Alberta's Health & Lifestyle Magazine for People with Spinal Cord Injuries & Other Physical Disabilities Winter 2012
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Alberta’s Health & Lifestyle Magazine for People with Spinal Cord Injuries & Other Physical Disabilities Winter 2012
Publications Mail Agreement #40011327
2s
Winter 2012 Volume 27 Number 1
FEATURE STORY DEPARTMENTS
16 Singapore & Kuala Lumpur by 4 Editorial
Electric Wheelchair The Alberta SCI Initiative
5 Letters to the Editor
6 In the News
8 Meet the Staff
9 CPA (Alberta) Advocacy
Innovations
10 Surfing for Solutions
Editor............................ Betty MacIsaac
12 New Products for You
Layout/Design.............Kyle Thompson Recognition
14 Passing on the Torch
Spinal Columns is published four Opinion
times a year by the Canadian 19 From My Perspective
Paraplegic Association (Alberta).
Advertising rates available upon Sports
request. Ideas, submissions, 22 Snow Mountain Prince
requests, suggestions and letters are Dan Palamarek’s adventures
always welcome. Address them to: 23 Calgary’s SCI Fitness Centre
abroad continue. 24 Sledge Hockey
The Editor, Spinal Columns
Canadian Paraplegic Association Health
(Alberta) FEATURE STORY 25 Top Five Supplements
#305, 11010 - 101 Street 26 Mental Health & SCI
Edmonton, Alberta T5H 4B9
(780) 424-6312 15 Accessibility & Code Compliance 27 Healthcare Evolving, Part 2
Community
Material printed in Spinal Columns
may not be reproduced without 28 From Chairs to Change
written permission from the Canadian 29 Election Time
Paraplegic Association (Alberta). We 30 Shell Marks IDPD
neither endorse nor guarantee any of
the products or services advertised
31 Change Needs Leaders
within Spinal Columns. Readers Regional News
are strongly urged to thoroughly
investigate products/companies
32 What’s New in Alberta
before purchase. Spinal Columns Aboriginal
is available in alternate formats by
contacting our office as listed above. 37 Promoting First Nations Culture
In Our Library
Publications Mail Agreement
#40011327 39 Cooking with Cory
Return undeliverable Canadian
addresses to:
Canadian Paraplegic Association
(Alberta)
#305, 11010 - 101 Street
Edmonton, AB T5H 4B9
E-Mail: edmonton@cpa-ab.org
Ron Wickman explains why
ISSN 1195-5767 accessibility goes beyond
minimum code compliance.
Spinal Columns 3
editorial
W
e are rapidly moving to- Canadian Paraplegic Association (Alberta)
Toll Free: 1-888-654-5444
wards completion of the www.cpa-ab.org
Alberta Spinal Cord In- Find us on Facebook and become a fan!
Watch videos on our Youtube channel:
jury Initiative (AB SCI www.youtube.com/cpaalberta
Initiative), the collective name for the HEAD OFFICE
extensive collaborations and projects #305, 11010 - 101 Street
Edmonton, Alberta T5H 4B9
as a result of the Rick Hansen 20th Telephone: (780) 424-6312
Anniversary Proposal submitted to the Fax: (780) 424-6313
E-mail: edmonton@cpa-ab.org
Government of Alberta in 2007. This
Executive Director: Teren Clarke
proposal was informed by consultation
with the research and clinical care com- SOUTHERN DISTRICT OFFICE
5211 4 Street NE
munity, wheelchair sport and recreation groups, CPA (Alberta) staff and Calgary, AB T2K 6J5
Board of Directors, The Alberta Paraplegic Foundation and individuals and Telephone: (403) 228-3001
Fax: (403) 229-4271
their family members personally impacted. E-mail: calgary@cpa-ab.org
In reflection of the last five years, I would like to acknowledge the excep- RED DEER OFFICE
tional cooperative effort that took place in the spirit of impacting quality of #103, 4719 - 48th Avenue
Red Deer, Alberta T4N 3T1
life of persons with spinal cord injury (SCI) and other physical disabilities. Telephone: (403) 341-5060
I would like to highlight some examples of this impact. Fax: (403) 343-1630
E-mail: reddeer@cpa-ab.org
Translational research – a number of projects have been funded which
GRANDE PRAIRIE OFFICE
will impact acute care and rehabilitation treatment in the future. Some 10 Knowledge Way
of these research projects involve the study of best practices across four Grande Prairie, Alberta, T8W 2V9
Telephone: (780) 532-3305
provinces: BC, AB, ON and QC. For a more complete description of research Fax: (780) 539-3567
projects, visit our website in July to view the 2011/12 Annual Report for the E-mail: grandeprairie@cpa-ab.org
AB SCI Initiative. LETHBRIDGE OFFICE
1274 3 Avenue South
Solutions that work – a major focus of the Initiative was to implement Lethbridge, Alberta T1J 0J9
Solutions identified by the SCI Alliance, a volunteer committee made up of Telephone: (403) 327-7577
Fax: (403) 320-0269
committed Albertans from across the field of SCI, including a number of per- E-mail: lethbridge@cpa-ab.org
sons who live with disability resulting from SCI. Support to the Alliance,
MEDICINE HAT OFFICE
the many volunteer task teams, implementation of solutions, collection of 26-419 3rd Street SE
Medicine Hat, Alberta T1A 0G9
outcome data, and financial tracking was managed by CPA (Alberta) as Telephone: (403) 504-4001
part of the role of Secretariat to the five year initiative. Solutions included: Fax: (403) 504-5172
E-mail: medicinehat@cpa-ab.org
Granting program – 298 grants to meet priority needs (ie. renovation
for accessibility, transportation, continuing education, technological sup- ST. PAUL OFFICE
Box 653
ports, fitness/wellness). 90 grants to organizations to deliver enhanced or St. Paul, AB T0A 3A0
Telephone: (780) 645-5116
new programs for persons with SCI and other physical disabilities. Fax: (780) 645-5141
Provincial strategies were developed and implemented related to active E-mail: stpaul@cpa-ab.org
living, housing, attendant care, and adaptive technology. LLOYDMINSTER OFFICE
New resource materials – including online resource guide, online ac- 4419 52 Avenue,
Lloydminster, AB T9V 0Y8
cessible housing registry and accessibility assessment tool, comprehensive Tel & Fax: (780) 875-1046
E-mail: lloydminster@cpa-ab.org
research project and report produced by University of Calgary’s Faculty of
Environmental Design entitled “Understanding Visitability for the Alberta FORT McMURRAY
Gregoire Park Centre
Housing Context”. Materials also developed to assist persons who use inter- 194 Grenfell Crescent
