2008/2009 Overview - Engaging Communities in Finding Solutions

Through RHF leadership, the Alberta SCI Initiative strives to engage communities in finding solutions through three programs:

• the Rick Hansen Wheels In Motion community fund-raising events
• the Rick Hansen Ambassador program, and
• the Rick Hansen School Program (Kids In Motion, Awards, Resources). 

Click on the link below to find out more about these programs.

RHWIM community fund-raising events

Key Objective: Support the RHF in its efforts to encourage growth in the number and financial earnings of RHWIM community fund-raising events.

Rick Hansen Wheels In Motion (RHWIM) events across Canada feature the Scotiabank Wheelchair Challenge, in which teams race against the clock through an obstacle course of various everyday activities. The event is designed to give participants a better understanding of what it is like to navigate through life using a wheelchair, and create awareness for those living with disabilities.

Funds raised through RHWIM events help support quality of life projects as well as targeted, strategic priorities called National Solutions, all to improve the lives of people with spinal cord injury. Since inception, funds have been directed to address the priority needs of individuals and groups of individuals in event communities. This local strategy has been incredibly successful and we were able to meet many of the needs of people living with spinal cord injury through the support of more than 800 local quality of life projects, nation-wide.

Quality of life projects help to ensure that people with spinal cord injury receive the support they need to fully participate in their community and lead active and healthy lives. In doing so, these projects also contribute to making communities more accessible and inclusive. Quality of life funds are directed to initiatives in the following categories:

• Personal and technical devices and equipment
• Accessibility
• Health and wellness programs
• Education and skill development
• Employment programs
• Sport and recreation
• Awareness and information
• Support for participation in clinical trials and other research initiatives

Funds raised through RHWIM also go to support National Solutions. These targeted, strategic priorities are identified by the SCI Solutions Network and hold the promise of improving the quality of life for thousands of Canadians currently living with SCI, and all those who may sustain an SCI in the future. Funding from RHWIM allows the SCI Solutions Network to test the effectiveness of these projects and promote widespread implementation once they’ve been clearly determined to have a positive impact.


The Rick Hansen Ambassador Program

Key Objective: Support the RHF in its efforts to increase the number of Albertans with SCI who are skilled spokespeople and leaders in their communities.

Rick Hansen Foundation Ambassadors are people with spinal cord injury who volunteer in communities across Canada, sharing their stories of inspiration and courage in support of Wheels In Motion. Rick Hansen Foundation Ambassadors share their stories with media, community and corporate groups to put a face on spinal cord injury and raise awareness about the potential of people with disabilities. Audiences learn about the courage it takes to move on after an injury and of some of the daily challenges people face in a wheelchair and that the hopes and dreams of a person with SCI are very similar to their own.

The Alliance supports the RHF in identifying individuals who would be suitable ambassadors. As of March 31, 2009, there were 27 Alberta Ambassadors engaged in presentations on behalf of the spinal cord injured community. Two are involved at the national level. During the 2008/2009 fiscal year, the Ambassadors made 18 presentations, gave 27 media interviews and 13 RHWIM event day presentations.

Support the Rick Hansen School Program (Kids In Motion, Awards, Resources)

Key Objective: increase the level of social responsibility, improve life skills, and increase understanding of the barriers to accessibility among Alberta youth.

The Rick Hansen School Program (RHSP) which promotes self-worth and social awareness through stories, lesson plans and activities inspired by Rick Hansen’s legendary Man in Motion World Tour.

Presentations:
• Calgary Board of Education Administrators Meeting
• Health and Physical Education Council - PHE Conference, Banff Alberta

Trade Show Participation:
• Calgary Teachers Convention - February 26 & 27 2009
• Greater Edmonton Teachers' Convention - February 12 &13, 2009
• Central Alberta (Palliser) Teachers' Convention – February 16 & 17, 2009

Number of introductory packages sent out to schools: 1,461
Number of schools that chose to participate in program: 70
2009/2010 target for number of registered schools: 140

Every K-12 school in Alberta has the RHSP library resources. These materials assist educators in using Rick Hansen’s story to inspire dialogue and learning around the big ideas of social responsibility and the importance of creating a world that is inclusive and accessible for people of all abilities. For schools with K-7 students these resources include: one copy of the Rick Hansen School Program CD/DVD; one copy of each of the following books: Rick Hansen Canadian Hero; Boy in Motion – the Rick Hansen Story; Tale of a Great White Fish. For schools with students in grades 8-12 these resources include: a copy of the Rick Hansen School Program CD/DVD and one copy of the book Rick Hansen Man In Motion.

Distribution of Rick Hansen School Program introductory material packages to every Public, Catholic and Independent school in Alberta is now completed. Recruiters are now trained and seasoned, ready to continue expansion for future.