Let the spirit of love gently fill our hearts and homes.

In this loveliest of seasons may you find many reasons for happiness.

Cerebral Palsy Association of British Columbia

Fall 2010

Presidents

Words

Merry Christmas and/or Happy Holidays! It is almost the end of November, there are more leaves on the ground than on the trees and the ghosts and goblins have gone back into hiding for another year. The temperature outside has become cold, causing the heavier coats to come out of the closets. We have honoured and said thank-you to those who have fought for and to those who continue to serve and protect the freedom of our great nation, Canada. Again we say, Thank-you! Christmas is now just around the corner and we are coming to the end of 2010.

WOW, what a year 2010 has been. We started the year with BC hosting the world for the Olympics and Paralympics; clearly, we showed the pride of BC and also of being Canadian. We felt the arrival of the hated (Harmonized) Sales Tax and the Premier resigning as a result. 2011 is already shaping to be an eventful year. Time will tell. CPABC has also been busy in 2010. Here are some of our accomplishments: CPABC awarded 11 bursaries, at $1000 each, to eleven students living with CP to assist with their post-secondary education Julia and Olga, two of the recipients, spoke very well at the 2010 AGM in September CPABC provided 8 children and adults with $2959 to attend a special needs camp CPABC contributed $500 to the Agur

Lake Camp project. This camp will be unique in BC and will provide fun, respite and support for children with special needs and their families. CPABC contributed $1000 and participates in the Emergency Planning & Preparedness for People With Disabilities Initiative CPABC continues to be affiliated with United Cerebral Palsy. This allows us to access a wealth of information on all aspects of CP - as a result, we have improved our ability to respond to inquiries for information and support. CPABC provided presentations to children from kindergarten through high school at more than 22 different schools on topics ranging from inclusion to etiology, as well as CP and the aging process. We also provided motivational presentations to succeed despite challenges in life. CPABC provided information workshop
1

CPABC NEWS . Fall 2010

in Canim Lake, near 100 Mile House BC. CPABC launched a new website as of summer and provides general information about Cerebral Palsy and links people with others living with CP. CPABC distributed over 120 copies of our newest publication i.e. Putting the Puzzle Together throughout BC. The manuals focus is understanding various needs and making inclusion work in todays classroom. CPABCs website has received over 325,800 hits! Since January 2010!! Clearly, we are connecting with people living with CP and their families. We are also linking CPABC with individuals and groups supporting those with Cerebral Palsy. CPABC has received over 300 requests for information throughout BC and from across Canada - some of these requests have come as far away as Nepal, Poland, Mexico, Australia, South Africa, France, Iran, United States and India. CPABC continues to operate with three

wonderful part-time staffers: Feri Dehdar (Director of Programs and Administration), Tammy van der Kamp (Family and Individual Support Worker), and Wendy Hawryzki (Administrative Assistant). We truly want to continue the work as mentioned above. We also have dreams to expand the programs and services that CPABC offers to you as members. Our ability to do this has been hampered due to significant funding cutbacks. The good news is that even with the cutbacks CPABC is still financially stable. The challenge for 2011 will be to continue our stability especially with government funding decrease at an alarming rate. We are constantly exploring funding options to continue our services. This is where you come in as members, please think of the CPABC as you draw up your Christmas list. We encourage you to make a donation. Maybe even a larger amount than your usual contribu-

tion. Consider a commitment to making regular monthly contributions. Every dollar every cent will get us closer to reaching our goals. Your donation will allow us to purchase books, print our booklets, update manuals, maintain our toll-free inquiry line, and continue our other services. Please see the donation form on the last page. What can you contribute?? We are very appreciative of your support! The CPABCs Board of Directors and staff would like to wish you and your family all the best during the holiday season and for 2011. Stay safe and have a happy new year. Your President, Craig Langston

News Alert
Disabilty Awareness Program 2010
The Cerebral Palsy Association of BCs (CPABC) 20102011 Elementary School Disability Awareness Program is well underway and gaining momentum, with over 10 presentations booked so far. This interactive program brings a real person who lives with a disability into the classroom, where students learn that a person who has a disability is just like them. A demonstration of adaptive equipment, and frank discussion about the reality of living with a disability show disability for what it is: another aspect of human diversity. Pacific Assistance Dog Societys (PADS) dog Breeze, the golden retriever, accompanies Tammy van der Kamp, CPABCs Family & Individual Support Worker, to every school presentation where she helps to break the ice and makes the message accessible to kids.