mittent catheterization to manage their “Bladder Health” and for health care Fort McMurray, AB T9H 2M6
Tel: (780) 743-0307
professionals regarding “Treating Frequent Bladder Infections”. Brochures Fax: (780) 743-4563
E-mail: fortmcmurray@cpa-ab.org
were complemented by background paper on best practices. An evaluation
of supportive housing models conducted and new models for commun- WEST-CENTRAL OFFICE
PO Box 128
ity use developed and supported by business case. Builders award will be Wabamun, AB T0E 2K0
launched to promote accessibility and visitability. Tel: (780) 892-3431
Fax: (780) 892-3431
CPA (Alberta) capacity increased which allowed expansion of commun- E-mail: westcentral@cpa-ab.org
ity development and service coordination. Peer support capacity increased CPA (Alberta) BOARD OF DIRECTORS
through funding of two peer program coordinators. Aaron Miller, Chair
Dale Williams, Past Chair
These are just some of the solutions that created positive impacts over Scott Sankey, Treasurer
the last 5 years! Maxwell Brunette
Lisa Crown
Harvey J. DeCock
Kent Hehr
Bill Hendsbee
Timothy Hill
Martin Purvis
Ray Royer
Teren Clarke Ned Shillington
Executive Director Eleanor Sugarman
4sSpinal Columns
inbox
LETTERS
TO THE EDITOR
Both Alberta and Edmonton are pioneers where accessibility
and facilities for people with disabilities are concerned. This is
why I was disappointed and upset by the events that happened
Not only was the one direct exit locked, but not a single per-
son came down to verify that the basement was empty.
After I contacted them, the library’s suggestion is that I go
to me at Edmonton’s main library branch. WAY out of my way to use one of their other fine facilities in-
Before a renovation two years ago, the front entrance was stead. Notwithstanding that the main library branch is the one
serviced by a very functional ramp. This was removed and re- which hosts the Library Access Division, it’s also within walk-
placed by a mechanical lift so that room could be made to expand ing distance from my home. This is unacceptable under any cir-
the children’s library. It was poorly planned and decreased ac- cumstance and in the 5+ months since then, nothing has been
cessibility to the library. done to address these issues.
On August 19th 2011, I went to the library to attend a meet-
Laura
ing. Previous trips always involved bringing my daughters, so I
never realized how these so-called renovations impeded access
Hello,
to those they were supposed to be helping.
I have only just recently been introduced to your resource
I arrived with no way to access the lift on my own. I am un-
guide online. It is excellent! Throughout my years at the MS
able to let myself onto the lift and operate it independently. I
Society, I have been attempting to create an accessible online
waited five minutes before a security guard came close enough
resource (specifically for internal use). We currently have all of
for me to flag over. When he approached, he told me to “go
our resources printed and in a binder, but I feel like having it
around” to the adjoining Second Cup. I reminded him that pas-
online, similar to a database, would be so much more accessible.
sage was locked at this time and he said he’d unlock it for me.
Would you be willing to share with me the program that was
I went to the other side of the library building, arriving to
used to create this?
find the doors to the café were closed. I waited. And waited.
Thank you so much for your help.
Finally, a café employee noticed me and let me in. I felt guilty
as I sneaked through and said thanks for the deed, as I had no Sincerely,
intention of buying anything from him at that time. Cassy Lawson
I was let into the library and told the guard that I needed Community Outreach Coordinator
him to unlock (another) elevator so that I could get down to the Edmonton and Capital Region, MS Society of Canada
basement for my meeting. He suggested, (after an identical con-
versation ten minutes before) that I use the mechanical elevator Ed.: The CPA (Alberta) used ?WHAT PROGRAM? to develop our
instead. I had to re-explain that I couldn’t operate a manual ele- online resource guide.
vator and he eventually led me to the main elevators so I could
go to the basement. Apologies: Please note correction to title of article by Dan Palamarek.
I went to my meeting and half-way through, the fire alarm Title should read “Istanbul by Electric Chair.”
went off and everyone was told to evacuate. Others attending
the meeting wondered how to help me since the elevator can’t
be used during an alarm. Client Services Evaluation Survey
I told them that I would go out through the one accessible Each year, the Canadian Paraplegic Association (Alberta) con-
exit from the basement which exits to the underground parkade. ducts a survey of its clients to gather their feedback on the qual-
When I got to the door, I was surprised and shocked to find that ity and impact of the services they have received. The survey
the door was locked. supplies information that helps CPA (Alberta) to improve existing
I returned to the lobby to find no one there. I couldn’t access programs, scale back those that may have less value or impact,
the elevators and there was no other way out. I managed to grab and design new ones. Read more about the survey at www.cpa-
the security phone and, despite the piercing noise of the alarm, ab.org/publications/services-evaluation-survey.
was able to tell security that I was in the basement.
For the third time in less than two hours, I had to go through
the spiel about not being able to operate the manual lift. He told Have something on your mind you’d like to talk about? Need to
me to wait beside it and he said he’d come down to get me. let people know something important? Want to give us feedback
So what happened when I then needed to get down three on a specific article, or Spinal Columns as a whole? Send us
steps to leave the building? Once again, I had to argue with your comments to editor@cpa-ab.org and we may publish it in an
security to help me. upcoming issue!
Spinal Columns 5
inthenews
NEWS
Albertans and will help individuals on AISH enhance their qual-
IN ity of life.” (Press Release dated February 10, 2012).
