News Archives:
A roundup of all the news, urgent announcements and other things of note that have since become history. We move items here from the homepage once they are no longer timely.
Christmas with ConnecTra
ConnecTra's next workshop will be our annual festive celebration, Christmas with Connectra.
It will be held from 1– 3pm on Wednesday, Dec 7 at Vancouver’s Roundhouse
Community Centre (181 Roundhouse Mews – the intersection of Davie &
Pacific.) There is a fully accessible SkyTrain station, Yaletown-Roundhouse,
across the road.
The theme will be travel and transportation for people with disabilities, including a presentation by Translink about accessible transit in Metro Vancouver, and a talk by Flight Centre about accessible travel for those venturing further afield. There will also be a presentation about yoga for people with disabilities, and updates from HandyDart and Canadian Assisted Travel Society.
Have a look at the invitation for more detals.
AGM invitation
The principal societies affiliated with the Sam Sullivan Disability Foundation will hold their Annual General Meetings on Saturday, Dec. 10 in the Board Room (Room 109) of GF Strong Rehab Centre (4,255 Laurel St., Vancouver). The times are:
10:45am Disabled Sailing Association of BC
11:30am BC Mobility Opportunities Society
12:15pm Disabled Independent Gardeners Association
1:15pm Tetra Society of North America
2pm Vancouver Adapted Music Society
2:45pm ConnecTra Society
International Day of Persons with Disabilities
The 4th annual community celebration of International Day of Persons with Disabilities is held in Vancouver on Saturday, Dec 3.
The free event, which features family & adult activities, is held at Roundhouse Community Arts and Recreation Centre (Pacific Blvd. & Davie St.) from 2pm till 7pm.
The will be a craft fair, music, performances, art, dancing and food. (More info on poster.)
ConnecTra's October workshop
ConnecTra's next workshop will be held on Thursday, Oct. 20.
It will be held from 1 – 3 pm at
Vancouver’s Roundhouse
Community Centre (181 Roundhouse Mews – the intersection of Davie &
Pacific.) There is a fully accessible SkyTrain station, Yaletown-Roundhouse,
across the road.
Presentations include: winter sports (by Disabled Skiers Association of BC), employ-ability (Neil Squire Society), high performance fore-arm crutches (Side Stix), peer program (BCPA) and travel for people with disabilities (Canadian Assisted Travel Society).
Cowboy Country
Richmond Centre for Disability holds its “signature annual fundraiser” on Saturday, Oct. 15.
This year’s Western Roundup “will be bigger and better than ever as we continue to make the dreams of people with disabilities come true through your support and dedication,” according to the organization.
It’s held from 6:30pm until midnight at Executive Airport Plaza Hotel & Conference Centre, with tickets $65 each (or $600 for a table of 10). A $20 tax receipt accompanies each ticket.
There will be live music, cowboy chow, Country and Western dancing and other fun and games.
Open house
ICORD spinal cord injury researchers are hosting an open house to celebrate the launch of the new Community Spinal Cord Injury Resource Centre at the Blusson Spinal Cord Centre (818 West 10th Avenue, Vancouver). It’s held between 2-3:30pm on Tuesday, Sept. 20.
There will be light refreshments and the chance to meet resource centre staff. Take a guided tour of the world-leading ICORD research facilities.
It’s followed by a multimedia presentation and book signing, 6:30-8:00pm, the same day. ICORD researcher and author Dr. E. Paul Zehr will be presenting “Inventing Iron Man: Where is the line between human and machine?”
On stage
Vancouver Adapted Music Society performer Glenn David Loft is performing at the Vancouver stage of the inaugural Zeitgeist Media Festival, which aims to unite the world through socially conscious art.
The free, all-ages event runs from 11:30am to 5pm on Sunday, September 11 at Vancouver Art Gallery.
The not-for-profit festival features music, visual and interactive art, speakers, comedy and includes a concert featuring forward-thinking local artists. Organizers state more than 70 parallel events will be taking place around the world at the same time.
ConnecTra's August workshop
ConnecTra's next workshop will mix technology, sport, employment and health.
Presenters include Neil Squire Society, Herb Torrance talking about the Wildcats boccia team, Richmond Centre for Disability about resources for career development and Philippine Benevolent Missionaries Society about massage.
It will be held from 1 – 3 pm on Tuesday, Aug. 30 at Vancouver’s Roundhouse Community Centre (181 Roundhouse Mews – the intersection of Davie & Pacific.) There is a fully accessible SkyTrain station, Yaletown-Roundhouse, across the road.
For more information, contact Steve Street: 604-688-6464 ext. 115 or sstreet@disabilityfoundation.org
More detals here. (Pics of the June event are up on our Facebook page.)
Hiking Centre launch day
A pioneering program that gives people with disabilities the opportunity to access the great outdoors officially opens its new facility in a popular Vancouver Park at noon on Thursday, Aug. 18.
British Columbia Mobility Opportunities Society will host an opening ceremony for its new accessible hiking centre at Pacific Spirit Regional Park. The 40 ft. structure will serve as a base for the group’s accessible hikes through the surrounding trails.
 BCMOS was founded in 1985 so people with a disability could experience the wilderness. In addition to hiking, BCMOS members also take part in fishing trips, picnics, school outings and family afternoons outdoors.
Grow healthy
Disabled Independent Gardeners Association (DIGA) holds a workshop about growing your own herbs.
 Emily Budinski, vice president of BC Council of Garden Clubs, will introduce annual and perennial culinary herbs from 1 - 2:30 pm on Saturday, Aug. 13. She will bring choices of herbs to the workshop and tell how to grow and use them. After some practical instruction, participants will be guided to grow their own herb garden in a 10-inch herb planter (provided). Perfect for a sunny spot!
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When |
1 - 2:30 pm, Saturday, Aug. 13 |
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Where |
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4255 Laurel Street (on 26th Ave, near Oak & King Edward) |
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Cost |
$10 – which includes the planter and all materials |
Email or phone Betty Cheung at 604-688-6464 ext 106 to reserve a place or ask questions.
Benefit gig
The Canadian finals of the annual Karaoke World Championships will benefit musicians with disabilities.
