also found that everyone else could betterunderstand my more detailed verbal description of thedesign as well.Two other positive results of working to make the spaceeasier to use for persons with visual limitations were a tactilefloor plan and a view window for Bergeron’s guide dog, Max.14 Spinal Columns

f eatureThe tactile floor plan with raised indicators can be mountedon a wall in the foyer, so visitors can approach it and feel theoutlines of the entire office space. One can also feel the texturecontrast from the carpet to the Marmoleum squares.Bergeron created Braille labels identifying the various roomsand mounted them on the floor plan. The fact that most of thelabels are straight and centered is very impressive to me. Thewindow for Max was relocated from the top of the cubicle partitionwall to the bottom so that Max can see people movingby and let Bergeron know when someone is near.The design of the universally designed washroom has aninteresting history. The old office was located on the ninthfloor of the same building. The universal washroom locatedon this floor is certainly big enough, but is poorly designed.This is an institutional-looking room; everything is whitewith no colour contrast. The grab bar beside the toilet isinstalled incorrectly. It is a poorly conceived space, and Iwas told at our first meeting to not repeat this mistake. Theuniversal washroom that I designed is a focal feature in theoverall design of the office space. Glass blocks allow for naturallight to enter the washroom. The door kickplate is organicallyshaped and uses the same Marmoleum that is usedfor the flooring contrast pieces. Colour contrast is also usedinside the toilet room where the floor meets the wall. In thisway, people with low vision can identify the boundaries of thespace. Ultimately, this space is a positive blend of functionand beauty; the fact that the space is so functional is whatmakes it so beautiful.Ultimately, the mandate that I was given to design the newPremier’s Council space was to be the best example of “gooddesign,” and not just good universal design. In this way thefocus moves away from just designing to accommodate personswith disabilities but designing to accommodating everyone.If you would like to make an In Memoriam donation to theCanadian Paraplegic Association (Alberta), fill out the form belowand mail it to our offices. For other donation options, see page 29for more information.Spinal Columns 15

Taking to the Seac overstoryby Barry LindemannRyan Yeardon has alwaysenjoyed spending time onthe water, but it’s just thathe thought he needed a motorpropelling him to do so.Yeardon grew up in the interiorof British Columbia in a town calledMerritt where his family was well-establishedin the community—he stillhas relatives there today. After beingschooled in Prince Rupert on the northerncoast of the province, he moved toVancouver and lived there for sevenyears where he worked on the waterfront,loading and unloading some of thebiggest ships that sail the sea. Lookingfor a change of scenery, Yeardon movedto Calgary, Alberta, and soon began toenjoy, on his mountain bike, the parksand pathways that the city had to offer.While riding his bike in an inner citypark on a beautiful spring day, Yeardonwas involved in an accident that left him18 Spinal Columns

c overstoryparaplegic at the T4-5 level.Early on in his injury, Yeardon wasintroduced to the Canadian ParaplegicAssociation (Alberta). While he wasquite active after being dischargedfrom the hospital, Yeardon said hisinterest in sailing started with “an invitationto attend a CPA (Alberta) barbecueon the Glenmore reservoir.“I was asked if I wanted to take asail on the lake,” Yeardon said. “Andthat’s when I knew I had found a sportI could enjoy and I was definitelyinterested in learning more.”“Even though itwas almost midsummerand sailing lessonshad alreadystarted for the year,he started going toclasses that were held a few eveningsa week to try and learn all that hecould. In that first summer, Yeardonlearned enough about sailing to becomeproficient on the water and to passhis White Sail I and II courses, levelsof ability measured by the CanadianYachting Association.The next summer Yeardon was oneI fell in love withsailing in 10minutes, and Ihaven’t looked back.”of the first guys out on the water andbefore long, after taking classes andpracticing his sailing techniques, Yeardondecided to challenge the White SailIII course—and passed with flying colours.The best thing about passing thislevel of sailing courses was that he wasnow able to take other members of thecommunity and novice Disabled SailingAssociation members out in boatsby himself.Yeardon especially enjoys the DisabledSailing Association (DSA) volunteerprogram. Last summer he spentcountless hours takingpeople aroundthe reservoir as thecaptain of a couple ofdifferently sized sailboats,often scaringsome of the folks with how fast he couldget the boats to go. He’s learned to lovethe sport of sailing and the idea that hecould go almost anywhere in the worldusing no fuel.“I love the challenge and rewardthat comes from looking at the sail,judging where the wind is coming from,and making the decision to see how theboat responds,” Yeardon said. He saysthe DSA boats are very responsive andcan be driven just like little go-kartsand now he just can’t get enough.As for Yeardon’s future in the sport,he went to his first regatta last yearon the open ocean, and finished highamong the other competitors. This yearhe will be heading to Victoria to trainand sail with the national disabled sailingteam to see if he has what it takesto be a part of the 2016 Rio de JaneiroParalympic Games.Yeardon now sees himself as a sailingambassador and actively promotesthe sport to others. He says he used tobe one of the guys who thought sailingwas kind of slow and “dumb”; hisidea of fun on the water was speedingin motorboats as a youth. Now all thathas changed.“I fell in love with sailing in 10minutes and I haven’t looked back. Myonly regret is that I wish I had knownabout it earlier,” he said. “Take advantageof every opportunity presentedto you—even if you already have yourmind made up that you’re not going toenjoy it.”The One To Know For All Your Cleaning Needs CALGARY’S TRUSTED CHOICE FORMaid & Carpet ServicesSince 1964403 520.7777servpro@servprocanada.com• Over 45 years of Professional Service• Comprehensive Maid Services• Carpet & Upholstery Cleaning• Equipment, Supplies & Transportation Supplied• Bonded, Insured, Uniformed & Supervised Staff• Environmentally Friendly Cleaning Products• 100% Satisfaction GuaranteedCPA membersreceive a15% discount!BOOK ON-LINE!SERVPROCANADA. COMMaid Services • Carpet & Upholstery Cleaning • Janitorial Services • Post Construction CleaningDuct & Furnace Cleaning • Specialty Services • Hi-Rise Window CleaningSpinal Columns 19