THE
Whitehorn CTrain Station
In May 2010, construction
began to upgrade the White-
Test Adapted Computer Equipment horn CTrain Station in Cal-
If you don’t know the difference between a head mouse and a gary. The upgrades included
roller ball, or if talk about gigs and apps sends you into spasms, lifecycle maintenance; en-
then it’s time to give CPA (Alberta) a call. Thanks to funding hancing the functional and
from the Alberta Spinal Cord Injury Initiative, CPA (Alberta) aesthetic features of the sta-
has acquired six portable adapted computer stations that are tion; replacing and extending
available on loan through its various offices. The purpose of the the platform to accommodate
loan program is to give people with spinal cord injury (SCI) and future four-car CTrains; and
other physical disabilities a chance to test-drive various types enabling customers access to the south end of the platform.
of adapted computer equipment before they purchase their own. Construction was completed in October 2011 and Whitehorn
Staff at six offices have been trained to use the equipment and CTrain Station reopened.
are available to deliver it, set it up and assist users with trouble- Station upgrades also improved accessibility with the south
shooting. So far, about five people in the province have taken end level crossing, a public elevator, increased number of ac-
advantage of this opportunity since it first became available in cessible parking stalls on the south end, improved lighting,
the fall of 2011. and enhanced visibility from the outside of the station as well
as within the station.
The Whitehorn CTrain Station was the first of a number of
stations on the northeast LRT line to be upgraded. Although
construction will be specific to the needs of each station, the
purpose for the upgrades is consistent, and will further enhance
Calgary Transit’s ability to provide efficient and safe public
transportation.
DATS I-Book
Edmonton’s Disabled Adult Transit Service (DATS) is proud
to offer DATS I-Book, a brand new online booking tool for its
clients. This tool was launched in 2011 and enables users to
book reservation trips online using the Internet, during regu-
There are a variety of gadgets available to try, including a lar booking hours: 7:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Monday to Friday and
laptop, head mouse system (a mouse that can be operated by 7:30 a.m. to 12:00 noon Saturday and Sunday. Additionally, cli-
moving your head), a roller ball mouse, tracking pad, adapted ents are able to view trips and cancel trips, if needed, 24 hours
keyboard and voice recognition software. With practice, indi- a day, 7 days a week. This includes trips that have been booked
viduals with very limited mobility can learn to type and access both online and by telephone through the DATS Customer Care
the internet. The current loan period is 6 weeks to allow users Centre. Clients also receive automated confirmation e-mails
enough time to become comfortable with the equipment. for trips booked and cancelled on DATS I-Book. There are just
To help individuals obtain funding to purchase their own over a hundred clients currently using I-Book, and this number
equipment, CPA (Alberta)’s Client Services Coordinator, Kris continues to grow monthly.
Janvier, is compiling a list of funding sources which he will post
to the Community Resource Guide on CPA (Alberta)’s website
at www.cpa-ab.org.
For more information and/or to arrange a loan, contact your
local CPA (Alberta) office or call Kris at (780) 424-6312, ext.
2234; or toll-free at 1 (888) 654-5444.
Government Increases AISH Benefit
The Government of Alberta announced that effective April
1, 2012 the maximum AISH living allowance will increase from
$1,188 to $1,588 and the employment income exemptions will
double from $400 to $800 for single clients and from $975 to I-Book also gives clients the ability to view their pick-up
$1,950 for families. and drop-off locations on an interactive map and features a tool
“A healthy society looks after its most vulnerable,” said Pre- for viewing subscription or recurring trips and same-day trips.
mier Alison Redford. “This increase reflects the compassion of Clients can also manage their own profile and keep information
6 Spinal Columns
inthenews
up-to-date. They can also request a DATS registration form or a
DATS I-Book username and password by contacting the DATS
Customer Care Centre at (780) 496-4567, Option 3 or e-mailing
them at dats@edmonton.ca.
DATS clients can use the DATS I-Book ‘Help’ feature to
learn how to use DATS I-Book through a step-by-step process.
Alternatively, if you are interested in booking a DATS I-Book
demo for your group or facility, call DATS Customer Care Cen-
ter at (780) 496-4567, option 3. If you are interested in using
DATS I-Book, you can request access online at www.datsibook.
gov.edmonton.ab.ca.
CPA (ALBERTA) ANNUAL REPORT
CPA (Alberta)’s 50th Anniversary Annual Report 2011 can be
found at www.cpa-ab.org/publications/annualreport.
IN MEMORIAM
The Canadian Paraplegic Association (Alberta) would like to
recognize the following individuals who have recently passed on.
Lance O’Soup Edmonton
Beatrix O’Heureux Lac La Biche
Jeff Orr Elk Point
Helen Paisley Edmonton
If you would like to make an In Memoriam donation, see page 23.
Spinal Columns 7
meetthestaff
Staff
Profiles
Wanda Seifried is one of CPA (Alberta)’s newest staff mem-
bers, having joined the Red Deer office in September 2011. She
lives in Red Deer, but her work as a Client Services Coordinator
Jessica Jean joined CPA (Alberta)’s Calgary office as an Ab- (CSC) takes her out across Central Alberta. Wanda comes to CPA
original Services Coordinator in May 2011. She was born and from a health care background; she has previously worked in
raised in Lethbridge and moved to Calgary in 2007. She gradu- nursing, long-term care, and emergency medical services. Since
ated from the Lethbridge College Child and Youth Care program she, as a youngster, had aspirations of being Hot Lips Houlihan
in 2001 and moved into a position as a youth counselor for many from M*A*S*H, it is perhaps no coincidence that she ended up in
years with teens who were in crisis and/or had addictions in- the health care field. In addition to her work as a CSC, Wanda
cluding working at the Blood Tribe Youth Ranch in Standoff, is also active in her community, volunteering in her children’s
Alberta. Jessica also worked as a 1:1 support staff for adults school and as a Girl Guide leader. Wanda comes from a military
with disabilities and/or mental impairments, including severe family and this may be why she loves to travel and is always
behavioral issues for 5 years before coming to CPA (Alberta). on the go with her husband and three children. She loves the
Jessica feels that all of her past experiences have led her to her great outdoors and enjoys everything from skating to camping.
current position. She loves being part of the bigger picture and
working with aboriginal individuals living on reserve, as they
are isolated and often not able to access the same services as
those in the city. It is a very rewarding experience to be able
to bring services to them that can improve their quality of life.