 The event – 25 of Canada’s finest singers in competition for a place in the world championships – is held from 6pm on Thursday, July 21 at The Stadium Club at the Edgwater Casino, 750 Pacific Boulevard South, Vancouver.
Organizers are donating 50 per cent of ticket proceeds to Vancouver Adapted Music Society (VAMS). A trio of VAMS musicians - featuring Rolf Kempf, Jeff Standfield and Dave Symington - will perform to open the event.
Sailing season under way
The Irish Wakers played a benefit show to launch the Disabled Sailing Association season in fine style.
 The show was staged at Vancouver’s Blusson Centre on Tuesday, May 31.
The Irish Wakers, as their website announces, celebrate the music of Ireland, with nods to the Canadian Maritimes and to seafarers everywhere. They draw from a number of traditional influences to create a sound that is all their own.
For more about the band, the concert and the launch of the 2011 sailing season, check out the DSA blog, Sailing is Freedom.
Party invitation
The Disabled Sailing Association is hosting a season opening party - and it does not conflict with the Stanley Cup finals. Yes, that's correct: you don’t have to miss any Canucks action to support disabled sailing and celebrate the opening of the 2011 sailing program. It's all good!
The event, A Salty Shindig, is held Tuesday, May 31 at Blusson Spinal Cord Centre, 818 West 10th Ave., Vancouver (Map – parking & transit.)
Doors open 6:30pm (show begins at 7pm)
 Headliners The Irish Wakers (left) celebrate the music of Ireland, with nods to the Canadian Maritimes and to seafarers everywhere. The evening also highlights the talents of Vancouver Adapted Music Society members: a trio of Jeff Stanfield, Ted Emes and Dave Symington; and singer-songwriter Glenn David Loft.
Admission by donation – with all proceeds supporting the Disabled Sailing Association summer program. The evening is supported by the Wicklow Pub; beer and wine will be available.
Latest newsletter
Just published - the latest edition of the ConnecTra newsletter. Read it here first!
 The Spring 2011 edition of The Link features a range of stories, including a new Tetra road safety project for wheelchair users (lights so motorists can see you), a preview of ConnecTra's upcoming Expo 2011 (which features more than 30 service providers and presentations, music, etc), EATI funding to pay for assistive devices and an item on Meals on Wheels.
A growing passion
The Disabled Independent Gardeners Association has a lecture on The Forests of Japan, which takes in the country’s rich culture and its “preservation of sacred forests.” This is held from 12noon to 1:15pm on Monday, June 27 at UBC Botanical Garden, 6804 SW Marine Drive, Vancouver - northwest of the intersection of 16th Ave. Cost: $5.
Reserve a place at either by contacting Betty Cheung: bcheung@disabilityfoundation.org or 604-688-6464 ext 106.
ConnecTra's next workshop
ConnecTra's next workshop has just been announced. It will be held from 1–3pm on Tuesday, June 28.
Join ConnecTra at Vancouver’s Roundhouse Community Centre (181 Roundhouse Mews – the intersection of Davie & Pacific) for the event. There is a fully accessible SkyTrain station, Yaletown-Roundhouse, across the road.
Information about presenters will be given nearer the time. For more information, contact Steve Street: 604-688-6464 ext. 115 or sstreet@disabilityfoundation.org
Call for volunteers, hikers
Get involved, share your love of the outdoors with those that otherwise could not access hiking trails, parks and campgrounds.
British Colombia Mobility Opportunities Society is an independent non-profit society that enriches the lives of people with disabilities through wilderness recreation.
 But BCMOS needs your help to find volunteer “Sherpas” to guide the TrailRider for people with physical disabilities. Essentially, it's to enable people with disabilities to go on hikes.
The 2011 hiking season starts May 25 and runs until August 26. Email Eric for more info.
Want to shine in the spotlight?
Award-winning theatre company Realwheels and Vancouver Adapted Music Society are coming together to offer workshops for people with disabilities interested in the performing arts.
It will mix music, drama or dance – or any other imaginable means of telling a story on stage. No previous experience is required.
 Realwheels artistic director James Sanders (left) will be leading the weekly drop-in sessions, held at GF Strong Rehabilitation Centre. The first session was held in January 2011 .
Describing it as 12 weeks of play and fun, Sanders says there could be improv games, scripted scenes, musical jams and dances supported by professional artists with disabilities. Participants will choose what they want to do at their own pace.
Sanders intends to spend around three months building a strong group of performers before beginning rehearsals for a production around April or June 2011.
Read more here – and to register or ask a question contact Realwheels at 604-322-7325 or info@realwheels.ca
Latest newsletter
 Just published – the winter 2010/2011 edition of Connectra’s Link newsletter.
It features an account of the community celebration to mark MLA Stephanie Cadieux’s appointment to Provincial Cabinet (more on this below), information on how to make Disability Tax Credits work for you, rock videos designed to highlight the abilities of musicians with disabilities, and an overview of the most recent ConnecTra meeting.
It’s all here.
volunteer call
Can you help make sailing and hiking a reality for people with disabilities – or do you know someone who can?
 The Disabled Sailing Association of BC (DSA) needs volunteers in both land and on-the-water positions for the upcoming sailing season. (Which opens Wednesday, May 25, although you can book a sail from Thursday, May 19. The full calendar of events is here.)
The DSA’s annual volunteer orientation day is held at Jericho Sailing Centre (1300 Discovery St, Vancouver) from 11am – 2pm on Saturday, May 21 .
British Columbia Mobility Opportunities Society (BCMOS), which helps people with disabilities access Vancouver’s parks and trails through the use of its access-all-areas wheelchair the TrailRider, also needs people to help.
 In this instance it is to "sherpa" the TrailRider along trails in the Vancouver, BC area.
BCMOS is holding a volunteer orientation day from 12noon – 3pm on Sunday, May 22 at Pacific Spirit Park. Find us in the main parking lot at 4915 West 16th Ave. Food will be provided.
In either instance, it’s a chance to meet staff and fellow volunteers. Food will be provided.
If you are interested in coming along to either, please first speak to program administrator Eric Molendyk: 604-688-6464 ext. 117 or eric@disabilityfoundation.org.