Upcoming Presentations November 29, December 1, December 6, December 8, January 6, January 10, January 12, January 19, January 24, January 26, February 4, April 6, Hyland Elementary, Surrey BC Cloverdale Traditional Elementary, Surrey BC Harold Bishop Elementary, Surrey BC Baker Drive Elementary, Coquitlam, BC M. J. Norris Elementary, Surrey BC Ecole Irvine Elementary, Port Coquitlam BC Sullivan Elementary, Surrey BC Cedar Hills Elementary, Surrey BC Westerman Elementary, Surrey BC Mary Hill Elementary, Coquitlam BC Kennedy Trail Elementary, Surrey BC Medichair, Coquitlam BC

Want to have Tammy & Breeze visit your school? To book a presentation contact the CPABC office at 604-408-9484, or email info@bccerebralpalsy.com

TO RAISE . TO REACH . TO REALIZE

Self-Defense Class a Go

Hamid (Instructor) & Judy, Trish, Ron

& 65 and have a physical disability. Everyone received a good work out and moves on how to stay safe courtesy of instructor Hamid Tarighatbin. If anyone ever gets an opportunity to take part in a self defense course, jump on it! I left that night with a renewed sense of confidence that if anything happened, I could defend myself; as a disable woman, this is SO important! The same goes for anybody. Thanks for that insight Trish. Judy, Trish and Ron practice some of their newly acquired skills. Dont mess with them. They mean business!

Thanks to a grant from Vancouver Coastal Health, your Cerebral Palsy Association has been able to host a free, eight week, self defense, martial arts class in North Shore Neighbourhood House. Participants needed to be between the ages of 35

A Fabulous Week
Dear Cerebral Palsy Association of British Columbia, Camp Subsidy Committee: Thank you for making it possible for me to attend a FABULOUS Sam Riesco week at Zajac Ranch! I met lots of people and had a blast participating in all the camps activities. The counselors and staff I met at the ranch were amazing, always ready with a smile, willing to give sound advice and words of encouragement to those in need.

My all time favorite activity would have to be the high ropes course. I enjoyed the challenge of climbing and navigating the course; although I am wary of heights, I felt absolutely at ease in a harness, which made climbing to and looking down from great heights quite fun! I really enjoyed horseback riding, swimming in the lake and trying my hand at archery - I even managed to get within a few inches of the bulls-eye! The final day of camp was undoubtedly the best of the week. The water-fight, which was preceded by members of my cabin enthusiastically flinging handfuls of chocolate pudding at one another, was followed by a highly entertaining talent show. After we had all cleaned up and changed into our PJs, we relocated

sleeping bags and all, to the common room where we feasted on an enormous bowl of mouth watering popcorn and watched Finding Nemo on a large projector screen. Morning came all too quickly! I would like to thank everyone on the Cerebral Palsy of BC Camp Subsidy Committee as well as all the wonderful people at Zajac for your support and enthusiasm. Sincerely, Sam Riesco And thank you Sam for a most entertaining account of your week at camp! Sam is one of our 2010, $1000, Tanabe Bursary recipients. She is currently in her first year of the Arts & Science program at Capilano University.

Volunteers keep us Strong

The BC Cerebral Palsy Association is pleased to welcome its newest volunteer, Olga Chafeeva, recipient of one of our $1,000 Tanabe Bursaries. I wish to help people who, like me, are faced with the challenges of living with cerebral palsy. Volunteering is also a way of saying thank you to the BC Cerebral Palsy Association.

Olga Chafeeva 3

CPABC NEWS . Fall 2010

Open House Cerebral Palsy Association of BC

Thursday, December 9th, 2010 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm 801-409 Granville Street Vancouver (SW corner of Granville & Hastings)
Paul Gauthier, multiple paralympic medalist, world traveler and torchbearer for the 2010 Paralympic Games, will speak to us on British Columbias new Personal Supports Network EATI: Equipment & Assistive Technology Initiative which provides funding for assistive technology and devices for people with disabilities. Come and hear what this program is all about. See you on Dec. 9th. RSVP TO 604-408-9484 or info@bccerebralpalsy.com.

Paul Gauthier
(Guest Speaker)

Congratulations to our 2010 Tanabe Bursary Recipients!