Angie Barron has worked at CPA (Alberta) for two years in
a variety of roles: she started out working on the Rick Hansen
Wheels in Motion event, and then took on the role of Special
Events Coordinator, before settling in her current position as
Fund Development Coordinator. She is a proud Maritimer, born
and raised in Nova Scotia, where she also received her B.Sc..
Jeff Dow joined the CPA (Alberta)’s Red Deer office in Au- She worked for Easter Seals Nova Scotia for ten years, followed
gust 2011, as a part-time Client Service Coordinator. What he by one year with the NDP, working as the provincial election
likes most about the job is the flexibility that it gives him to coordinator for Nova Scotia’s 2005 election. After moving to Al-
continue with his schooling. It also helps him meet new people berta with her husband Robert in 2005, she took a position at
with disabilities to whom he can relate and learn from which, EmployAbilities before coming to CPA (Alberta). Angie’s current
in turn, allows him to help others. In Jeff’s spare time, he enjoys position has her overseeing direct mail campaigns, grant acqui-
spending time with his family, going camping and playing video sitions, and special events. She is also responsible for bringing
games. a smile to everyone’s face.
8 Spinal Columns
onyourbehalf
ADVOCACY
Over the last few months there have been a number of new home can access the database to find out if a home is listed and
initiatives or existing initiatives that are moving ahead. CPA if it meets their accessibility needs. The database will be prov-
(Alberta) has been very active in trying to improve community incial in scope and managed by the Calgary Accessible Housing
access for persons with disabilities. We have also been work- Society. Look for an announcement in early May.
ing on the development of expanded housing options for persons In addition, a model is being designed that will illustrate one
with disabilities: or two preferred options for the development of housing with a
care component. It is hoped that this would be completed by
Boyle Renaissance Project May of this year.
Recently, drawings were finalized for an affordable housing
building on 95th St. and 105th Avenue in Edmonton that will Edmonton NGO Office Project
include 32 adapted suites and 58 non-adapted suites. The de-
CPA (Alberta) is playing a leadership role for a group of
signs, while fairly compact, make good use of floor space and
nonprofit agencies that work with people with disabilities in
innovation. Groundbreaking ceremonies are slated for the third
the development of an office building that would include up to
week of March 2012. Plans include new and innovative tech-
22 agencies. This project would include meeting rooms, lunch-
nologies that will be available for individuals with disabilities.
rooms, support services and enhance collaboration among the
Mike Holmes of the TV show “Holmes on Homes” has been very
agencies. It would also be beneficial to individuals who want
involved in the design of the complex. Partners in this building
to access more than one service agency, saving them time and
are the City of Edmonton, Métis Housing Corporation and CPA
energy. A business case is now being developed and should be
(Alberta). Anticipated completion is late 2013.
completed by June 2012.
Station Pointe Project
CPA (Alberta) is
working w ith Com- The help you want
munitas, a nonprofit
housing development when you
group that would like need it the most.
to develop a property in
Edmonton, close to the Pipella Law
Belvedere LRT station. Serious Personal Injury Lawyers
CPA (Alberta) is considering the development of one of the five
apartments into an accessible affordable housing project. This Edward S. Pipella, Q.C., leads a legal
team with over 70 years combined
project may have the ability to become a cooperative, owner- experience practicing exclusively in the
ship-based, rent-to-own including a rental housing project. The area of serious personal injury law.
project will be designed to meet high environmental and sustain- Hemiplegia
able principles. Communitas is hoping to achieve Net 0, which Permanent Disabilities
means that all energy used from the existing system will be re- Brain Injury
Quadriplegia
placed through internal methods. We are now looking for people Paraplegia
who would be interested in working on this exciting project. If Multiple Trauma
interested, please contact Larry Pempeit at (780) 424-6312 or Free Consultation and Hospital Visit
larry.pempeit@cpa-ab.ca. No Fee Unless Recovery
Competitive Rates
SCI Solutions Initiatives Assistance with Securing Medical Aid
CPA (Alberta) and other community stakeholders have de- For maximum results call:
veloped an award system and assessment tool for housing de- Edward S. Pipella, Q.C.
velopers. It is hoped that this award will bring interest to the (403) 265-8733 or (403) 660-9383
or (403) 660-9381
need for accessible housing and encourage developers to build 24-hour Service Call Personal
more accessible housing. An official unveiling of the awards is P Injury
L PIPELLA Law Lawyers
likely in mid 2012. There will also be an online database that
will allow individuals or businesses to list properties for rent
600, 404 6th Avenue S. W. Calgary, AB T2P 0R9
or sale. This will include an assessment tool to assess the ac-
cessibility of their property. Individuals looking to buy or rent a
Spinal Columns 9
i nnovations
surfing for solutions
www.survivingparalysis.com
This is a great example of a website built by a person with a
spinal cord injury (SCI) for people with spinal cord injuries.
It appears to have a very active and educated group of users
who post questions and answers on topics affecting people
with spinal cord injuries (SCI), and the website archives have
a great resource of SCI information.
www.liveitloveit.org
The mission of this website is to promote the progression of
adaptive adventure and outdoor recreation opportunities for
individuals with disabilities. They envision a world where ad-
venture and outdoor recreation is accessible and affordable for tion on just about everything relating to living life with a dis-
everyone with a disability. The pictures and video of the bun- ability—for example, housing, recreation and funding sources,
gee jumping paraplegic girl alone make it worth checking out. to name a few—can be found. Another improved feature is the
Swap N Shop, a “craigslist” type of service for people selling
www.bcpara.org disability related equipment.
