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C e r e b r a l Pa l s y A s s o c i a t i o n o f B r i t i s h C o l u m b i a w i n t e r 2 0 0 9
ahead of time. One of the aims of this debate is to give the parties a chance to formulate new policies on disabled issues and, as well, revise existing policies. If you are in Vancouver on April 22nd, please come and help fill the Alice McKay room. There will be news coverage of the debate on TV, radio and in the newspapers.

Election Campaign 2009 Debate

April 22, 2009 -Vancouver By Jonn Olldym, CPABC Treasurer
The Community Legal Assistance Society of BCs Disability Action Committee, (DAC) will be sponsoring a debate on disability related issues on April 22, 2009, from 3:30 pm to 5:30 in the Alice McKay room at the Vancouver Public Librarys Main Branch. The DAC organized an advisory committee of 25 plus groups/organizations within the disabled community in Greater Vancouver, including the Cerebral Palsy association of BC, to help plan and host this debate. The invited debaters are the leaders of the provincial NDP, Liberal and Green Party. There will be a response panel and a moderator. Membership of the response panel has not yet been finalized. The moderator will be Vaughn Palmer, journalist and TV show host. The DAC has been working on a series of questions be presented to each of the leaders, which represent, as fairly as possible, the main issues currently facing the disabled community. These questions will be the only ones being asked. There will be no open question period. All of the prepared questions will be sent out to the leaders, moderator and the response panel

Changes to BC Elections Act

Regarding Campaign Advertising
By Jonn Olldym, CPABC Treasurer
The Government made changes to the BC Elections Act at the end of the last full sitting of the legislature at the end of May 2007. These changes can be found in Part 11 Election Communications, Division 1, General, sub-section 228. The section is title Election Advertising and states: Election advertising 228 For the purposes of this Act: contribution means a contribution of money provided to a sponsor of election advertising, whether given before or after the individual or organization acts as a sponsor; election advertising means the transmission to the public by any means, during the period beginning 60 days before a campaign period, of an advertising message that promotes or opposes, directly or indirectly, a registered political party or

the election of a candidate, including an advertising message that takes a position on an issue with which a registered political party or candidate is associated, but does not include: (a) the publication without charge of news, an editorial, an interview, a column, a letter, a debate, a speech or a commentary in a bona fide periodical or publication or a radio or television program, (b) the distribution of a book, or the promotion of a sale of a book, for no less than its commercial value, if the book was planned to be made available to the public regardless of whether there was to be an election, In order to properly comply with the legislation as it now stands, anyone wanting to engage in election advertising must register as a lobbyist with the provincial government. Non-profit organizations that have a tax-exemption number from the federal government cannot register as lobbyists. For more information contact Elections BC.

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Cerebral Palsy Association of BC

Open House
Friday, March 6th, 2009 3 pm to 6 pm 801- 409 Granville Street, Vancouver (SW corner of Granvile & Hastings)

Join us for an afternoon of Refreshments! Visiting! Resource Browsing! AND An interesting slide show of the Himalayas at 3:45 to 5pm
Michele Cohen, led 14 climbers to the 6400 meter summit of Mera Peak, in Nepal, from October 19 to November 10, 2008 and raised $2470 in donations for the Cerebral Palsy Association of BC. Come hear what Michele has to share! See you on March 6th. RSVP to 604-408-9484 or info@bccerebralpalsy.com.

New DVDs on Depression and Eating Disorders

Educate Yourself
What does it feel like to be totally out of control? Why would someone who appears to have everything attempt suicide? Are anorexia and bulimia just a womans disease? How do you recognize the symptoms of depression and/or an eating disorder? If you, or someone you know, are struggling with anorexia, bulimia, depression or anxiety, borrow one or more of the following DVDs from our library. We will mail the DVDs out free of charge. All we ask is that you mail them back to us. 1. Eternal High A teenagers experience with depression and suicide that will change your life. 30 min. 2. A Cry for Help How to help a friend who is depressed or suicidal. 22 min. 3. Overcoming Eating Disorders A recipe for life. 22 min. Pag e 2

Contact our office at (604) 408-9484, Toll Free 1-800-663-0004 or email info@ bccerebralpalsy.com to request your copy for viewing.