Expo revisited
 The Abilities Expo event, held at the Roundhouse Community Centre (181 Roundhouse Mews, Vancouver) on Tuesday, April 19 will bring together people with disabilities and more than 30 service providers. It’s held from 12:30pm to 4:30pm, and admission is free. Last year’s event drew a crowd of more than 115, and this year’s is expected to be bigger – so expect a vibrant, social gathering.
If you have any questions contact Steve Street: 604-688-6464 ext. 115 or sstreet@disabilityfoundation.org
Sail away
 The Disabled Sailing Association of BC is running a pre-season get-together for anyone interested in adaptive sailing. The organization, which uses custom sailboats that can be controlled via joysticks or (mouth operated) sip n’ puff controls, touts sailing as a sport offering complete independence. These info sessions are held at GF Strong Rehab Centre, from 6:30pm – 8pm, on the third Thursday of the month until April. The next event is Thursday, April 28). Contact Eric Molendyk for info.
Dig this
Gardeners with disabilities host a lecture at VanDusen Botanical Garden (5251 Oak Street Vancouver) on Friday, April 8. Alpine Plants and Rock Gardens will be held from 12:30pm to 3:30pm by Disabled Independent Gardeners Association. Admission $5. Please register by emailing Betty Cheung, or calling her at 604-688-6464 ext. 106.
Grow healthy
Disabled Independent Gardeners Association (DIGA) holds a workshop about the health benefits of home-grown produce. All About Sprouts is held at Cameron Rec. Centre (9523 Cameron St., Burnaby – next to Lougheed Mall), from 1:30 to 3:30pm on Thursday, Feb. 24.
 It looks at sprouting grains, legumes and vegetable seeds – and how to incorporate them into your diet for a pennies-a-day health boost. Admission is $10. For more info email Betty Cheung or call her at 604-688-6464 ext. 106.
Stephanie Cadieux celebration
Stephanie Cadieux, Liberal MLA, is breaking down barriers.
The first was in the May 2009 provincial election, when she became the first woman with a significant physical disability elected to the BC Legislature. And then in November of this year, she became the first person with a disability named to the Provincial Cabinet. Cadieux, MLA for Surrey-Panorama, was appointed Minister of Community, Sport and Cultural Development on October 25, 2010.
Disability-related organizations and businesses – including BC Paraplegic Association, Sam Sullivan Disability Foundation, Rick Hansen Institute, Neil Squire Society, CanAssist and many others – came together to celebrate Cadieux’s achievements, at an event held Friday, Dec. 10.
Cabinet colleague Kevin Falcon, MLA, told an audience of more than 180 at Vancouver’s Pan Pacific Hotel that he’d been an early supporter of Cadieux’s run for office, recognizing her as someone with the ability to connect with people at all levels throughout the community.
Noting she had overcome “challenges and difficulties” – living with a spinal cord injury suffered in a car accident aged 18 – Falcon praised Cadieux for being a good listener, a quick learner and someone who worked hard for her constituents.
“She sends out a real important message about service and public life,” he added.
In reply Cadieux said: “My life has been fantastic. It has been fun. It has been exciting. It has been challenging.
“I did not run for election for the accolades, because other than today they are few and far between, and not to be a role model, because that’s an enormous responsibility. I enjoy a challenge, I like to be learning something, and I like to think that along the way I am able to help people.”
Seen above are – back row from left: Richmond-Steveston MLA John Yap, Port Moody-Coquitlam MLA (and Minister of Labour) Iain Black, North Vancouver-Lonsdale MLA Naomi Yamamoto, Surrey Cloverdale MLA Kevin Falcon. Foreground, Stephanie Cadieux, MLA for Surrey-Panorama. (Picture: Brian Dennehy.)
Making the news
Read the latest ConnecTra newsletter.
 The Fall 2010 edition of The Link includes features on
Amberin Bonnett, who runs A Dressing Needs, and Paul Caune's fight for the rights of people with disabilities through his group Civil Rights Now!
There is also a lengthy item
detailing how to get the most from the Registered Disability Savings Plan.
Wheel's rollin'
Longtime Vancouver Adapted Music Society (VAMS) member sylvi macCormac has completed her latest recording project, Wheel No. 7 – and uploaded it to the VAMS website for all to hear.
 More than a year in the making and featuring a vast cast, from newcomers to Vancouver’s legendary Dal Richards & His Orchestra – Wheel No. 7 is both epic and accessible.
sylvi macCormac is a talented performer and composer, who has of late been focusing on soundscapes. Her work is filmic, it’s like watching a movie without pictures –listen to Wheel No. 7 with your eyes closed and you are on a journey.
Check out the VAMS page for more info.
Sailing for People with Disabilities
You would have thought sailing would not be an accessible pastime for people with disabilities - and you'd be dead wrong.
Thanks to modern technology, sailing is about as accessible as it gets. Accessible as in people with all levels of disability get to take part (as opposed to sitting on a boat watching) and compete against able bodied people on equal terms.
Check out the video below for more info:
Do you need a Tetra gizmo?
 The Tetra Society of North America has published its latest newsletter - the Fall / Winter 2010 edition of Gizmo.
Tetra provides volunteer engineers to design and construct customized assistive devices for people with significant physical disabilities. Volunteers work one-on-one with people with specific needs that cannot be met by commercial assistive devices.
The newsletter features a slew of Tetra projects from coast-to-coast. Check it out if you are interested in learning more about the difference these gizmos make in the lives of people with disabilities. More info on the Tetra website.
Video launch
Vancouver Adapted Music Society launched a music video aimed at promoting the talents of musicians with disabilities.
The video can be seen on YouTube.
 It’s the second release in the Music Saves series, a modern reworking of the Dave Mason (Traffic) classic Feelin' Alright. Performing are: Jim Byrnes (VAMS), Dan Mangan, John Mann, Odds, Kuba Oms, Adaline, Dustin and Barney Bentall, Dan Moxon, Terry Townson, Steve Hilliam, C.R. Avery, Kristina Shelden (VAMS), Wendy Bird, and Rolf Kempf (VAMS).