CPA (Alberta)’s sister organization, the British Columbia
Paraplegic Association (BCPA) recently launched their new
www.paper.li/DisabledWorld
and improved website which is a powerful, easy to use tool The Disabled World Daily website is a one-stop shop for articles
and resource for people living with spinal cord injury (SCI) or and news stories when it comes to living with a disability. Up-
related physical disability, and their families. The site includes dated with new materials every day, this site can help you stay
a new and improved SCI Information Database with informa- on top of the many issues that affect people with disabilities!
Moving up has
never been easier.
RAM Manufacturing Ltd. is a North American leader in the design and manufacture of ver-
tical elevating products for residential and commercial buildings. We proudly manufacture
the Trus-T-Lift and the UNI-VERS Crystal Elevator right here in Alberta.
Trus-T-Lift’s smooth and quiet performance makes this light weight, dependable and versatile unit
perfect for any residential or commercial application. The UNI-VERS Crystal Elevator can be in-
stalled in various two and three story homes and commercial buildings, such as schools, churches,
apartments and senior citizens centres. Our lifts and elevators can be customized to accommodate
new or existing buildings with little or no modification.
Independent mobility is your connection to the rest of the world. It allows you to remain active,
improving your quality of life. Here at RAM Manufacturing Ltd., we take your independence
seriously, giving you choice and quality at an affordable price.
CALL TOLL-FREE:
1-800-563-4382 E-mail: trustram@trustram.com
www.trustram.com
10 Spinal ColumnsSpinal Columns 11
i nnovations
NEW
PRODUCTS FOR YOU
A Garment for Winter Excursions Not Just an Ordinary Knife
A TrailRider is an excellent way for everyone, regardless The shape of the ulu ensures
of ability, to experience nature. But living in Northern Alberta that the force is centered more over
means cold winters, and often less time on the trails. Stephanie the middle of the blade than with
Albrecht, a University of Alberta student in the faculty of Human an ordinary knife. This makes the
Ecology, along with her supervisor Megan Strickfaden, an as- ulu easier to use when cutting hard
sistant professor with the faculty of Human Ecology are trying objects such as bone. If you have
to change that. They are creating a clothing system that would difficulty slicing and dicing or if
provide warmth and protection from the elements for those who you can only use one hand, the ulu
use the TrailRider so they can hit the trails in the winter. can be a great addition to your utensils. Because the rocking
motion used when cutting on a plate or board with an ulu pins
down the food being cut, it is also easier to use an ulu one-handed
(a typical steak knife, in contrast, requires a fork). Check out
ulu at www.ulu.com.
Cooking with Cory – see the book review in this issue –
shows how the ulu helped him get back in the kitchen after a
spinal cord injury. Check out Cooking with Cory at www.you-
tube.com/watch?v=M4IDNbv6lEw.
A MORE DISCREET CATHETER FOR MEN
Male catheter users have been call-
ing for a more discreet catheter for many
years. Now it’s here.
Coloplast is proud to introduce the
first truly discreet catheter for men –
SpeediCath® Compact Male.
Sitting in a TrailRider for an extended period of time in the SpeediCath® Compact Male is de-
winter can be cold and potentially harmful to the participant. signed for discretion and practicality,
Blankets or sleeping bags are the most commonly-used option, both in and out of the home.
but they can be bulky, inconvenient and they are often not made Sleek, compact and both PVC- and
of practical materials for the outdoors. Working with engineers, phthalate-free, it’s less than half the size
Stephanie is designing a garment that is easy to enter and exit, of standard catheters.
regardless of ability, and will allow the participant a warm, com- This makes it easier to store, carry, use and dispose of in
fortable experience. The students from the Engineering faculty less noticeable ways.
will place heat sensors in the prototypes to find out where the • Designed for discretion
most insulation is needed. • Compact and practical, both in and out of the home
On Monday, January 23, as part of the University of Alberta’s • Can be inserted without touching coated section1,2
ALES Week, Stephanie along with 11 other students from the To be among the first to try SpeediCath Compact Male or
faculties of Human Ecology, Nutrition and Food Science and Art for more information, please contact their consumer support
and Design were able to get some hands-on experience with the team at 1 (866) 293-6349 or visit www.speedicathcompact-
TrailRiders, as well as some first-hand knowledge and ideas male.coloplast.ca.
from the participants who use the TrailRider. Stephanie is con-
tinuing to develop the designs based off what was started by Know of a new or innovative product that you think other Spinal
two students who graduated last year. She is hoping to have a Columns readers would like to hear about? Send us a description
prototype completed by April and ready for testing in September and company contact information to editor@cpa-ab.org and we
2012. Needless to say, everyone is very excited for the prototype! may publish a profile in an upcoming issue!
Stay tuned for more information.
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Spinal Columns
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PASSING
ON THE
by Teren Clarke
I
n addition to his many other jobs, particularly as Direc- sons I gained from working on it made it much easier for me to
tor of Community Development, Larry Pempeit has been convince the management of CPA (Alberta) at that time to take
the Editor of Spinal Columns since its inception in 1983. on printing of a magazine that would bring information and per-
Prior to that, Larry worked as Editor of a disability maga- sonal experiences of living with a disability to CPA members. I
zine called “The Spokesman”. Almost 30 years later, Larry has think one of my greatest accomplishments with CPA (Alberta)
decided to try and lighten his workload and work part-time. is the continued funding and printing of Spinal Columns. My
Focusing on his other major interests over the years, access- hope is it will continue well into the future.”
ibility and housing for individuals with disabilities, Larry says Even though Larry will be passing on the torch as Editor,
he will now work three days per week, but those who know him we are happy he has agreed to continue as a member of the Edi-
wonder if this will really happen. torial Committee so that we can continue to benefit from his
I am struck by the fact that Spinal Columns has provided vast knowledge and experience. He will also continue to provide
a remarkable archive about disability in our province—includ- regular contributions of “On Your Behalf” and “From My Per-
ing clients who tell their stories of struggle, perseverance, spective”, articles that we feel are thought-provoking and reflect
optimism; information about changing equipment and technol- some of the same feelings of many of our readers.