general interest

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Corporation supporting people with intellectual disabilities, is chronically underfunded and has been that way right from their creation. Furthermore, being a Crown Corporation, they are not allowed to run a deficit. What they need is $60 million to take care of the waitlists. Is it too much to ask, when according to the Vancouver Sun of January 23rd, the Olympics is going to cost provincial tax payers over 4 billion dollars?. I remember Nicholas graduation ceremony over six months ago. You know how parents feel proud that their child finally made it and is now becoming a young adult. We were proud but at the same time anxious too. We have an older child, Michael, who is going to UBC. During his last school year he applied at different colleges and universities, was accepted at a few of them and finally chose to go to UBC. Nothing of that sort happened to Nicholas, not only did he have no choices but he had NOTHING, full stop. I remember the principals speech, how powerful and moving it was. She mentioned how proud she was that her new graduates were now ready for life beyond high school. They are now prepared to be responsible adults and good citizens. They have been groomed to take their new place in society. What was she talking about? She certainly was not speaking for Nicholas because he was not prepared, not ready at all to leave school. In fact NOTHING was in place for him after high school. He was failed by the system along with hundreds of other students who will be dropped out of the school system with nowhere to go and nothing to do. Nothing happened in our sons life for the next six months. I have been told we were lucky. Many have to wait for years. Between June and December 2008, we took Nicholas to the mall everyday. We took him swimming twice a week. We had to pay from our own pocket for a full time caregiver, thus putting our personal finances in jeopardy. I had to put aside any personal plans for finding meaningful work. This situation added enormous stress to my personal life, health, marriage, and finances. The one most betrayed by the system is our son, Nicholas. Had he committed a crime, he would be in jail fed and entertained with 24/7 caregivers around him to keep him safe. All at taxpayersexpense. I am not a politician. I dont know everything. I dont have all the answers but enough is enough. Something needs to be done and be done soon. I want Nicholas to get the support he needs in order to have a good life in a welcoming community. I want every student with disabilities about to finish high school to be offered choices just like every other student. If Nicholas wants to be a school drop out, fine, he is 19 after all, that should be his choice. But I do not believe that it is either fair or right for this system to drop him out of school, just like that. And if after 19, our kids have no program to go to, then parents need to be paid to look after them because we have been told over and over again, at 19 your child becomes an adult, everything changes, legally he is not tied to you anymore, etc. About 68 students with disabilities graduated in Vancouver since June 2007. They are all facing some sort of waitlists. Nicholas finally got into a day programme in December because someone passed away so they had a vacant space. Hallelujah. What else can I say? This covers six hours of his day. He needs 16 hours of support. This waitlist story is not an exception, it is the rule. For the past three years, all students with intellectual disabilities have been on some sort of waitlist for services. This situation is wrong. It should not happen to our child, nor to anybodys. Can I put the Olympics on a waitlist?
Rachelle and Nicholas

A Waitlist Story
by Rachelle R-Czerwinski

My son, Nicholas, graduated from high school in June 2008. Nothing happened in our sons life from that date until December 1. He received no support from Community Living BC except a yearly respite amount of $2,800 which I used up in a month. Is this right? Is this fair? Is this possible? The answer seems to be an astounding yes because this situation, actually happens to hundreds of families across BC. The Premier promised us the best support system for people with disabilities. Whatever system he had in mind for us, I can truly say failed. If I were to give up my son to government care, somehow they would find the money needed to support him. That money would amount to close to $12,000/month. So why cant they find the money needed to support us so that we can support our vulnerable children the best we can? Community Living BC, the Crown

Cozy and Warm

Silverts wheelchair cape is a must for cold weather warmth and wheelchair comfort. This unisex design offers an attached hood, front zipper and a shorter back that stays clear of wheels! It is made of a durable water-repellant polyester-cotton and has a warm plush lining. Length from neck to hem is 41 inches at front and 26 inches at back. It is available in navy, beige, hunter green and grey for $175 US funds. For more information phone Silverts Clothing, in Concord, Ontario, toll free at 1-800-387-7088 or go to www.silverts.com. Pag e 3

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Are you grieving the loss of a loved one?