It’s about raising awareness – so after you’ve seen it, can you please forward the link to people in your email contact book? And then add it to the social networking sites you are involved with?
The people at VAMS need help spreading the word. If enough people recommend the link it will go viral.
If you are unfamiliar with linking video to facebook or linked in, you type your comments is as normal, then look at the section underneath marked attach. Click on the link logo, and paste the youtube link into the add url box: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XrGulzhTZzc
Easy. With a flick of a mouse you can make a difference.
Free children's sport wheelchairs
An initiative to promote physical activities in children with disabilities offers free sports wheelchairs to BC children under six.
The BC Wheelchair Basketball Society, with funding from the Rick Hansen Foundation’s Let’s Play program and the Ministry of Education, is launching providing free sport wheelchairs in communities throughout British Columbia.
According to their consent form “Inclusive physical activity for children at a young age helps to set the foundation for basic movement skills, increased self esteem and independence, healthy attitudes towards exercise, and strong social bonds that remain with them throughout their lives. Tap into these benefits now and participate in this great program!”
If you have a child with a physical disability who could benefit from having access to a sport wheelchair, email letsplay@bcwbs.ca.
Next event - ConnecTra's Christmas workshop
ConnecTra's next workshop will be our annual festive celebration, Christmas with Connectra.
It will be held from 1:30 – 3:30 pm on Tuesday, Dec 14. Join ConnecTra at Vancouver’s Roundhouse Community Centre (181 Roundhouse Mews – the intersection of Davie & Pacific.) There is a fully accessible SkyTrain station, Yaletown-Roundhouse, across the road.
See the invitation (pdf) for more details.
For more information, contact Steve Street: 604-688-6464 ext. 115 or sstreet@disabilityfoundation.org
More detals here.
Jim Byrnes/VAMS Music Saves
Vancouver Adapted Music Society’s Music Saves Video Project showcases a stellar array of West Coast music scene names.
Produced by Shore 104 FM, it features VAMS members Jim Byrnes, Sylvi MacCormac and
Rolf Kempf, joined by The Sojourners, Ndidi Onukwulu, Geoff Hicks, Shaun Verreault, Adaline, Daniel Wesley, Shane Turner and Jets Overhead in an amazing cover of Bob Dylan’s I Shall Be Released.
Watch the video, and if you like it, please, please pass the word along. VAMS is making this a word-of-mouth ("viral") project.
Jobseekers website
A website specifically for jobseekers with disabilities has just been launched: jobs.abilities.ca
It is run by the Canadian Abilities Foundation in partnership with Workopolis, Canada's largest job site with nearly 4 million users a month.
The site promotes itself as “for job seekers to gain exposure to employers who are committed to diverse work places. Also, it is a place for employers to gain a competitive edge by recruiting and hiring people with disabilities all across Canada.”
Users can post resumes or search for vacancies.
Get on board Wheels recording project
Longtime Vancouver Adapted Music Society (VAMS) member sylvi MacCormac is looking for people with disabilities to provide voices - spoken and singing - to her latest Wheels recording.
Sylvi will be recording people with disabilities for musical compositions and soundscapes. She will record adult and children's voices, speaking and singing, including people who have never sung before along with seasoned professionals. Recording will take place on location and at the VAMS accessible studio at G.F. Strong Rehab.
The intent of WHEELS is to inspire excite and empower people, encouraging individual creativity and collaborative creative projects. Please add your voice to this project.
More about sylvi. Email her here.
Accessible vacation accommodation
A BC-based foundation which supports people with disabilities and their families is attempting to create a fully accessible vacation accommodation.
The Abilitas Foundation is fundraising to create the lodge on a ranch located 20 minutes west of Merritt, BC. When completed, the Cold Water Ranch, will be available for people with disabilities (and their friends, family and carers) at no charge
The project will offer both respite accommodation and accessible outdoor recreation opportunities (including ranch tourism) to people with disabilities living in BC.
Next event - ConnecTra's October workshop
ConnecTra's next workshop will be held from 3pm to 5pmon Tuesday, Oct. 26 at the Roundhouse Community Centre in Vancouver.
The Roundhouse is fully accessible. There is underground pay parking available, and the venue is across the road from the fully accessible Yaletown-Roundhouse SkyTrain station. (See map here.)
The event will feature a presentation on the
Registered Disability Savings Plan. This investment opportunity was designed specifically for people with disabilities, and offers substantial returns – for those eligible – which can subsequently be cashed without impacting benefits or pensions.
For more information, contact Steve Street: 604-688-6464 ext. 115 or sstreet@disabilityfoundation.org
More detals here.
Gardening group’s upcoming meetings
The Disabled Independent Gardener’s Association is hosting an event for people with disabilities interested in gardening
The lecture: “Plants for Winter Interest,” will run from 2 - 3:30 pm on Friday, Sept. 24. Shelley Brignall from Phoenix Perennials will introduce plants that provide months of winter interest and an antidote against those dark and cold days of the year. Held at Phoenix Perennials, 3380 No 6 Road, Richmond. Participation is $5, with free parking.
Contact Betty Cheung, DIGA Program Coordinator, if you want to attend – phone 604-688-6464 ext 106 or email bcheung@disabilityfoundation.org to reserve a place.
Joe Coughlin award and album
Joe Coughlin, the jazz legend
and longtime VAMS member,
has been announced Canada’s
best male jazz singer – for the
second year in a row – and
just released a new album.
Coughlin was announced Male
Vocalist of the Year in the
2009 National Jazz Awards.
And his new CD,
Lowdown West Broadway, is just hitting the stores. It was recorded live at Vancouver’s Cellar jazz club last July - more info and sound samples here and here. Joe, backed up by a truly stellar rhythm section, has never sounded better than on the 13 standards here.
Video site
A video-sharing site “designed by and for the disabled people across the world” has been launched.
This is your chance to tell your story, share your journey, seek encouragement or help someone who is struggling.
Webby Talents is an online community “designed to unite persons with disabilities through the posting, sharing and discussion of personal videos.”
RDSP information
ConnecTra is providing information to members about "the first disability savings plan in the world”– the
Registered Disability Savings Plan (RDSP).