ogy, various disability programs; the history of CPA (Alberta) It is interesting to note the following from our most recent
and its staff and volunteers; and much more—due in large to Client Services Evaluation Survey:
the hard work of Larry Pempeit. Through tight budgets and “Comparing rates of awareness with utilization, we can see
various administrations, Larry was supportive and oftentimes that Spinal Columns and Wheel-E had the highest “uptake” –
tenacious in his support of the magazine and its readers. When 88.9% of people who said they were aware of Spinal Columns
money was tight, Larry sought additional funding from various also said they had read it in the last 12 months.”
programs, funders and sponsors. While articles were provided We would also like to take this opportunity to welcome
by various sources, he was often a “one man show”, ensuring a Betty MacIsaac as she moves from Assistant Editor to Editor
finished product reached your mailbox on a regular basis. Spinal of Spinal Columns.
Columns was oftentimes the only way to ensure many of our cli- Farewell but not goodbye to our long time Editor!
ents received the information they needed.
Larry remembers, “After my spinal cord injury I found my-
self at loss as to what I should do with the rest of my life. In- SPINAL COLUMNS READERS
formation that I could use to live in a world that was new to me In the 2011 CPA (Alberta) Services Evaluation Survey it was
wasn’t easy to come by. In fact quite often I could never find any noted that “The three services that were best known were Spinal
worthwhile information.” Columns (81.8% of people were aware of it), the CPA (Alberta)
“Before I joined CPA,” he continued, “I had the opportunity website (71.9% were aware) and the Peer Conferences (65.3%
to work on a magazine that provided information to Albertans were aware). 64.5% of people had heard of CPA’s e-mail news-
who have disabilities. The value of that magazine and the les- letter Wheel-E.”
14 Spinal Columnsfeature
1
DESIGNERS
MUST NOT THINK OF ACCESSIBILITY AS JUST A
MINIMUM CODE COMPLIANCE ISSUE
by Ron Wickman
A
number of years ago, I was asked to design modifica-
tions to an existing interior ramp. This ramp is over
18 meters long, and involves two 90 degree and one
180 degree turns. The landings are not large enough
for some people in larger wheelchairs and scooters to make the
This existing ramp met the code requirements at the time it was turns. The 1/10 ramp slope is steep by today’s standards and
built 20 years ago. does not meet the required 1/12 slope in the Barrier Free Design
Guide. The ramp ends right at the exit door; again this does not
2 meet code as there is supposed to be a 1500mm x 1500mm level
landing before the door. Today, many people who use wheel-
chairs cannot get up or down this ramp. Finally, it was noted
that some people who use wheelchairs were getting their feet
caught in the vertical bars of the handrail, causing leg injuries.
Where the term Barrier-Free Design relates to compliance
with minimum codes and regulations designed to accommodate
persons with disabilities, Universal Design relates to a design
methodology dedicated to accommodate the broadest divers-
ity and number of people who have to interact with the built
environment throughout their life spans. We know that many
The existing ramp ends right at the exit door. Therefore, the user more people use larger wheelchairs or scooters, therefore de-
must hope to hit the push button and then hope the door opens signers must look to accommodate such users and not just rely
before he or she hits the bottom of the ramp. on the minimum standards of the Barrier Free Design Guide.
3 4
The modified ramp with an enlarged landing is larger than the min-
imum code requirements. The handrails were also modified to be
a wall of stainless steel mesh.
5
Renovations have been made to help meet the Alberta Building
The existing 1/10 ramp slope is steep making it difficult for those Code requirement of today; however, the steeper ramp could not
in manual wheelchairs to move up on their own. be altered, so technically this ramp still does not meet current code.
Spinal Columns 15feature
Singapore&
Kuala Lumpur
by Electric Wheelchair
by Dan Palamarek
16 Spinal Columnsfeature
Dan Palamarek and his wife, Laurie.
O
n December 30, 2011, my wife, Laurie, and I trav- raised floor bumps that lead to elevator locations. Metro waiting
elled to Singapore for a week, and then pushed on platforms were enclosed.
through to Kuala Lumpur for another week. On that Singapore is thoroughly modern, with unique and surprising
Friday evening, we flew WestJet, from Edmonton to architecture. It is very walkable; Laurie and I walked about 10
Vancouver. That trip was uneventful. We then boarded a 2:00 kilometres a day. There is much to do and see: the National Mu-
am Cathay Pacific flight to Hong Kong. Cathay Pacific has an seum, the Asian Museum, botanical gardens, Chinatown, Little
excellent aisle chair that is stored on the plane and folds out eas- India, the Arab Quarter, the Singapore Flyer (like the London
ily to provide a safe, comfortable transition onto the plane. The Eye), and the Marina Bay Skypark (a ship perched atop three 57
flight was approximately 11 hours, mostly in darkness, and my floor hotel towers). There is a riverboat that travels the Singa-
wife slept. The Cathay Pacific seats were cloth covered and com- pore River channel. We managed to find a level access point
fortable; if they had been leather covered, and hopped aboard straight from dock
then I probably would have sat on my Roho
cushion. The luggage and electric wheel-
chair went through cargo to Singapore,
and I sat in a Hong Kong wheelchair for
the layover. Clearing Hong Kong security
was an efficient and dignified event. Cathay
“
Pacific took us from Hong Kong, straight south, to Singapore
in about 3 hours.