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f eatureThe Hotchkiss Brain Instituteby Barry LindemannEver since the inception of the Hotchkiss Brain Institute(HBI) in 2004 at the University of Calgary,training the next generation of neuroscientists hasbeen a focal point. The institute’s activities are centredon enhancing training and opportunities for up and comingresearchers.The HBI has played a key role in establishing a number ofunique educational neuroscience initiatives in Calgary, whichallow young scientists to immerse themselves in brain researchfrom high school right through to post-graduate studies.A key link was established last year, when the first classwas enrolled in the University of Calgary’s new undergraduateneuroscience program. The bachelor’s degree program providesenhanced teaching and research activities for a select group ofhigh-achieving students. Students entering the bachelor’s inneuroscience program can now start learning about the brainin their first year of university, with specialized courses, fieldstudy experiences, and research lab projects.The HBI is also reaching into high schools in the provinceto look for the next generation of outstanding students whomay have an interest in neuroscience. One way they are accomplishingthis is through their participation in and supportof the annual Canadian Institute of Health Research NationalBrain Bee. The Brain Bee is a competition for high schoolstudents, fashioned after a traditional spelling bee, exceptstudents answer questions about the brain as well as neuroscienceresearch. It is designed to stimulate interest and excitementabout brain research. Students study topics on memory,sleep, intelligence, emotion, perception, stress, aging, brainand the Brain Awareness Week Brain Beeimaging, neurology, neurotransmitters, genetics, and braindisease (just to list a few) and then they are tested on theirknowledge against other students their age, in a fun competitiononce every year. It’s an exciting opportunity for highschool students to learn about the brain and the importance ofbrain research, as well as meet other students and professorsinvolved in the area who can help them decide if they wouldlike to pursue it further.HISTORY OF THE BRAIN BEEThe Brain Bee is part of Brain Awareness Week (BAW),which was launched in 1996 by the Society for Neuroscience(sfn.org) and the Dana Alliance for Brain Initiatives (brainweek.dana.org). Its mission is to increase awareness of neurosciencein the general community. BAW is held every year in March andis celebrated in countries around the world.The Brain Bee, founded by Dr. Norbert Myslinski at theUniversity of Maryland, is focused on the participation of highschool students. The Brain Bee is a three-tiered (local, national,and international) competition held around the world. There are12 other local Brain Bee competitions held across Canada eachyear and the winners of each of those events (along with Calgary’sBrain Bee Champ) head to McMaster University each Mayto compete for the right to be called the best Brain Bee competitorin Canada. The first-place champion also gets to representCanada at the International Brain Bee held every year in theUnited States, during the annual conference of the AmericanPsychological Association, and is given the opportunity to workas a summer intern in a neuroscience laboratory.2011 Calgary Brain Bee champion Nathan Lau (center-left) and judges (from left to right) Roger Thompson, Jackie Wamsteeker, and Andy Bulloch.22 Spinal Columns

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f eatureSpread Your Wingsand Fly Awayby Kary WrightThe words “All Out!” are heard from the rear seat.The helper holding the wingtip level swings his freearm in a wide arc, signaling the tow-pilot to applyfull throttle. I’m sitting in the front seat of a highperformancetwo-seat glider, about to experience the ride ofa lifetime!You can hear the engine of the Bellanca Scout roar, kickingup grass and dirt as it strains against the rope that attachesit to the glider. In a few seconds we’ve outrun thehelper and it’s now up to input from the flight controls tobalance our aircraft on a single wheel as it quickly acceleratesdown the runway. The bumping and banging from themole hills last a few moments, and then all becomes quiet asthe weight of the craft is lifted by the wings, and now we’reflying a few feet above the ground while waiting patiently forthe Scout to become airborne.The Scout lifts off and starts a gentle climb straightahead, with the ground quietly slipping by. John Gruberfrom the rear seat expertly holds the glider in formationdirectly behind the tow plane, keeping it positioned as if it’sattached by a thread sitting on the horizon ahead of us. TheScout banks gently to the right and we follow suit, and soonwe point west and are greeted by a magnificent view of theRocky Mountains. As we’re towed through rising air currents—thermals—theScout suddenly balloons up, soon tobe followed by us. Other gliders are indicating by radio thatthey have found good lift in the thermals, which are formedby warm air rising, heated by the ground, and are having notrouble climbing to our limit of 8,000 feet. This is a great sign!At 2,000 feet John pulls the handle to release the towline, andbanks hard right, while the Scout rolls left as we separate.Our glider suddenly becomes quiet and peaceful.“OK, do you want control?” asks John from the rear.“Sure do!” I reply while slipping my adapted glove overthe stick.24 Spinal Columns