RDSP plans are designed specifically for people with disabilities, and offer substantial returns over a minimum 10-year period. People under 30 will be the main beneficiaries, and the maximum
age to obtain government grants is 49.
There was a deadline in early March for people wanting to retroactively receive government grants and bonds for 2008, but RDSPs can be opened any time. More info in the official PDF.
Full report of the presentation here. And email us if you want to know more.
Soar like an eagle
ConnecTra member Cleo
Pawson (right) is reaching new
heights after seeing her
artwork go on display
outside Vancouver City Hall.
She painted a two-metre
tall fiberglass bald eagle for
the Eagles in the City project
- which follows on Orcas in
the City in 2004 and Spirit
Bears in the City in 2006.
The fiberglass statues will
be auctioned off in April
2010, raising money for the
B.C. Lions Society for Children
with Disabilities and the Canucks for Kids Fund.
More information here, here and in Pawson's photo diary of the project.
Disability Expo
ConnecTra presents a multi-agency resource fair to put you in direct contact with Metro Vancouver’s biggest and most useful providers of services for people with disabilities.
The Abilities Expo is held at Roundhouse Community Centre, at the corner of Davie & Pacific, from 12:30 – 4:30pm on Wednesday, April 21.
It provides the resources, information and personal contacts to enable a person with disabilities to live a full and inclusive life.
Come along and talk to the experts about accessories, advocacy, assistive devices, children, clothing, equipment, employment, housing, leisure, recreation, rehab services, sport, technology, training, transit, theatre . . . and more.
In addition there will be movies, live music, arts and crafts, refreshments and demonstrations/presentations galore. See the full invitation (pdf) here.
The Roundhouse is fully accessible. There is underground pay parking available, and the venue is across the road from the fully accessible Yaletown-Roundhouse SkyTrain station. (See map here.)
For more information, contact Steve Street: 604-688-6464 ext. 115 or sstreet@disabilityfoundation.org
(No need to RSVP – just turn up on the day and say hi.)
Please inform anyone who might be interested.
Disability culture festival
The Kickstart disability arts & culture festival runs at various Vancouver locations from March 8 – 27 to promote the various talents of people with disabilities.
“In Canada and around the world, artists and
performers with disabilities are contributing to
one of the most radical and effective aspects of disability culture – challenging conventional notions of beauty, form and motion,” says Catherine Frazee, Professor of Distinction, School of Disability Studies & Co-Director, Ryerson RBC Institute for Disability Studies (quoted on the Kickstart website).
Together, the various events encompass music, visual art, dance, multi-media presentations and workshops – aiming to “produce and present works by artists with disabilities and to promote artistic excellence among artists with disabilities working in a variety of disciplines.”
Hip hop dance artist Bill Shannon, pictured above, performs March 20 - 21.
Next event - February 2010 workshop
ConnecTra's next workshop will be on Thursday, Feb. 26.
It will be held from 1pm to 3pm in the Alma VanDusen and Peter Kaye meeting room of the Library Square Conference Centre, 350 West Georgia Street, Vancouver.
The theme will be sexual health, with a presentation by Vancouver Coastal Health sexual health clinician Christine Zarowski.
For more information, or to confirm attendance, please contact Stephen
Street at 604-688-6464 ext. 115, or sstreet@disabilityfoundation.org
Rock stars apply here
The PlayStation / Xbox game Rock Band is coming to life, and to a pub near you – in aid of improving the lives of Canadians
with spinal cord injury.
The “Rock-Off for Spinal Cord Injury” is from 6pm on Thursday, Feb 4 at Darby’s Pub, Vancouver. It is in support of Rick Hansen Wheels in Motion.
Tickets are $20 and include a burger and a beer. Entry into the Rock Band “Rock-Off” is $2 per person, per song.
Prizes for skills and crowd pleasing antics!
Tickets can be purchased at the Blusson Spinal Cord Centre reception desk (818 West 10th Ave), through the Rick Hansen Foundation office at 3820 Cessna Drive, Richmond, or by phone (Jeremy Quan at 604-707-2154) or email jquan@rickhansen.com.
HandyDART service resumes
HandyDART services resumed in Vancouver, BC, on Monday, January 4, with management and union leaders agreeing to binding arbitration.
The HandyDART door-to-door transit service for seniors and people with disabilities was unavailable for the majority of riders since picket lines went up on October 26 – although essential medical trips for dialysis or cancer treatment were maintained under an essential service designation.
MVT Canadian Bus Inc, the US company TransLink contracted the HandyDART service to in October 2008, has agreed to the union’s call to binding arbitration. The province’s senior arbitrator, Vince Ready, will lead this.
The industrial action has been over pay and pensions, with Amalgamated Transit Union Local 1724 – which represents Metro Vancouver’s 500 HandyDART drivers – initially claiming that MVT wanted to axe the Municipal Pension Plans of around half of its drivers to make the service more profitable. (According to management, 46 per cent of drivers were in the Municipal scheme, the rest had nothing.)
The union is also demanding a wage of $25.35 an hour for drivers, up from the current hourly wage of $20.25.
MVT stated at the time that it wanted to offer an RRSP pension to all employees. However, in late December, the company offered the Municipal Pension Plan to all and wage increases of between 16 and 18.5 per cent over four years, said spokeswoman Zdenka Buric.
Drivers rejected this in a Dec. 23 ballot.
“Our apologies go out to all the HandDART riders affected by this,” said Buric. “We feel badly, as we know how difficult this has been for all of them.”
She said full service levels would be available between January 11 - 13 (before then, services are "ramping up" with some people making journeys and others not). Services will bemaintained through the negotiations.
Next event - October workshop
ConnecTra's next workshop will be on Thursday, Oct. 29 - and will celebrate our 10th birthday!
It will be held from 1pm to 3pm in the Alma VanDusen and Peter Kaye meeting room of the Library Square Conference Centre, 350 West Georgia Street, Vancouver.
We are able to confirm presentations from:
- Canadian 2010 Paralympic curling team member Darryl Neighbour;
- Link-up, which provides "employment services for people with disabilities" (Link-up had been due to appear at the August meeting, but was re-scheduled).