A local market was to boat. On the return, the Captain kept
bustling and full
of fresh produce,
including durian
Singapore is an island state on the tip of the Malaysian Pen-
”
the boat in one position long enough
for me to disembark. It was all good
fun and everyone seemed to enjoy the
test. Laurie knew a school chum from
her U. of A. days, and we were treated
to a great traditional dinner in their neighbourhood. Singapore
imports almost all of its food. An evening local market was
bustling and full of fresh produce, including durian – which is
insula. It is almost on the equator, and there always seems to the “King of Fruits”.
be a bit of an ocean haze to moderate the heat. It is protected In Singapore we stayed at the Novotel. The tap water was
from direct ocean forces by surrounding islands. Cathay Pacif- drinkable and staff were excellent (maintenance repaired a lug-
ic staff were courteous and helpful throughout. English was gage caster that had broken). We had planned to take the train
spoken and used throughout the entire trip. Singapore airport from Singapore to Kuala Lumpur. So when we arrived in Singa-
must be amongst the best, with a metro connected. The metro pore, we used a wheelchair taxi to ride out to the Malaysian
was excellent, quiet with very little gap to get over. It used a train station (not served by the metro) to check out accessibility
simple computerized token system. Your stop station determines and buy the tickets. Everything went fine and we rebooked the
the fee and a token is provided for entry into the metro system. cabby for the actual departure trip. The cabby failed to show at
On leaving, the tokens are returned back. Metro stations have the appointed time. The Novotel staff managed to locate another
Spinal Columns 17feature
wheelchair cab on short notice – always reconfirm. At the train
station we zipped through Singaporean and Malaysian secur-
ity. The train had an 18 inch gap between it and the platform,
but a metal bridge was found. The ride from Singapore to Kuala
Lumpur is 6 hours. It travels through lush vegetation and simple
village life. The train screams along, jostling its cars to and fro.
It was worth every penny.
Singapore, with a population of about 5 million, is organized
and developed. Kuala Lumpur, with a population of 7.5 million,
is less organized, less developed, but no less interesting. On
pulling into the Sentral Station at KL, there was still a wide
gap but no bridge. The wheelchair and I got carried off the train
separately. The KL transit is Bombardier built. It operates much
like Singapore; but like the Malaysian train, it screams through
turns, strangely fitting into the more rough and tumble nature
of KL. Places that are close to the transit can be accessible for
wheelchair travellers. Places away from the transit are hard to
get to. We stayed at the Intercontinental Hotel, which was itself
beautiful and accessible, but to get around the neighbourhood
meant dodging traffic and looking long and hard for level’ish’
curbs. Yet an exciting and vibrant city, growing and developing
constantly. As in Singapore, the people were always polite,
helpful, and quick with smiles. We were able to visit a central
Market, the National Square, City Hall, and the Petronas Twin
Towers. We were unable to find a wheelchair taxi to drive us to
specific sites. Laurie loved the shopping.
As was the case in Singapore, the weather was warm and
humid, but comfortable. We flew back from KL to Hong Kong. Dan enjoying the view from his hotel room.
KL has an express transit line to the airport out of the Sentral
Station. Again we put the luggage and wheelchair through to
Vancouver. Upon arriving in Vancouver, my wheelchair had been
damaged in flight. Luckily it was still operable. I filed a quick CLASSIC HEALTH
SUPPLIES LTD.
report with the Cathay Pacific counter in Vancouver. They did
a visual inspection and gave me a tentative claim verification.
Upon arriving in Edmonton and getting to the van, my seating
position in my wheelchair was changed so much that I felt un-
safe to drive from it. We came up with an alternative way to get • Catheters • Cleansers
home. Back at home, pictures were taken and a local assess-
“Caring • Condoms • Gloves
ment was done and emailed to Cathay Pacific. If airlines are • Night Bags • Leg Bags
unable to push a chair; then, in lifting, damage can occur. Elec-
tric wheelchairs should have clear labels on how to unlock the enough • Liners • Diapers
gears to allow rolling to occur. Southeast Asia is where many of • Deodorants • Needles
the future’s stories could be written. It is rapidly developing its to make a • Syringes • Gauze
prosperity and its leadership. If the opportunity arises; please
travel, explore, and share. difference” • Tubing • Ostomy
P.S. In 2008, Laurie and I visited London, staying at the • Connectors • Walkers
Novotel, in the Hammersmith district. I had planned to charge
the wheelchair using a 110 volt AC to DC charger, and an off-
the-rack 220 volt to 110 volt converter. The moment I plugged Phone (780) 421-4372
it all in, the converter failed and the charger went up in smoke. Toll Free 1-888-421-0488
Undaunted, I went to the front desk, had them google wheelchair
service centres, and returned to the room, armed with phone
Fax (780) 421-4507
numbers and direction maps. In no time, I found a universal UPG
battery charger that changes 100 to 240 volts of alternating cur- 8317 Argyll Road
rent, into 24 volts of direct current. The universal charger cost Edmonton, Alberta T6C 4B2
85 pounds, about 135 dollars. I have used it on all my trips and e-mail: email@classichealth.com
it works fine with any type of AC input. I have been unable to
find it in Canadian shops.
18 Spinal Columnsopinion
FROM MY PERSPECTIVE
by Larry Pempeit
I
’ve always felt that one of the ier to try to remove it but that can’t always happen. Quite often
greatest contributions to my I’m asked if I would like them to enter my PIN number. While I
ability to be independent is the appreciate the offer, I don’t want to announce my PIN number to
new technologies that are un- everyone within hearing distance.
folding today. What is a luxury for At this point, I ask for the manager so that my bill can be
some has become a necessity for me, moved to customer service, but sometimes that can’t happen
saving many hours of frustration of and they have to open another till that is accessible. This is an
possibly having to do without. I can inconvenience for them as well as for me and other customers.
only imagine how these technologies I’ve also found some businesses that have the fixed pin pad in
will improve my life and the lives of others who have a disability the middle of the counter beyond my reach. Last week, I went to
in the future. one business where it was mounted at the corner of the counter
There are some technologies, however, that are now becoming at the right height, but had shelving from the floor up, which pre-
a barrier for me where once I was independent. vented me from even getting close. This is an alarming trend for
Over the last year I have noticed an increase in the way busi- me. I was able to use my MasterCard when I couldn’t reach the
nesses manage their PIN pads. These little gems that made pay- pin pad but now, with the added security of card chips, most busi-
ing bills so easy are now becoming a barrier. Some stores are nesses use pin pads for credit cards as well.