You dont need to suffer alone. Call the BC Bereavement Helpline, Monday to Friday from 9:30 am to 3 pm, at 604-738-9950, toll free 1-877-779-2223. You will receive immediate telephone support and a referral to a non-profit bereavement support group in your community. All calls are confidential and callers may remain anonymous. Emails may be sent to bcbh@telus.net. Reach out today

To donate any old computer equipment call 604-215-4483. Pick up fee of $50 or drop off your equipment at 38 East 69th Ave., Vancouver, BC.

Calling all Transition Special Educators Planning Fair & People with Disabilities March 3rd, 7 to 8:30 pm
www.snow.utoronto.ca
Why not take an online course or two? SNOW offers online mini-courses and live text chat (Chat & Learn). The Chat & Learn series is free while a fee is charged for the course and hands-on workshops. Upcoming Courses include: Learning Disabilities starts Feb. 23 Behavior Disorders starts March 23 Autism starts April 20 All courses are taught by experienced instructors and are for personal enrichment, not credit. SNOW is an educational outreach service offered by Adaptive Technology Resource Centre, which is part of the Faculty of Information, at the University of Toronto check out their website at www.snow. utoronto.ca for full course descriptions and information on the Chat & Learn series.

Burnaby
This event will give youth and young adults, with special needs, the opportunity to find out about the post-secondary options and community services that are available to them. Location - Burnaby South Secondary School, 5455 Rumble Street, Multi-Purpose Room.

Depression can Affect Anyone

Are you, or someone you know battling the ghosts of depression? Dealing with Depression Antidepressant Skills for Teens is an easy-to-read booklet explaining the causes of depression and steps that can be taken to recovery. Lean how to develop realistic thinking through problem solving skills and goal setting. To access this booklet online go to http://www.mcf.gov. bc.ca/mental%5Fhealth/pdf/dwd_writable. pdf. For printed copies of this publication, contact Child and Youth Mental Health Branch, Ministry of Children and Family Development Telephone (250) 387-9749 or Email MCF. ChildYouthMentalHealth@gov.bc.ca.

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Seniors Outreach
Burnaby
Burnaby Seniors Outreach Services Society provides outreach and information and referral services to seniors. Peer counselors offer free, confidential support in the clients own home, to seniors age 55 and over. A helpline that provides caregiver support is available 9 am to 1 pm Mondays and 9 am to 3 pm Tuesday to Friday. For more information call the office at 604-2912258 or the Caregiver Helpline at 604-8335545.

Movement Therapy Class

The Feldenkrais Method
Vancouver
The Feldenkrais Method helps you to re-organize your nervous system and improve balance and body function. The Method uses gentle specific movement lessons which can be done by almost anyone. Medical studies in the US and Europe, over the past 30 years, have shown that this method is invaluable for people with neurological challenges and can improve and maintain quality of life tremendously. The Feldenkrais method is in full line with the latest research on brain plasticity. Individuals in wheelchairs or with walkers are welcome. Individuals participating in class must be able to follow instructions and be independently mobile. Group or private lessons available. Discounts available to people with financial difficulties. Current sessions are being held at the West End Community Centre and at 245 East Broadway (no elevator at this location) For more information contact Joseph at 778-233-0889 or visit www.fandcv.com and http://www.cerebralpalsysource. com/Treatment_and_Therapy/feldenkrais-method/index.html

Seniors Directory
Kelowna
Kelowna Seniors Directory is an online listing of community services for seniors. Go to www.elderguide.ca to find everything from a mobile hair stylist to supportive living options. For a printed edition call 250-861-6153.

Support and Stability!

Many people with cerebral palsy are benefiting from Piedro footwear, available from Advanced Orthotic Designs (AOD). AOD is a Canadian company located in Mississauga, ON, specializing in the design, fabrication and fitting of complex orthopedic devices for persons with physical disabilities. Piedro Rehabilitation Footwear is most suitable for the child with mild foot instability often associated with cerebral palsy. Piedro Stability Footwear has higher stiffeners in the shoe versus the rehab line. They provide greater support and are suitable for more severe instability of the foot and ankle complex.