- Buggy Bag Mobility Accessories - including a lap blanket giveaway.
In addition, there will be birthday cake!
More information will be announded near the time.
For more info, contact Stephen
Street: 604-688-6464 ext. 115, or sstreet@disabilityfoundation.org
Free open air concert
Vancouver Adapted Music Society musician Rolf Kempf will be playing - and represnting VAMS - at a free Downtown concert on Saturday, Sept. 12.
He will be appearing on an outdoor stage located at Burrard and Davie, from 5:30pm - 6:10pm, as part of the West End Business Improvement Association's Davie Day event.
The overall event runs from noon till 8pm, and will involve four blocks of Davie Street being closed to traffic.
Next meeting
ConnecTra's next workshop will be on Thursday, Aug. 27.
It will be held from 1pm to 3pm in the Alma VanDusen and Peter Kaye meeting room of the Library Square Conference Centre, 350 West Georgia Street, Vancouver.
Presenters include Link-up, "employment services for people with disabilities;" Theatre Terrific, "transforming lives through the power of theatre;" a demonstration from Soup 'n Stuff; and a Q&A session with HandyDART.
More info.
Event invitation!
We’re inviting you to help us celebrate “Disability Foundation Day” between 12:30 and 3:30pm on Tuesday, August 25, at The Roundhouse in Vancouver.
It will be a day dedicated to seeing what’s new at the Disability Foundation. Our new Martin 16 sailboat will be on display, as will some of our new music equipment and our latest TrailRiders and several Tetra “Gizmos.”
In addition, we are very excited to be launching our new Chinese language web pages, which will broaden our reach and help ensure that our programs are open to all residents of Vancouver and the Lower Mainland.
Please join us at The Roundhouse – southwest corner of Pacific and Davie in Vancouver. Light refreshments will be available. Everyone is welcome!
Easter Seals
Applications are being accepted for the 2009 BC Easter Seals camping program.
It serves individuals with mental and/or physical disabilities aged six through 18 years of age (divided into different age groupings). Campers attend six or seven-day sessions, and there is a maximum supervision ratio of three campers for every counsellor, although a personal support worker can attend.
The first camp each summer is a new campers weekend, which this year is held June 19 – 21, for children that have never been on a sleep-over or one of the Easter Seals programs before.
Next workshop
ConnecTra's next workshop will be on Tuesday, June 30.
It will be held from 1pm to 3pm in the Alma VanDusen and Peter Kaye meeting room of the Library Square Conference Centre, 350 West Georgia Street, Vancouver.
Presenters include INTERFIT – Integrated Fitness Society, which provides accessible recreation opportunities, and Theo BC, which offers training for health and employment opportunities.
More info here.
Live dates
Joe Coughlin, 2008 National Jazz Award male vocalist of the year, has announced two Vancouver dates, along an appearance in Ottawa. These are:
April 24 & 25: The Cellar Jazz Club in Vancouver with the Miles Black Trio
July 3: Ottawa Jazz Festival with the Mark Eisenman Quintet
A legend in Victoria, where he lives, and a guaranteed sell-out in Toronto, Coughlin has been a long-time member of Vancouver Adapted Music Society. His latest album, Things Turn Out That Way, has been getting rave reviews.
The Cellar Jazz Club is accessible, which involves entering via the kitchen. Club owner Cory Weeds adds: "Technically our bathrooms are not wheelchair accessible but some folks have used them without much problem."
Next workshop
ConnecTra's next workshop will be on Wednesday, April 22.
It will be held from 1pm to 3pm in the Alma VanDusen and Peter Kaye meeting room of the Library Square Conference Centre, 350 West Georgia Street, Vancouver.
Presenters include Triumph Vocational Services, which provides employment programs for people with disabilities, and Michele Cohen, Adventure Travel Specialist for TravelMasters Vancouver.
More info here.
Financial planning
Muscular Dystrophy Canada is running a Financial Planning Workshop at a yet-to-be-announced location on March 14, 2009.
This workshop is intended for people with physical disabilities, and is focused on tax breaks, the RDSP, as well as power of attorney.
It will be held in Vancouver, from 10am-5pm, and is free of charge.
Info: Stephanie Guidobono - phone 604-732-8799 ext 111 or email stephanie.guidobono@muscle.ca
RDSP session
Human Resources and Skills Development Canada is hosting a Registered Disability Savings Plan information session in Vancouver on Wednesday, March 11, 2009.
It is held from 1:30pm to 4:30pm at Delta Vancouver Suites, Innes Thompson Room, 550 West Hastings Vancouver.
To register (or ask questions) phone 1-800-622-6232 or e-mail rdsp-orgs-reei@hrsdc-rhdsc.gc.ca.
Open house
The Cerebral Palsy Association of BC has an open house from 3pm to 6pm on Friday, March 6, 2009.
The event is held, held at 801 - 409 Granville St., Vancouver (Granville & Hastings), includes a slide show – starting 3:45pm - of a trek to the 6400-meter summit of Mera Peak, in Nepal. This, completed November 2008, raised $2470 in donations for the Cerebral Palsy Association of BC.
RSVP to 604-408-9484 or info@bccerebralpalsy.com.
World Wheelchair Curling Championship
The World Wheelchair Curling Championship is held in Vancouver, BC from Feb. 21 – 28, 2009.
The ten-team tournament will be played on ice, with teams pushing a 19.1-kilogram stone towards a series of concentric rings or circles. All players will deliver the stone from a stationary wheelchair.
It will be held at Vancouver Paralympic Centre (4601 Ontario Street, Vancouver), with tickets ranging from $5 to $40.
Email inquiries here.
Skydive
Vancouver actor and playwright James Sanders, who just happens to be quadriplegic, will see his most important work, Skydive, come back to Vancouver by popular demand.
The award-winning comedy, about two brothers in the
midst of a skydiving adventure gone wrong, opened Jan. 21, 2009 and runs until Feb. 7, at at Granville Island Stage.
The Ariel choreography is
made possible in part by a fiberglass body mould created by Tetra volunteers working with G.F. Strong Rehabilitation Centre physiotherapists and orthotists.