attaching them to fixed posts often well beyond my sight line and Another alarming incident happened at the gas station. I gave
too high for me to punch in my PIN number. Grocery stores are my them my MasterCard and they insisted I come into the gas station
pet peeve, as I need to go there all time. Some stores only have two and enter my pin number. That meant I had to find a parking spot
or three checkouts with lowered or detachable PIN pads. Great! and go into the store. Now, not only do I have difficulty finding a
That means I only have three choices. If two of those choices are full service gas station, but I also have the added problem of find-
closed, I end up with one. And if that happens to be an express ing one where I don’t have to get out of my vehicle.
line, (12 items or less) I have to find a clerk to open a till that has I think we need to stop this right now! Let’s start writing to
a lower machine. these businesses to explain just how much of a hardship this is
Occasionally, I’ve been in a line where I didn’t notice the ma- for all of us who have trouble using pin pads that are unreachable.
chine was attached to a pole and unreachable. So I ask the cash- That’s my opinion.
Spinal Columns 19Serious Injuries • Serious L
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Spinal Columns 21sports
SNOW
MOUNTAIN
PRINCESS
Trying something new, SCI style
PART 2
by Kuen Tang
T
aking my own challenge after a wonderful ex- other, shattered my courage. I was there to ski, however, to fully
perience with skydiving last summer, I decided experience this sport, so I determined to give my best. I put on
to tr y somet h ing t hat I’ve a lways d ismissed my best smile and told my two mountain knights (Matthew and
because I thought I could never do it or enjoy Jamie), “Let’s do it again”!
it: downhill skiing. For a 6/7 quadriplegic without any I was so glad I made that decision. I was skiing down the
trunk control, for the past 10 years, I had allowed my mountain with only some assistance the second time around, with
own misconception of my ability to downhill ski to cloud Jamie tethering me from behind. A few minor wipeouts actually
my judgment. helped me to shake off my fear of heights. It was the fact that I
With encouragement from my friend Matthew Hamer, whom was skiing with some independence that boosted my confidence
I met on my hiking trip last summer, I decided to take the plunge even more and I was excited when Jamie suggested going up the
and give downhill skiing a try. I asked myself, “Why wipe out on a Angel Run, 6500 feet up.
small hill when I can wipe out, gracefully I hope, on a mountain?” Yahoo! as I passed the trees;
It was a beautiful day in January, with sun covering all of Yahoo! x 2 as I was speeding up a hill;
Sunshine Village. The view was magnificent! As I drove on the Yahoo! x 3 as I got some air time after going over a little jump;
winding road towards my destination, the sight of the snowy Yahoo! x 4 as I skied past the able-bodied skiers;
mountain, people carrying skis, and the thought of skiing for the Yahoo! x 5 as foam padding flew out from under my feet be-
first time, made my excitement hard to contain ... my smile could cause I was going so fast.
not be wiped off my face. My level of excitement was incredible. Jamie yelled, “Turn,
My excitement was temporarily suspended when I got on the turn!” from behind me, to remind me to slow down. “But I like
gondola. Darn, I’m still deathly afraid of heights and skydiving the speed,” I chuckled a little. “If Jamie can safely teach me, a
did not cure it. That excitement was reignited after I got off the quadriplegic plus directionally-challenged and left/right confused
gondola and saw the bi-ski that I would be using. Jamie McCul- person to ski, then anyone can come to ski without fear!” Going
loch, the wonderful instructor from Rocky Mountain Adapted faster and faster, past 60 km/hr, knowing Jamie was keeping me
Sports Center, greeted me with a big smile; Robert Kennedy Jr., safe, I wanted more. I was so disappointed when we got down
the Baldwin brothers, and many other celebrities may have also to the bottom, so we went two more times. I was determined to
been on the hills that day, but I was too excited to notice; I was make up for the ten years of foolishness that my misconception
focused only on skiing. had caused. If the sun had not gone down and the ski hill had not
Things didn’t go as smoothly as expected: my ski jacket was closed, I would not have stopped.
left at the bottom of the mountain; I did not wear warm enough As I drove away from the mountain the next morning, an
pants or shoes; the hill called Magic Carpet, intended for beginner overwhelming sadness came over me, like I had found the love of
skiers, dimmed my excitement because I kept falling. I started my life and had to leave him right away. I whispered, “This snow
to question my ability to ski: going down my first hill with Jamie mountain princess will be back!” as I drove towards my home,
pushing behind and suddenly hitting a 35 degree drop, then an- my mind still skiing on hills in the mountains.
22 Spinal Columnssports
Welcome to the Calgary
SCI Fitness and Wellness Centre
W
ith the generous support of corporate sponsors, pulmonary function and quality of life.
we have created and equipped the SCI Fitness We hope that many of our members will take advantage of
and Wellness Centre at the Calgary office of CPA the new centre and this one of a kind opportunity in Calgary!
(Alberta). This new opportunity will provide in- Remember, we have ample parking, ample space for Access Cal-
dividuals with spinal cord injuries and other related disabilities gary drop off and are located on a CTS route.
in the Calgary region with a place to work out in an inviting and If you are a person who lives with a spinal cord injury or re-
accessible space with the support of knowledgeable staff/stu- lated disability and require further information, or wish to ob-
dents. Our goal is to help you become as strong and healthy as tain an application package to utilize the centre, please contact
possible. You can also connect with peers who share your fitness Marilyn Erho, Peer Coordinator, at (403) 228-7434 or marilyn.
goals. The centre is equipped with a flat screen TV and sound erho@cpa-ab.org.
system, two ceiling track/person transfer systems, accessible
resistance equipment, floor mats, free weights, standing frame/
glider, argometer and more. The philosophy behind the centre If you would like to make an In Memoriam donation to the
is different in that all users will have unique needs that can be Canadian Paraplegic Association (Alberta), fill out the form
supported facilitating a wide range of fitness activities. Some below and mail it to our offices.
participants will be participating in a research protocol to in-
vestigate the benefits of an intensive fitness routing related to
Spinal Columns 23You can also read