MEDICAL ESCORTS!
Help seniors live healthier lives, become a medical escort today! Volunteers are needed to escort seniors from their home to medical appointments and then back home, either by taxi, Handy Dart or by your own car. For more information call Jude Henders at 604-267-2675

Rehabilitation Footwear

Stability Footwear

All orders must be prepaid and are shipped via post. For more information, call AOD at 1-905-607-4022, email canwalk@aodmobility.com or check out their website at www.aodmobility.com. Pag e 5

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that would clench their legs together, he explained. There is no option to disengage the joystick, so if you touch it, youre flying the glider. Willetts turned to Tetra to create a simple mechanism to act as a barrier between the clients legs and the controls. Abbotsford/ Mission volunteer John Connor started work on the project in May, created and modified a prototype, and was making final changes to the final design at press time. The hardest part was creating a mold, once he had the final prototype. His initial Styrofoam mold was eaten through by the resin used in the fiberglass process, so he then had to make a polyurethane mold. This means, however, that if other adaptive gliding clubs come across the same issue, he has a mold ready for use. It was a bit of work, but worthwhile, he said. The final version is expected to be used for the concluding flights of this years season.

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Tetra takes to the skies

Hope
A gliding program for people with physical disabilities is reaching new levels of accessibility, thanks to Tetra engineers. The Easy Gliders program uses Hope Gliding Centre, 150 km east of Vancouver, allowing participants to fly with an experienced pilot for between 45 minutes and one hour. Organizer James Willetts went through depression after becoming quadriplegic in a 2003 auto accident, but now hopes to install the belief among people in the same situation that there is life after becoming a quadriplegic or paraplegic. He flew a glider for the first time in 2006, and the following year he joined forces with the British Columbia Mobility Opportunities Societya sister non-profit to Tetrato launch Easy Gliders. However, it soon became apparent that a particular group of people were being grounded. We were having problems with clients with cerebral palsy and multiple sclerosis

For more information about the gliding program, see: www.disabilityfoundation.org /bcmos/gliding.php. DOWN TO EARTH: GLIDING AT HOPE AIRSTRIP, NEAR VANCOUVER, B.C.

Love Soccer?
Can you Play for Canada?
The Mens Cerebral Palsy Soccer Team is continuously looking for new members. If you have mild cerebral palsy, have had a stroke or brain injury and feel that you have the potential to play soccer at an international level contact team manager Daniel Michelucci at 416-263-5717 or dmichelucci@soccercan.ca. A scout will come out and have a look at you. The scouting review can happen anytime throughout the year. To compete internationally you must be 16 or older. (There is a development program where monitoring of athletes under 16 takes place.) There is no cost to join the program. All expenses for the athlete are paid and in some cases athletes may be paid a monthly fee through Sport Canada. Five day training camps are held about every two months anywhere in America with one international contest held each year in places such at Brazil, Holland or Argentina. What are you waiting for? If you think you have what it takes to be a team player for Canada contact coach Drew Ferguson at dferguson@soccercan.ca. To view a short video on the team visit,

Wheelchair Rugby
Prince George
Wheelchair rugby is an intense, physical team sport for quadriplegic male and female athletes with its roots in both wheelchair basketball and hockey. In order to play wheelchair rugby, an individual must have some form of permanent mobility related impairment in at least three limbs. If there is sufficient community interest in this sport, there is an opportunity to have a demo of the sport and then perhaps begin a program. If you are interested in organizing and/ or participating in such a program, please contact Joe Basnett at jbasnett@bcpara. org or phone 250-563-6942.

http://www.canadasoccer.com/tourney/Paralympic_CP/national.asp?top=banner_m&sub=2
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Gardening Opportunity
Vancouver

Easter Seal Camp Register Soon

Ages 6-18
2009 camp dates posted now at www. eastersealscamps.ca. Applications available on website April 6. New Camper Weekend is open to all first time campers and is held in June at each camp location from 5 pm Friday to 11 am Sunday parents welcome. For more information phone 604-873-1865 or go to www.lionsbc.ca.