For ticket info call 604-687-1644.
Family fund deadline
A charitable foundation that provides grants for BC families have established a cut-off date for considering new inquiries.
The Giving in Action Society provides grants that “enable families to stay together by addressing accessibility issues in their home and community,” and reckons to have granted $17,553,518 to 530 families across BC since November 2006.
Its Children and Youth with Special Needs Fund (which provides grants to families with special needs children and teenagers living at home) will stop accepting letters of inquiry after Feb. 1, 2009, because of a backlog of applications. Once one of these letters has been received, the potential client has six months to submit a full application.
Self-employment opportunities
A resource for self-employed people with disabilities has been updated.
The Abilities Business Cooperative – created by ConnecTra – brings together self-employed people with disabilities to support each other, exchange products and services, market collectively and attract the business community. Benefits to members range from discounts to training opportunities.
Christmas with ConnecTra
The next ConnecTra workshop – Christmas with ConnecTra – will be held on Monday, Dec 15, at the Library Square Conference Centre, 350 West Georgia St., Vancouver.
It will be held from 1pm to 3pm in the Alma VanDusen and Peter Kaye Meeting Rooms
Guest Speakers are from IAM Cares Society, which provides "employment assitance and support services" for people with disabilities, and inner city regeneration group Building Opportunities with Business.
A light meal is included
More information here.
Travel ruling upheld
The Canadian Supreme Court has upheld a ruling forcing Canadian airlines to offer a free extra seat to disabled and obese people, in a decision released Thursday, Nov. 20.
It essentially means that attendants fly on domestic – not international – flights free of charge.
Press coverage here and here.
Feel the Rush
The Canadian Paralympic Committee has launched a campaign to promote sport for people with disabilities.
At the centre of the campaign is www.feeltherush.ca, a comprehensive source of information for people with disabilities to learn about the sports best suited to their abilities and interests, and to locate national, provincial, or local sporting associations where they can participate.
CD release party
VAMS recording artist sylvi macCormac will be re-launching her most recent albums at Iron Works (235 Alexander Street, Vancouver) from 7pm on Monday, Nov. 17.
Admission for Iron Works is $10. sylvi will be joined by an array of fellow musicians including Michelle A. Richard, Jeff Stanfield, Jayne Dinsmore, and Turtle Joy (Gamelan), MC Betty Rebel67, Sexy Pierre (violin), Wendy Solloway (bass), Astrid (sax), Russell Sholberg (bass) and Michael O'Neill (bagpipe) plus eXtra special guests.
Sylvi’s CDs Coastal Chants (2008), Raven Shadows (2006), Voices & Wheels (2000) and Phoenix (1996) are avail able at www.CDBaby.com and www.highlifeworld.com.
Please note that a performance planned for Siwash Rock (Stanley Park, Coast Salish Territory) on Saturday, Nov 15 has been CANCELLED. There has been a lansdslide in that area, which resulted in that section of the Sea Wall being closed.
More info on sylvi here and here.
Art exhibition
Artist A.J. Brown will be exhibiting her original paintings at Seymour Art Gallergy (4360 Gallant Avenue, Deep Cove, North Vancouver) from Tues. Nov. 4 until Sunday, Nov. 16.
The opening is from 6:30 pm to 8:30 pm on Tuesday, Nov. 4.
A.J. works with acrylics, pencil, charcoal, pen, pastels, felt pen, collage, scratch art, and her
cat (right). She is also a potter, writer, poet,
actress, dancer, music composer, and musician.
Her website is: www.handsandpurrs.ca
And see a You Tube video of the launch here.
Next workshop
ConnecTra's next workshop will be on Wednesday, Oct. 22.
It will be held from 1pm to 3pm in the Alma VanDusen and Peter Kaye meeting room of the Library Square Conference Centre, 350 West Georgia Street, Vancouver.
The presenters will be: Dr Udo Erasmus, who will speak about “life wellness,” and a representative from Access Works to talk about paid and volunteer opportunities with the 2010 Winter Olympics.
More info here. And there is an in-depth interview with Dr. Erasmus in the latest edition of the ConnecTra newsletter, The Link, here.
September Presentation
ConnecTra programs administrator Stephen Street will be making a presentation for Neil Squire Society’s graduating Employ-Ability class on Friday, Sept. 19.
The talk will focus on leisure and social opportunities for people with significant disabilities.
The Employ-Ability project aims to help up to 214 people with major physical disabilities who require specific adaptations to take part in an employment assistance program.
The talk will be at Neil Squire Society’s Western Regional Office, 220 - 2250 Boundary Rd., Burnaby, BC.
Reach for the sky
BCMOS runs its gliding program, Easy Gliders, throughout the summer until Tuesday, Sept. 12, 2008 (the first flights of the year were mid-May).
Easy Gliders operates in conjunction with Hope Gliding Centre (operated by Vancouver Soaring Association). Participants travel to Hope, BC, for flights.
Flying the flag
Boccia player Paul Gauthier, of Vancouver, will be one of three flag bearers at the Opening Ceremonies for the Paralympics.
Beijing 2008 will be Gauthier’s fourth Paralympics, and he will be recording events on his online blog.
He wrote: “Being a Paralympic athlete is one of the most amazing opportunities and to be a part of the Games for the fourth time only makes it more special.
“The Opening Ceremonies are always incredible – being greeted by so many people from all over the world who are all sharing in the excitement of something so big are what make the Paralympic Games one of the most thrilling times of any athlete’s life.”
The opening ceremonies are held Saturday, Sept. 6 and the Paralympics run until Wednesday, Sept. 17
More information on Gauthier and his sport, boccia, here.
By land, sea and air
Sister societies to ConnecTra that offer hiking, sailing and gliding for people with disabilities have commenced their summer seasons.
The British Columbia Mobility Opportunities Society (BCMOS) season runs until Friday, Aug. 29, 2008 – although the TrailRider is available year-round.
Hiking is at Pacific Spirit Regional Park (4915 West 16th Ave. ) at UBC on Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays, with theme hikes to other destinations at weekends. Info here.