With the ever increasing cost of education the CPABC was proud to be able to continue its tradition of education bursaries. Nine Tanabe Bursaries, of $1,000 each, were awarded this fall to outstanding students throughout our province. The CPABC acknowledges that it is only because of the continuous and gracious support of the Kinsmen Foundation that we are able to help so many students pursue their dreams. Thank you Kinsmen Foundation! Your cheque for $10,000, presented to us by Philip Jewell and David Owen at our September AGM will help many young men and women follow their dreams. And now, lets meet this years recipients! Sam Riesco from Gibsons Paul Weston from Oliver James Jordan of Saanichton Conan Winkelmeyer of Fort Nelson Sarah Cummings of Cranbrook Campbell Rivers Rebecca Bennett Nathan Dewitt of Surrey Frank Robertson of Cranbrook Christine Battye of Nanaimo

Conan Winkelmeyer says thank you!

Conan wrote to thank the Cerebral Palsy Association of BC (CPABC) for his $1,000 bursary. The money will help him with the necessities of books, food and supplies. Conan is studying psychology and education and hopes to one day help kids at risk and kids with disabilities. His long term goal is to open up his own summer camp called The Phoenix where children can work to become more independent. Last year Conan was the first person with a disability to go on an international exchange from The University of Northern BC to Sweden. This opportunity to travel and experience other cultures gave him a feeling of freedom and independence. While in Amsterdam Conan chose to get a tattoo of a Phoenix to help him remember all he has achieved in university. Perhaps it will also serve as a reminder of his dream to one day open that camp May your future goals be realized Conan!

Congratulations and best wishes to you all!

In Appreciation
CPABC would like to THANK everyone who donates their time and energy to our Association. Board and office volunteers make a vital contribution and we acknowledge the countless ways in which each volunteer helps our members, our organization and our causes.

Check Presentation by Kinsmen Foundation at AGM 4

CPABC NEWS . Fall 2010

TO RAISE . TO REACH . TO REALIZE

New CPABC Board Member & Treasurer for 2010~2011

It is my pleasure to be given the opportunity to serve on the CPABC Board and as the CPABC Treasurer for the current fiscal year. With my qualifications and experience, Im confident that I will be able to contribute to accomplishing CPABC mission and realizing its vision. I have cerebral palsy myself. With determination, perseverance and the loving support of my family specially my mom, Nedila Yu, I was able to triumph over the challenges of having CP. I was able to earn a Bachelors of Commerce Degree (Major in Accounting) from the University of British Columbia in 2002. I qualified for my Chartered Accountant (CA) designation in 2004 and have been a CA for the past six years. I have previously worked at PricewaterhouseCoopers as an audit manager. I am now a financial reporting manager for a BC-based Canadian mining company.
Andy Yu, CA

Bullying of Girl with Cerebral Palsy

The following letter to the editor written by Cerebral Palsy Association of BC is in response to Cheryl Chans Nov. 2, 2010 article, in the Province, where a fathers attempt to have action taken against three class bullies appears to have fallen on deaf ears. A full account of the story can be found at http://www.theprovince. com/health/Disabled+daughter+target+Surrey+school +bullies/3762530/story.html Dear Sir; The recent case of bullying in a Surrey school, of a student with cerebral palsy, highlights a real need for action. Good citizenship, sensitivity to youth and ignorance, and respect for basic human dignity all demand that this issue not be allowed to fade into the background. It is the responsibility of parents, students, and school staff to work together to ensure that every child be free to pursue an education in a safe environment. Is a human rights tribunal the best answer? Perhaps the answer is yes, in the long run. But what if the bullies in question spent a week using a manual wheelchair, with limited upper body mobility, and a personal care attendant? The experience might lead to increased empathy. The Cerebral Palsy Association of BC delivers an antibullying message with its Elementary School Disability Awareness presentations. We invite schools to book a presentation, and to visit our website www.bccerebralpalsy.com for resources for educators. Media inquires: Craig Langston, CPABC President, 604-614-4423 or info@bccerebralpalsy.com

I have been a member of the CPABC for the past 2 years. Since my mom suddenly passed away this July, I have decided to have a more active role in CPABC. I realize that it is time for me to help others like myself to reach their maximum potential like my mom did for me since she was my greatest influence and inspiration. I would like to thank the CPABC board specially Jonn Olldym for giving me the opportunity to serve on the Board. I look forward to be in service to CPABC. Thank you. Cerebral Palsy Association of BC welcomes Andy aboard.