f eature“Do you see the Blanik to the North?” he says, motioningto a fellow glider. “Head over there, he’s found lift.”“I see him,” I say, as I bank right and head towards thecircling glider.John instructs me to circle in the same direction as theBlanik, and always keep him in sight while constantly scanningfor other gliders.Our variometer, which measures our rate of climb, startsto beep excitedly as we enter the thermal, indicating lift,and I bank left to stay in the lift while following the Blanik.We continue tight circles, enjoying our elevator ride and theincredible expanding view.“Our height limit is 8,000 feet due to the Calgary controlzone, so let’s head west now,” informs John as we hit ourceiling.We roll out level and head towards the mountains, enjoyinga smooth glide straight ahead. South of Black Diamond,a town near Okotoks, we encounter more lift.“If we go south of that gas plant on the left we can climbto 10,000,” John says.“OK,” I reply steering south. As if on queue, we feel ahuge bump of lift just past the plant, and circle to take advantageof it. While circling we notice a hawk, enjoying thefree ride while turning his head in wonder at this strangesilent albatross.“OK, 10,000, let’s head towards Longview!” I hear fromthe back.In a few minutes we’re over Longview, looking intoKananaskis Country from 10,000 feet! What a view! We’restill encountering lift and I have to shove the stick aheadand fly faster to keep us below our limit. On this day it seemsthat lift is everywhere! We fly from one cumulus cloud toanother, circling underneath to gain altitude. We hear laterthat one club member flew over seven hours to the Montanaborder and back!After an hour or so, we decide not to hog the aircraft anylonger as others are waiting to fly and we head home. Theflying field is probably 15 miles away, but we can glide 30miles or more if we want, as our glide ratio is better than 30to 1, or 30 feet of horizontal travel for every foot of altitude!“We’ll use runway 14, join downwind at 1,000 feet aboveground,” John instructs as we near the airport.We have to make several large circles to bleed off the extraaltitude, but we’re in no hurry to end the flight, and wefinally join the circuit.“Cu Nim Black Diamond traffic, Lima Tango Yankee isleft downwind runway 14,” I hear as John broadcasts ourintentions.I notice a glider on the runway, but John is unfazed asprecise spot-landings are the norm for these guys.“I’ll have you fly as much of the circuit as possible,” Johnsays.I fly the downwind leg, watching the runway through theleft side to gauge when to turn. At about 500 feet I make theturn onto our final approach, and then turn control of the gliderover to John. Using the spoilers to increase our descent rate,John expertly drops us in from a surprisingly steep angle, androunds out to a perfect gentle touchdown exactly where heplanned...amazing!I’m hooked! It was so much fun that words don’t do it justice.The feeling of absolute freedom was overwhelming—there is no room for a wheelchair in a glider! Since this flightwe’ve returned for many more. It’s hard to believe that a glidingclub in Black Diamond has a glider specifically adaptedto be completely controlled by hand, a lift-equipped golf-cartto lift you into the glider, and a great bunch of helpful clubmembers, and that it is all surprisingly affordable! In factthe first flight is paid for by Freedom’s Wings! There is evena campground on site with power!It is a process of trial and error to adapt gloves to hold thejoystick and rudder control, but it is progressing and now I’veeven got a couple of landings under my belt. If anybody wantsto take up this wonderful sport, or even go for a joyride tosee what it’s all about, the folks at Cu Nim Gliding Club willbe more than happy to accommodate. The Edmonton SoaringClub is also equipped with a lift to get us into their gliders.They just don’t have a glider with a hand rudder-control stickas of yet but flying without rudder control works fine—itgives your instructor something to do.Spinal Columns 25