The Disabled Sailing Association of BC (DSA-BC) season runs unitl Friday, Aug. 29, 2008.
Sailing ranges for beginner sessions to racing, held at Jericho Sailing Centre, (1300 Discovery Street, Vancouver,BC). There are various regattas throughout the season. Info here.
BCMOS runs its gliding program, Easy Gliders, throughout the summer until Tuesday, Sept. 12, 2008 (the first flights of the year were mid-May).
Easy Gliders operates in conjunction with Hope Gliding Centre (operated by Vancouver Soaring Association). Participants travel to Hope, BC, for flights.
August Workshop
The next ConnecTra workshop will be from 1pm to 3pm on Tuesday, Aug. 26. It will be held in the Alma VanDusen and Peter Kaye meeting room of the Library Square Conference Centre, 350 West Georgia St., Vancouver.
Speakers will be: Barb Vincent, Job Developer, Triumph Vocational Services; Herb Torrance, Paralympic boccia ball coach.
A late lunch will be provided.
To book a place or discuss the event, contact Stephen Street: 604-688-6464 ext. 115, or sstreet@disabilityfoundation.org
Himalayan fundraiser
Long-time BCMOS members Linda McGowan and Doug Reid are fundraising for a TrailRider trek to the Nepal Himalaya, set for October 2008.
The fundraiser, a pub night, is held at the Paddle Wheeler Pub (810 Quayside Drive, New Westminster – part of the New Westminster Public Market) from from 5pm to 9pm on Wednesday, July 30. Entry is $20, which includes a beer and a burger.
Linda, of New Westminster, and Doug, of Vancouver, aim to trek for 18-21 days to Everest Base Camp, at an altitude of 5,360 metres (17,600 ft). More about the expedition here.
Concert
Joe Coughlin, 2008 National Jazz Award “male vocalist of the year,” is playing two rare Vancouver dates. A legend in Victoria, where he lives, and a guaranteed sell-out in Toronto, Coughlin appears at the Cellar Jazz Club July 25-26. The best part of it is. . . he’s recording a live CD (and haven’t you always wanted to be on a live album?) slated for a 2009 release.
Coughlin, an incomplete quadriplegic, has been a long-time member of Vancouver Adapted Music Society. His latest album, Things Turn Out That Way, has been getting rave reviews.
The club is accessible, which involves entering via the kitchen. Club owner Cory Weeds adds: "Technically our bathrooms are not wheelchair accessible but some folks have used them without much problem."
Promoting Access
SPARC BC (Social Planning and Research Council of BC) is running an access campaign, Access is Everyone’s Business. It is promoting the importance of customers with disabilities to businesses across the province, and how best to offer an inclusive service. It states: “People with disabilities represent approximately 20 per cent of the consumer market.”
Hearing Impaired
The Canadian Hard of Hearing Association and the International Federation of Hard of Hearing People are hosting the International Congress for persons with hearing loss in Vancouver.
Held July 2 – 5, 2008 at the Sheraton Vancouver Wall Center, it will bring together policy-makers, service providers and family members to consider hearing accessibility, services and programs for people with hearing impairments. Info here.
Picture Perfect
British Columbia Paraplegic Association is hosting a photo contest to illustrate the lives of people with disabilities – Your World, Your Eyes. Submissions must be from or else feature someone with a mobility impairment. Deadline is June 30, 2008.
Contest details here, submission form here, more info: photocontest@bcpara.org or phone 1-877-324-3611.
June Workshop
The next ConnecTra Workshop is Thursday, June 26, 2008 in the Alma VanDusen and Peter Kaye meetings room of the Library Square Conference Centre, Vancouver.
Presenter Nicola Oliver, Progams Manager for BC Centre For Ability, will discuss programs that enhance an individual’s job-readiness. Then, Sheila Polard, Aquatic Supervisor of the Stan Stronge Pool, will discuss the recreational and therapeutic services their programs provide.
More information will be posted here nearer to the time.
To book a place or discuss the event, contact Stephen Street: 604-688-6464 ext. 115, or sstreet@disabilityfoundation.org
Wheels in Motion
Once again, the Rick Hansen Wheels in Motion challenge will be
promoting awareness of spinal cord injury and raising funds for research.
This year’s – the sixth annual Wheels in Motion – is held Sunday, June 8 at locations across Canada. Connectra's sister society British Columbia Mobility Opportunities Society (BCMOS) , along with a TrailRider, will be taking part in the Pacific National Exhibition (2901 East Hastings Street, Vancouver) event that day. There is free admission to Playland with a $20 donation.
Other Lower Mainland Wheels in Motion locations include: North Shore (Park Royal Village), Richmond (Minoru Park), Burnaby/New Westminster (Mercer Stadium) and Surrey (South Surrey Athletic Park).
Musicians with Disabilities
Vancouver Adapted Music Society (VAMS) has produced a showcase CD to highlight BC’s musicians with disabilities, Strait Goods.
According to the VAMS website, the disc “demonstrates convincingly that disability is no barrier to musicianship. Our hope is that it will inspire others with significant physical disabilities to pursue their passions and search for ways to realize their dreams.” Listen to samples here.
2008 Paralympics Medals
The Beijing Organizing Committee for the 2008 Olympics has unveiled the medals for the Paralympic Games.
The Paralympics run in Beijing from September 6 – 17, 2008, with equestrian events held in Hong Kong and sailing in Qingdao.
According to their official website, the medals feature a jade disc and the emblem of the Beijing 2008 Paralympic Games. Info here.
Search for a Star
British Columbia Paraplegic Association and Tourism Richmond are looking for volunteers with disabilities to be photographed for promotional campaigns.
Pictures will be taken at various locations in North and Central Richmond on Saturday, May 10, 2008 and Steveston on Sunday, May 11, 2008. They will be used for promotional purposes by both organizations and the Accessible Tourism Project at 2010 Legacies Now.
They would prefer people aged 35 and older, with personal transportation. Models should bring a backpack, binoculars or cameras and have clothing that “suggests spring and fall weather” – i.e. a jacket and hat. There is payment available ($50 for a half day, $100 for a full day).
Info: phone: 604-326-1222, or email cfrancisco@bcpara.org
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