In Memoriam
CPABC extend sincere sympathy to all who have lost a loved one. We thank you for designating CPABC as the charity of choice to receive In Memoriam gifts. All contributions are truly appreciated and acknowledged.
5

GENERAL INTEREST . Fall 2010

Buggy Bag
Owner and Designer for Buggy Bag Mobility Accessories, Leslie Cairns, has recently developed her latest product for wheelchair users. The Buggy Bag Lap Blanket is wind and waterproof, fleece-lined and is attachable to a chair a perfectly functional garment for the Lower Mainlands unpredictable weather. A large zippered pocket provides a convenient and reliable place to store your wallet, keys and cell phone. Reflective stripes makes traveling with this lap blanket safer on dark and dreary days. A long time resident of Burnaby, Cairns had her beginnings in the film and theatre industries making costume patterns for many popular movies, television shows and local theatre productions. After her daughter Emma was born, Cairns was frustrated because she could not find a blanket that was specifically designed for strollers to keep Emma warm and dry during their outdoor activities. Her only option was to use a regular blanket with a clear plastic rain cover. As we all know, necessity is the mother of invention. It was not long before Cairns, applying her professionally trained standards, went to work creating the perfect version of a stroller blanket that provided those particular feature that Cairns had been looking for. Her stroller blanket was so well designed that other mothers and fathers started making inquiries about the product. Soon she was in full operation in her basement and Buggy Bag Mobility Accessories was born. The product was so popular, she was able to rely almost exclusively on client

referrals as her primary way of marketing. It was not long before she was approached to design a similar product for a wheelchair user. Since then, a variety of wheelchair lap blankets and scooter apron models have been developed and distributed. Most notably, a buggy bag belongs to a lovely 4 year old boy, affectionately referred to as Bugg from Utah, who has an undiagnosed neurological condition that makes walking and talking impossible. Also in possession of a buggy bag is former Mayor Sam Sullivan of Vancouver who suffered a spinal cord injury as a young adult.

Cairns design approach is best described as participatory, meaning that the product design is always in flux, with better innovations incorporated due to ongoing relationships with her customers. She is a one-woman show and looks after all the aspects of her business. This dedication of providing participatory design and closely over seeing production means that customers not only get a quality product, but they also receive customer service of a time gone by. Cairns is in the midst of developing a line of wheelchair ponchos and scooter aprons. Buggy Bag expects to launch these products later in the year. For more information or to order your own Buggy Bag call Leslie at 604-473-9004, or 1-888-814-1588. You can also email leslie@buggybag.com. All sizes available, cost $135 plus tax.

Conductive Education
By Anne Christiane Wittig Lead Conductor
Physician Andreas Peto developed Conductive Education (CE) around 1945. This innovative educational approach to habilitation and rehabilitation specializes in helping children and adults with movement disorders gain greater independence. CE was hidden for decades behind the iron curtain. It started to spread to the western world in the early 1990s and has been in Canada for nearly 15 years but was only periodically available in British Columbia. Conductive Education is now available year round in the greater Vancouver area through Moving Ahead. It is offered as individual sessions as well as a group program. Its aim is to facilitate motivation, social skills, confidence and learning no matter the severity of the movement disorder or age of the individual.
6

Parent Testimonials: My son was 18 months old and still just lay on his back on the floor when we enrolled him in March 2008. By June 2008 my son was a rolling machine. Llyodiene, Manitoba Our son is six years old with CP and has been using CE for about three years now. Since doing CE we have seen him improve in every area of his life from walking, talking and doing everyday stuff. Stan and Tamara, British Columbia For further information or to book your free consultation contact Anne at 604-716-4785 or visit www.movingaheadcc.com (website under construction)

GENERAL INTEREST . Fall 2010

TO RAISE . TO REACH . TO REALIZE

Accessible Media is Here!