All that Glitters is GoldMarie Stelmach, Honourary Patron of the Red Carpet Affair,presents the Christopher Reeve Award to James Sanders“All that glitters is gold” and a glittering night it was onMarch 18th when the Canadian Paraplegic Association (Alberta) celebratedits Golden Anniversary at the 2011 Red Carpet Affair.A capacity crowd of 500 people celebrated and recognizedmany accomplishments, starting with the new 50th Anniversary videotribute to CPA (Alberta)’s 50 years of providing services to personswith spinal cord injury and other physical disabilities. Our five biggestsupporters each sponsored a decade of progress from the 60’s to thefirst decade of the 21st century and the Red Carpet Affair paid tributeto their progress and growth along with us over the last half century.Honours also included tributes to Dr. Gary McPherson, formerHonourary Co-Chair of the Red Carpet Affair Patron’s Council,who passed away last spring, the re-naming of the Lifetime AchievementAward to the Gary McPherson Lifetime Achievement Award,and the presentation of six annual awards to persons and organizationswho have made outstanding contributions to their community. Thehighlight of these honours was this years’ winner of the ChristopherReeve Award, James Sanders, who spoke eloquently about his adjustmentsand determination to become a professional actor, writer andproducer following his spinal cord injury.Returning to the “glitter and gold” of the evening, ourdreams to raise money worthy of a golden anniversary certainly cametrue. Following months of preparation, organization, ticket sales,sponsorship, auction donations, and some very generous bidders, approximatelly$100,000 was raised in 2011 - the highest amount sincethe inception of the Red Carpet Affair in 2003.

2011 Award WinnersChristopher Reeve AwardPresented to James Sandersby Mrs. Marie StelmachHonourable Lois HoleCommunity Development AwardPresented to Travis McNallyby Dale WilliamsAmbassador AwardPresented toShamel and Sam Elsayedby Margaret Conquest(Shamel Elsayed shown here)Percy Wickman Accessibility AwardPresented to the City of Edmontonfor the newly renovated Terwillegar CommunityRecreation Centreby Ceira and Jayden Wickman(Accepting award: Amarjeet Sohi)Gala SponsorGary McPhersonLifetime Achievement AwardPresented to Louise Millerby Dr. Robert SteadwardThank You to our SponsorsCorporate Leadership AwardPresented toWorkers’ Compensation Board-Albertaby Weslyn Mather(Accepting award: Marcela Matthew)Milestone SponsorsWine SponsorPrint SponsorAwardsAuction DonorsMedia SponsorsAccommodationsOfficial Graphic ArtistPhotographyKevin Van Tasselwww.albertabride.caNew Lighting Featurescourtesy ofNew Audio Visual Featurescourtesy of

a boriginalA Mother in Transitionby Linda WelchJoy Holloway is a mother finding her way home following amotor vehicle accident on September 19th, 2010. Paraplegicat the T9 level, Joy has been at the Foothills Hospital forsix months, and finds herself at a turning point with morequestions than answers. As her peer mentor, I find our visitsCLASSIC HEALTHSUPPLIES LTD.“Caringenoughto make adifference”• Catheters• Condoms• Night Bags• Liners• Deodorants• Syringes• Tubing• ConnectorsPhone (780) 421-4372Toll Free 1-888-421-0488Fax (780) 421-4507• Cleansers• Gloves• Leg Bags• Diapers• Needles• Gauze• Ostomy• Walkers8317 Argyll RoadEdmonton, Alberta T6C 4B2e-mail: email@classichealth.comrequire as much listening as speaking.Joy looks to the Stoney Nakoda First Nation traditions forsolace as she contemplates her future.“I’d like to do beading,” she said. “For my son.” She explainedthe difference between rodeo and pow-wows, andmentions that the costumes for the grass dance need a lot ofbeading and fringes.Beading is an art form shared by her mother, in everythingfrom dreamcatchers to earrings and costumes. Duringher stay at the Foothills, Joy turned to other creative artforms to calm her frustrations. She shows her sliding board,embellished with three traditional style emblems; an eaglewing, a turtle, and two feathers.“My son Reichel’s aboriginal name is Eagle Wing, and Ichose the turtle because he loves turtles. The two feathersare for guidance.” When the weight of moving forward causesher too much anxiety, Joy heads down to the wood shop, whereshe can focus on making things to help her stay focused.Joy still has many steps to take on her journey. Currentlyfaced with moving to the transition wing, Joy cannot hide herdisappointment. Canadian Paraplegic Association (Alberta)Peer Coordinator Marilyn Erho explained the benefits of thetransition wing, and assured her that CPA (Alberta) wouldwork closely with her to help address her housing concerns.Being home with her son is Joy’s ultimate goal. Joy has oftenexpressed her appreciation of the visits with her peer mentors.“My feelings sometimes seem overwhelming, but whenyou come I feel so much better.” Joy faces many ups and downsduring her recovery period, and continues to find thingschallenging. She asks tough questions, and appreciates thestraightforward, informed answers from those who have dealtwith similar issues.“I don’t want to always be looking back at what I had,” shesaid. “I want to look to the future, and do my best.”28 Spinal Columns