Adaptive Ski and Snowboarding Lessons

Whistler
The weather is great, the snow conditions are excellent and the sun is shining. All that is missing is YOU! We cater to all disabilities or special needs from ages 3 and up. Lessons typically run from 9am 3pm. The meeting times may be adjusted to suit your needs. Come and experience outdoor activity in a safe, friendly and FUN way on the slopes of Whistler Blackcomb. For more information call 1-800-766-0449 or visit www.whistlerblackcomb and click on Adaptive/Special Needs (under lessons).

The Vancouver Public Space Network and the Sunset CityPlan Committee are working together to start a new wheelchair accessible community garden in the area of Fraser and 41st. If you are interested in participating in gardening, at this location, contact Betty Cheung at the Disabled Independent Gardeners Association (DIGA) 604-688-6464 ext 106 or email bcheung@ disabilityfoundation.org. To add to the fun DIGA will provide you with a garden helper.

Fun, Love and Laughter Pony Pals Therapeutic Riding

Delta

New Aquatic Program

April 2009 Kelowna

The Glass Box

Feb. 18-28, 8 pm - Vancouver
The Glass Box follows a 54-year-old wife and mother, a 23-year-old woman living with quadriplegia and a 32-year-old man with Down Syndrome who find themselves trapped in an off-beat talk show, and are given the chance to be the iconic figure of their fantasies. They answer dangerous questions with hilarious abandon. Tickets $15/20 or pay-what-you-can preview Feb. 18 3rd floor Cartwright St., Granville Island. www.theatreterrific.ca.

Horseback riding is one of the best therapies for children with life challenges as horses allow those with special needs a freedom they dont have on their own. Pony Pals Therapeutic Riding Association offers therapeutic riding and equine assisted services to children aged 6 18 years. Currently six horses and ponies work in this program with the assistance of ten wonderful volunteers and two coaches. Programs run on an 8 week cycle are a half hour in length. Thanks to a fully enclosed indoor arena riders are kept comfortable regardless of the weather. For more information phone Candice at 604-590-0097 or drop by the stables for a tour. Pony Pals is located at 6003 104th St., Delta. Check out their web site at www. ponypalsstables.com/therapeutic.

The Y Knot program is a swim program for children ages 6 to 16 with physical disabilities and their able bodied siblings. The goal of the program is to have fun and to develop aquatics skills. Participants meet for 30 minutes, twice per week for 10 weeks at the Kelowna Family Y located at 375 Hartman Rd. Cost of the program is $54 to $71 financial assistance is available. The starting date for Y Knot is mid April. For more information go to www. penguinscanfly.ca or call the Y at 250-4919622.

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Cer e b ra l Pa l s y A s s o c i a t i o n o f B r i t i s h Co l u m b i a w i n t e r 2 0 0 9

Nowmore than ever before your membership will help to

Food for Thought

1. Always do your best. What you plant now, you will harvest later. Og Mandino 2. The best thing about the future is that it comes only one day at a time. Abraham Lincoln 3. Many people have a wrong idea of what constitutes true happiness. It is not attained through self-gratification but through fidelity to a worthy purpose. Helen Keller 4. It is unacceptable for babies to be aborted for disabilities that can now be treated after advances in medical science. Disabled people should be valued. - Baroness Masham of Ilton, member of the House of Lords 5. Look at a day when you are supremely satisfied at the end. Its not a day when you lounge around doing nothing; its when youve had everything to do, and youve done it. -Margaret Thatcher

Become a member today!

Membership fee: $20 or whatever you can afford. Donation: I would like to make a donation to support the services and programs of the Cerebral Palsy Association of BC. Income tax receipts are only issued for donations of $10 or more, unless requested. $100 $75 $50 $25 My choice: Method of Payment: I have enclosed a cheque payable to the CPABC or:
Visa # Expiry Date Name on Card Todays Date

International Affiliate of United Cerebral Palsy

Signature

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Cerebral Palsy Association of BC 801- 409 Granville Street Vancouver, BC V6C 1T2
Charitable Registration Business Number 10690 4204 RR0001

Cerebral Palsy Association of British Columbia 801-409 Granville St. Vancouver, BC V6C 1T2 Phone: 604.408.9484 Toll-Free (Enquiry CP): 1.800.663.0004 Fax: 604.408.9489 Email: info@bccerebralpalsy.com Ofce Hrs: 9 AM to 5PM, Monday to Thursday

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