The Accessible Channel, also known as TACtv, will offer blind, low-vision, deaf and hard of hearing viewers access to high-quality news, information, drama, entertainment and other programming through Rogers, Shaw, and Star Choice channel 888 or Bell TV channel 48. By regulation, the Accessible Channel will be part of the basic digital package of TV programming, the package of services a subscriber must take when signing up for the least expensive program package. The great news is that no additional special equipment will be needed to access TACtv. Descriptive video is a process in which a narrator describes key visual elements of a movie, documentary or TV show that are not apparent if one relies on the original sound track alone. The narration is added to the sound track. Provided that you have a basic digital package, when you tune into TACtv, youll always hear the described sound track. It is very difficult for someone to watch a show and at the same time describe to someone else what is going on. With descriptive video this will no longer be necessary. The potential market for the Accessible channel is huge with the 2006 Canadian Census data listing the number of blind Canadians at almost 900,000. With 78,000 Canadians being diagnosed with age-related macular degeneration each year and one in four Canadians by age 75 experiencing vision loss its a comfort knowing that TACtv will reach 6.6 million homes. The cost of all this will be twenty cents a month per subscriber or $2.40 annually. Program schedules are posted at www.tactv.ca and broadcast on VoicePrint and TACtv as well as available in TV Guide.

Fuel Tax Refund Program for People with Disabilities

British Columbia
If you have a qualifying disability you may be eligible to register for the fuel tax refund program. Once you are registered for the program you can apply for a refund of the provincial fuel tax you pay on fuel used in your vehicle based on your fuel receipts. To find out more about this program go to http://www.sbr.gov.bc.ca/documents_library/bulletins/mft_004. pdf or Google Register for the Fuel Tax Program.

Legal Advice and Referral Clinic for Seniors North Shore

Are you 55 or older? Do you live on the North Shore? Do you have a legal concern? Call Silver Harbour Centre at 604-980-2474 for a free, confidential, half-hour appointment where practicing lawyers will give you advice and, if needed, a referral to more assistance. You do not need to be a member of Silver Harbour Centre to make an appointment.

Have you Suffered the Loss of a Loved One? Vancouver

Childrens Grief Support Program When: ongoing intake Where: Unitarian Church, 949 West 49th Ave. Info: Camara, 604-218-5434, camaravb@telus.net Hospice Bereavement Easy Walking Program When: call Gay 604-638-3332 Where: meet at Planetarium, 1100 Chesnut Street Info: Gay , 604-638-3332, director@vancouverhospice.org Note: walkers are joined by trained hospice volunteers Pre-registration is required

Reduce Injuries Due to Falls

SmartCell cushioned flooring is so bouncy that an egg will not break if dropped on it! Anti-fatigue mats, platforms and kneeling products are also available. To watch a demonstration video go to www.satechinc.com . For information call Satech Inc. toll free at 1-888-728-3241 or email info@satechinc.com. Satech Inc. is based out of Chehalis Washington.

GENERAL INTERESTS . Fall 2010

Audio Described Live Theatre is here!

Vancouver, Richmond & North Vancouver From Kickstart Disability Arts & Culture
Audio description brings the costumes, action, sets, and lighting of a theatre performance alive for blind and visually impaired audience members. Kickstart has trained a team of professionals who provide key action and other visual information, between the actors lines, through a wireless transmitter to a single earpiece worn by the recipient. Description begins 15 minutes prior to curtain with an introduction to the overall production and design concept, and other programme notes. Check out the full Earsighted schedule online at www.kickstart-arts.ca/ audio-description.html

Special Thanks
CPABC would like to thank the following for their generous financial contributions:
Cerebral Palsy Association members and individual donors The Victoria Drive Community Hall Association Provincial Employees Community Services Fund BC Hydro Employees Community Services Fund North Delta Lions Club Suncor Energy Foundation The Kinsmen Foundation of BC & Yukon The Hamber Foundation FK Morrow Foundation Mr. & Mrs. P.A. Woodwards Foundation BDO Dunwoody Chartered Accountants Redekop & Dueck Office Management Services Royal Canadian Legion Branch # 4 Royal Canadian Legion Branch # 11 Royal Canadian Legion Branch # 60 Royal Canadian Legion Branch # 170 The Whitehall Companies LLC Westlands Properties Ltd Telus Dollars for Dollars Kansept Studio Wawanesa Haebler Construction Tyee Elementary School Maywood Elementary School

the

CPABC BOARD MEMBERS

CRAIG LANGSTON President TRISH MCKAy Vice President Andy Yu Treasurer RONALD BLACKMORE LIZ CALDER TERREANE DERRICK LES EBL DANIELLE GuERTIN TONy KRuSE JONN OLLDyM

CPABC STAFF
FERI DEHDAR Director of Programs & TAMMy VAN DER KAMP Family & Individual Support Worker WENDy HAWRyZKI

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 9 AM to 5PM, Monday to Thursday

Please recycle this Roundtable by passing it along to someone else!