o pinionFROM MY PERSPECTIVEby Larry PempeitHaving a disability,I, personally, havefound airline travelto be challenging andnot that pleasant an experience.With increased security, lessairline staff to help you, moreregulations, and a host of otherinconveniences, I recently foundanother challenge that is reallygetting my goat!In January I booked a return flight on Air Canada to go toHouston, Texas, as part of a vacation/cruise. Normally I book onlineand then go through the medical desk—because I use a powerwheelchair I need to get their permission to fly. I also need to makearrangements through them if I expect my attendant to fly at thediscounted rate.When I spoke with staff at the Air Canada medical desk Iwas asked for the dimensions of my wheelchair: 36” tall, 35”long, and 26” wide. I was then told I couldn’t fly on the jet onwhich I was booked—an Embraer 190 (E90), a 93-seat, narrow-bodyplane. I was told the maximum height of my wheelchairhad to be 34 inches. When I asked if they could tilt thewheelchair on its back wheels to go through the luggage door, Iwas told they would not tilt the wheelchair, lay the wheelchairon its side, or manipulate it in any way. A further explanationgiven was that they have had too many damage issues withpower chairs.I was told I would need to take another flight on a largerplane. The problem with taking another flight was that I wouldhave to transfer in another city which created a greater hardshipfor me, as well as a substantial time difference. Their solutionwas completely unsuitable for me.I took my complaint to the Canadian Transportation Agencyto see if they could help resolve the situation. They did a greatjob of mediating between me and Air Canada. In the end, I wasable to book onto one of Air Canada’s Alliance partners, ContinentalAirlines, for a direct flight to Houston.In my opinion, I think Air Canada has a responsibility to meand other individuals who have disabilities, to offer the sameopportunities to travel with them that they provide to the generalpublic. If they are unable to do so because the aircraft isinadequate or inappropriate, then they should be responsiblefor finding me alternate transportation. Why should I have tohunt for an alternate airline and possibly pay a premium price?In far too many cases, airlines are providing shoddy treatmentto people with disabilities. We’re paying good money like everyoneelse. It’s time we started to push back. At least that’s my opinion.Moving up hasnever been easier.RAM Manufacturing Ltd. is a North American leader in the design and manufacture of verticalelevating products for residential and commercial buildings. We proudly manufacturethe Trus-T-Lift and the UNI-VERS Crystal Elevator right here in Alberta.Trus-T-Lift’s smooth and quiet performance makes this light weight, dependable and versatile unitperfect for any residential or commercial application. The UNI-VERS Crystal Elevator can be installedin various two and three story homes and commercial buildings, such as schools, churches,apartments and senior citizens centres. Our lifts and elevators can be customized to accommodatenew or existing buildings with little or no modification.Independent mobility is your connection to the rest of the world. It allows you to remain active,improving your quality of life. Here at RAM Manufacturing Ltd., we take your independenceseriously, giving you choice and quality at an affordable price.CALL TOLL-FREE:1-800-563-4382E-mail: trustram@trustram.comwww.trustram.comSpinal Columns 29

c overstoryMaking life easierDon’t let incontinence slow you down!No matter what your continence needs are, Coloplast offers a productto keep you going.Coloplast focuses on developing products that increase the quality of life for people who usethem. Our mission is to make life easier for people with intimate healthcare needs. Coloplastproducts are designed for quality, security, convenience and optimal health.If you would like to try one of Coloplast’s catheters (including SpeediCath)or find out about our other continence products, please call our ConsumerSupport Team at 1-866-293-6349.Coloplast develops products and services that make life easier for people with very personal and private medical conditions. Working closely with the peoplewho use our products, we create solutions that are sensitive to their special needs. We call this intimate healthcare. Our business includes ostomy care,urology and continence care and wound and skin care. We operate globally and employ more than 7,000 people.The Coloplast logo is a registered trademark of Coloplast A/S. © 2010-01All rights reserved Coloplast Canada, Mississauga, Canada.Coloplast Canada3300 Ridgeway Dr. Unit 12Mississauga, ON L5L 55Z91-877-820-7008www.coloplast.ca

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s erviceAlberta SCI Action StrategyA NEW DIRECTION FOR THE CARE TRAINING PROGRAMby Heather LisselIn our previous issue, as manager of the Alberta SCI ActionStrategy, I provided an update on eight projectsthat are being undertaken as part of the strategy. Oneof those projects, designed to introduce a new attendantcare training program to the province, has just undergone asignificant—and exciting—change of direction. Rather thancontracting the Independent Living Resource Centre (ILRC)in Winnipeg to deliver their “PACE” program, stakeholdershave decided to develop their own “made in Alberta” model.Following the initial concept workshop with the ILRC, thestakeholders in attendance from various disability communitiescame to realize that their needs would be better servedby developing and implementing an Alberta Attendant Trainingprogram rather than utilizing the PACE model. CPA (Alberta)has agreed to take the lead on this program, but theprocess is very much a collaborative effort. Representativesfrom Residential Aide Placement Services, Alberta Committeeof Citizens with Disabilities, Creekside Support Services,and the Grande Prairie Residential Society are working withconsumers and CPA (Alberta) to design and deliver a demonstrationproject, beginning in late fall, 2011. The group met inMarch to outline the curriculum content.“We’re thrilled to be working on a home-grown solution tosuch a serious and persistent problem as the shortage of paidcaregivers,” said Teren Clarke, Executive Director of CPA (Alberta).“With so many skilled and passionate community partnersworking together, we’re confident we can create a programthat will help fill this gap and provide people on self-managedcare with better access to caregivers who understand theirneeds and are willing to take direction from them.”The willingness and ability to take direction from consumers isat the heart of the independent living philosophy that will drive thenew attendant care training program. In addition, the program willbe more affordable and shorter in duration than current programs.“We’re intending for the program to appeal to new immigrants,students, stay-at-home moms, people who are semi-retired,and anyone else who is looking for flexible employment oran entry-level position into the health-care field,” said KristieCoulombe, project coordinator.The curriculum is currently in the design phase, with thefirst demonstration scheduled for late fall of 2011. For more information,contact Heather Lissel at heather.lissel@cpa-ab.org,or Kristie Coulombe at kristie.coulombe@cpa-ab.org or over thephone at (780) 424-6312.34 Spinal Columns

Make climbing stairs easy!NEWJazzy 600• Don’t let stairs drive a loved oneout of their home.• A stairlift is the affordablealternative to moving orThe new Jazzy 600 featuring Mid-Wheel 6 technology utilizes Pride’s original,patented mid-wheel drive with enhanced stability. Mid-Wheel 6 technologyincorporates ATX Suspension for extra remodelling. stability with independent active frontOMNI-Casters (nylon spherical shaped casters) that raise and lower as• Ideal for straight stairs, andneeded to compensate instantly for changes in the terrain. They preventhang-ups and allow for stable transitions narrow from stairs one with surface tight turns. to the nextregardless of the angle of approach.• Quickly installed by our ownMid-Wheel 6 provides superb all-around performance with the added benefittechnicians.of 6-wheel stability. Whether transitioning curbs, climbing rough terrain orreverse handling, Mid-Wheel 6 consistently excels.• Attached to the stair treads, notthe walls.• Made by Stannah, the world’sleading stairlift supplier.Vendor forAADLMVACWCBVeteran AffairsHealth CanadaJazzy 103UltraThe Jazzy ® 1103 Ultrabrings sporty style andhigh-performancefeatures, like a standardpower elevating seat andActive-Trac ® Suspension,together into one perfectlybalanced power chair. Yet,even fully loaded, theJazzy 1103 Ultra remainshighly compact andmaneuverable.Legend XLCall today for a free,no-obligation quotation!1-800-665-2200The Legend ® XL is a true trail-blazer among outdoor scooters.Unprecedented performance, a full complement of all-newluxury and convenience features, and rugged design makethe Legend XL the ultimate outdoor scooter and the perfectchoice when you want to blaze some trails of your own.NOW EARN ShoppersNOW EARN Shoppers Optimum Bonus PointsOptimum at ShoppersBonusHomePointsHealthatCareShoppers Home Health Care!ALBERTA LOCATIONS:CALGARYMAIN CALGARY LOCATIONEDMONTON LETHBRIDGE MEDICINE HAT#1 STADIUM 2720 12 St. MALL N.E.4619-91 Avenue 119 Stafford Drive, S. 46 Carry Drive, S.E.(403) 1941250-2200Uxbridge Dr. N.W. (780) 468-4002 (403) 327-4511 (403) 527-8110(403) 662-2211 (800) 282-3909 1-800-661-1032 1-800-307-6997SOUTH LOCATION10333 Southport Rd. S.W. MEADOWLARK RED DEER#25a 180 94 Ave. S.E.(403)(403)255-2288255-2288 SHOPPING CENTRE 5250 22nd Street(800) 665-2200 156th Street & 87th Avenue (403) 342-4460(780) 481-2204 1-800-806-79991-866-481-2204or visit us on-line at www.shoppershomehealthcare.caSpinal Columns 35

s erviceBarrier-Free Health and Medical Servicesby Travis GrantThroughout the years, the Alberta Committee of Citizenswith Disabilities (ACCD) has heard people withdisabilities express frustration over barriers to healthcare in Alberta. Some experience physical barriers,others encounter communication barriers, and many feel theyare not given enough time with their doctor to have their complexneeds met. But this is only a broad description of the barriers.Indeed, the issues are deeper and more complex.In February 2009, ACCD received a grant from the Governmentof Alberta’s Human Rights Education and MulticulturalismFund for a project titled Barrier-Free Health and MedicalServices in Alberta. ACCD recruited an advisory committeeconsisting of health and medical professionals, governmentemployees, and stakeholders from the disability communityto assist with the project. One key way in which the advisorycommittee assisted the project was by helping to determinethe scope, so that our research would be manageable and theresults meaningful.Since that time, we have completed an extensive literaturereview, distributed surveys to people with disabilitiesand medical professionals, held community consultations, andconducted site audits. Overall, we found that people with disabilitiesare happy with their access to the province’s healthand medical services. However, our project noted similar barriersoccurring throughout the province, in both rural andurban settings.TRANSPORTATIONThe biggest transportation barriers were cost, coordinationof schedules, and arranging transportation following dischargefrom emergency rooms. For example, some of the study’s participantstalked about the strict pick-up and drop-off schedule ofspecialized transit systems, such as DATS, and how they do notwork with medical appointments that run late. There were alsoconcerns about being dropped off at an emergency room by anambulance and having to find a way home after being released.Oftentimes, the only option for people who find themselves inthis situation is to take a cab, which can be expensive, especiallyif the person is on income supports.COMMUNICATIONA lack of communications services is a common barrier.People who are deaf or hard of hearing said their access tohealth and medical services in the province would improve ifinterpretive services were available. People felt that writteninstructions were not good enough, since communication barriersstill existed when patients wanted to ask questions of theirdoctors. Those who are blind or visually impaired said a lack ofbraille on written materials and signage was a major barrier.ATTITUDINAL BARRIERSAttitudinal barriers are created and maintained by the lowexpectations of what people with disabilities can and cannot do.People often have perceptions that those who have a disabilityare burdens, and generally misunderstand what disability is.They perceive people with disabilities as being unable to accomplishvarious activities, such as seeking employment and pursuingeducational opportunities. Health and medical services inAlberta are not entirely free of attitudinal barriers and the resultis a negative impact on people with disabilities.ONE-ISSUE APPOINTMENTSDoctors are not able to spend as much time with patientsas they did in the past. Many doctors’ offices have a one-issueper-appointmentpolicy in place, to ensure that the largest possiblenumber of patients can be seen. For some, this might notbe problem, but for people with disabilities who have complexhealth issues, one-issue appointments are not enough. ACCD’sstudy discovered a need for a greater amount of appointmenttime for people with disabilities.ACCESS TO PHYSICIANSWith a shortage of doctors, especially in rural areas, gettinga doctor is difficult. But for people with disabilities, the problemis even harder, since doctors are not always willing to takeon the added work of complex health issues that people withdisabilities sometimes have.PHYSICAL ACCESSIBILITYFinally, physical barriers often prevent access to healthand medical services. ACCD’s study found a variety of barriers,ranging from the design of parking areas, paths of travel, andwashrooms, to inaccessible medical equipment, like exam tablesthat cannot be lowered, and scales that cannot accommodatewheelchairs users.ACCD’s Barrier-Free Health and Medical Services in Albertaproject revealed a series of complex barriers that are inextricablylinked through policy, infrastructure, and a lack of awareness.Alberta’s health care system is reliant on budgets andhuman resources, while at the same time, it attempts to meetthe needs of the diverse population it serves. In other words,creating a system that is efficient, sustainable, and equitableis no simple task.Based on the project’s findings, ACCD developed a list ofrecommendations which is included in our final report. We arecurrently meeting with interested parties – including elected officials,professionals who work in the health system, and variousorganizations – to discuss the findings and to determine waysin which we can work together to improve access to health andmedical services in Alberta.For more information on ACCD’s Barrier-free Health andMedical Services in Alberta project, contact our Edmonton officeat (780) 488-9088 or toll free at 1-800-387-2514. You canalso reach us by e-mail at accd@accd.net. You can access thefinal document on ACCD’s web page at accd.net.36 Spinal Columns

s erviceLIFEFITinGrand Prairieby Winona Lafreniere and Sheila FincarykLifeFit is a new inclusive recreational program currentlybeing offered in Grande Prairie. The goal of LifeFitis to provide individuals with spinal cord injury andother physical disabilities the opportunity to participatein various recreation, sport, fitness, and wellness activities.Through a partnership with the Wolverines WheelchairSports Association and the Canadian Paraplegic Association(Alberta) in Grande Prairie, the program is offered once a weekto local participants free-of-charge. Funding for this two-yearprogram was obtained through a grant from the Alberta SCISolutions Fund.Left to right, Sarah Klassen, Allicia Westad, Dale Williams,Cody ShumakerOn September 25 and 26, 2010, the Winter Activities Launchwas held. It was a two-day event where nineteen people participatedin adapted recreational activities. The focus was onintroducing new activities that challenged participants to beadventurous and open-minded in their attitudes towards opportunitiesfor active living. When we introduced new activities,some initially reluctant people were very surprised at how muchthey enjoyed the experience. It was a great weekend filled withfun and interaction.It began at the Wapiti Shooters Club where the participantsused shotguns to hit sporting clays. Everyone had multiplechances to shoot from various stations and positions, and a goodtime was had by all. We had a light lunch before we headed tothe Coca-Cola Centre for skating, sledge hockey, and broomball.We had a few more participants join us in the afternoon forthe arena sports. Participants, family members, instructors,and staff all enjoyed an afternoon of fun. By offering a widervariety of activities over the course of the day, each individualbecomes more passionate and committed to participating on anongoing basis. Travis McNally, one of the participants, said theevent “raised awareness and brought out individuals of all agesto explore a variety of challenging sports, and it was a greatworkout and a lot of fun.”The second day events were held in the gyms at the GrandePrairie Composite High School. Participants were exposed toseated yoga, courtesy of guest instructor Dee Bell. Followingyoga, Sarah Klassen from Explosion Dance joined us to teachseated dance. They were crumping and spinning and groovingfor the hour-long session. While the adults met for theWolverines’Annual General Meeting, the youth played wheelchairbasketball. Shani Ray won the door prize, a $250 FutureShop gift card.“Since the program began, it has increased my knowledge ofthe variety of adaptive sports and improved my health. It has alsogiven me a chance to interact with others facing similar challenges,”said Mildred Sanderson, a participant of the LifeFit program.LifeFit continues to be held on Wednesdays from 1-3 p.m. atthe Leisure Centre in Grande Prairie. We welcome new participantswith physical disabilities to join us for cardio, strengthtraining, education, fun, and socialization with peers and staff.For more information, contact Sheila of the Wolverinesat (780) 402-3331 or e-mail: wolverines_101@hotmail.comLeft to right, Cody Shumaker, Dale Williams, Allicia Westad,Winona Lafreniere, and Tyler Horrocks enjoy a game of sledge hockey.Spinal Columns 37

t ravelAn RV Made for EVERYONEby Zachary WeeksWith winter well behind us, it’s almost impossiblenot to think of the summer months ahead. Whatcomes to mind are warm nights sitting around acampfire relaxing with family and friends andindulging in our favourite snacks, surrounded by nature.This is what I remember from my summers as a young boy.I loved camping.As I grew from a young boy with a physical disability intoa young man with a physical disability, this changed. I becametaller and heavier, making it more difficult to transfer and harderto get me and my chair into our trailer. Camping simply wasn’twhat it used to be. What was supposed to be a nice getaway wasnow an inconvenience.I am happy to say there are now more options available toindividuals with disabilities who want to enjoy the outdoors. At arecent RV show in Red Deer, I stumbled across an article whichfeatured a fully modified RV. Newmar has built an RV fromthe ground up, specifically focusing on the needs of those withphysical disabilities and reduced mobility. The fully wheelchairaccessiblemotorhome boasts a variety of features, including anon-board wheelchair lift, lower kitchen counters, roll-in shower,easy access to sinks, wide doorways, and extra-wide aisles.The Newmar Allstar 4188 is available from North Trail RVCenter. Check out their website at northtrailrv.com/content/wheelchair_accessible_motorhomes.PSA Summer Day CampsAre you looking for an exciting summer camp whereyou can socialize, be active and hang around energetic,silly staff, and great participants all day?Well look no further!The Paralympic Sports Association One-For-All Summer DayCamps are all about meeting friends, going on field trips, tryingnew things, and participating in physical activities, disguised asfun, in order to promote the campers to be active in a way thatdoes not seem like exercise. Our hope is that participants willtry something familiar or something new, realize they enjoy it,and make the social or physical activity a habitual part of theirlives. Each day camp will be unique from the next, and everycamp is theme-based so you will know which ones are perfectfor you! The day camps (8 in total) run each week beginning July4-August 26 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. In 2010, we took a road tripto the Reynolds Alberta Museum and made our own set of pilotgoggles, created our own relay race courses, tried archery, madeSurvivor team costumes, swam in the fountain and smashed apiñata at the Legislature! These are just a few examples of whatyour summer at a PSA camp might look like.Our goal is to create an atmosphere where creativity andparticipation in fun social and physical activity is applaudedand rewarded. Come and join us for a one week adventure, ormaybe we’ll see you all summer long—your choice!For more information, contact Suzanne Harrison, programcoordinator, at suzanne@parasports.net, or call (780) 439-8687.38 Spinal Columns

stay connectedwith wireless internetPassengers requiring Wheelchair Lift1-800-232-1958Edmonton | Red DeerCalgary | Fort McMurraySpinal Columns 39

OBC - Edmonton - YPGTMWE GETRESULTS$5,200,000 - Spinal cord injury (quadriplegia) resulting fromsingle vehicle rollover. (To our knowledge this is the largestSCI settlement ever achieved in Alberta.)- Traumatic brain injury resulting from accidentcaused by drunk driver. (To our knowledge this is the largestTBI settlement ever achieved in Alberta.)- Wrongful death resulting from accident causedby drunk driver crossing center line.www.jameshbrown.comF R E EC O N S U L T A T I O N(780) 428-0088In addition to Alberta’s leading spinalcord and brain injury settlements (see above)our legal team has established precedents incases involving brain injury, whiplash,chronic pain, TMJ injury andfibromyalgia.W E H A N D L E A L L A C C I D E N T C L A I M S I N V O L V I N G I N J U R Y O R L O S S O F L I F E2400 SUN LIFE PLACE, 10123-99ST., EDMONTON TOLL FREE 1-800-616-008840s