tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-56926905394978347242024-03-04T21:08:47.669-07:00The Alberta SCI Initiativekcoulombehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07626727472256705256noreply@blogger.comBlogger35125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5692690539497834724.post-39182585314927200462011-08-01T08:00:00.000-06:002013-09-28T23:09:24.746-06:00Follow us at www.cpa-ab.orgThis blog site has been retired. Information regarding the Alberta Spinal Cord Injury Initiative can be accessed on the website of the Canadian Paraplegic Association (Alberta) at www.cpa-ab.org<br />
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5692690539497834724.post-70015848695692338472011-07-26T12:52:00.000-06:002011-07-26T12:52:22.394-06:00New Logo!The Alberta SCI Initiative now has its own distinctive logo. The design reflects our consumer-centred, solutions-driven approach. "Moving Forward Together" is the slogan chosen by initial partners who collaborated in preparing a proposal to the Government of Alberta for support in providing leadership and innovation in the area of spinal cord injury treatment and quality of life. The colours coordinate with those of the Rick Hansen Foundation, Rick Hansen Institute, The Alberta Paraplegic Foundation and the Canadian Paraplegic Association (Alberta), reflecting our common purpose. The image of a person in a wheelchair reflects our dedication to consumer driven results and a recognition of the unique needs of each individual affected by SCI. The variation in text size gives an impression of forward movement, driven by the needs of people with SCI. Our logo was created by a designer through designoutpost.com which provides quality design work at reasonable prices by designers from around the globe. Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5692690539497834724.post-34522306443138573932011-05-03T12:26:00.003-06:002011-09-23T23:46:16.320-06:00On a Roll ... The Alberta SCI Action Strategy Maintains its Momentum with Eight Action Plans<div class="separator" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.docstoc.com/docs/96293634/On-a-Roll-and-on-the-Right-Track"><img border="0" hca="true" height="198" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEip6nq6Rq9xiCmmjypGcCKFpINb3ievIQcgmIHHc8iHzsnZWShg8BfL_IWuwemkGbK_dkPXjbIHENmoLclxtf9fibHWAYhsr9PdA_mil3_yDyustn6vapKA5P3Fe9OGMj142gd6wjkd2I15/s320/getty+image+AA046126+large.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">It’s been a whirlwind year for the Alberta Spinal Cord Injury Strategy and, like a whirlwind, we’ve been picking up momentum and sweeping people and ideas into the action as we move along. The Strategy began in 2009 with a plan to bring “stakeholders” – people living with SCI and those who provide them with care and services – from around Alberta together to create a plan to address some of the serious issues that Albertans with SCI face. Our approach involved a lot of consultation and collaboration: first to identify the constellation of problems that limit quality of life for people with SCI, next to narrow our focus to a list of three priority issues, third to develop clear-cut strategies to attack those problems, and fourth to implement those strategies. Today, we are at stage four – implementation – and I’d like to share with you the plans we have for eight exciting projects that will not only bring some immediate improvements to people’s lives, but build the capacity of individuals and agencies to meet their own needs and those of their clients into the future.</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The eight projects, or “Action Plans,” address three areas that our stakeholders said were top priority and the starting place for action: affordable accessible housing, home care / attendant care, and adaptive equipment and devices. Three Task Teams consisting of about 10 people each were struck to deliberate on these topics and develop strategies that would add capacity to the SCI community and improve quality of life for people with SCI. Their ideas were reviewed and approved for funding by the SCI Solutions Alliance in October, 2010. In total, $300,000 in Alliance funding, plus extensive volunteer hours by committee members, and matching donations from other sources will be used to implement the following Action Plans.<br />
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Click on the picture above to download a copy of On a Roll.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
</div><span style="color: #c27ba0; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Community Resource Guide</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Knowledge is power, and one of our most important projects is to create a searchable website of local, provincial, national, and international resources to help people increase their knowledge of important information and services available in the areas of housing, home care/attendant care, and adaptive equipment and devices. We’re designing it to be interactive so that our users can contribute information and comments based on their own experiences. It will be updated annually. Our plan is to create a site that meets the needs of consumers, draws a large number of users and eventually attracts the dollars needed to expand it to include other topic areas.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></div><div class="Default" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: #c27ba0; font-size: large;">Community Living Attendant Training Program</span></span></div><div class="Default" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="Default" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"></span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-size: small;">Many attendant care training programs have been eliminated from Alberta colleges; the programs that remain are expensive, require a lengthy time commitment, and present language barriers for new Canadians, resulting in a shortage of trained care attendants. In addition, existing training programs are based on institutional care models whereby attendants are accountable to institutional or commercial employers, rather than to the clients they serve. The Alberta curriculum will be developed, designed and is delivered with the direct involvement of people with disabilities. It will focus on teaching students to be responsive to consumer choice and control over the daily decisions that impact their lives. Training will be delivered over a much shorter period of time and at a lower cost than existing home care aide programs while still ensuring that graduates have the skills to attend to their clients' needs safely and appropriately. </span></span></div><div class="Default" style="color: #c27ba0; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> <span style="font-size: large;"> </span></div><div class="Default" style="color: #c27ba0; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Evaluation of Supportive Housing Models</span></div><div class="Default" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="Default" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">In communities across Alberta, the need for a range of accessible housing with supports provided is great and growing. This project will provide communities with information and next steps to help initiate local supportive housing projects. First we will be examining existing models in Alberta and elsewhere to identify effective and innovative models that could be replicated. Then we will be sharing that information with communities, along with a template for a business case and guidelines on how to take the business case to the next level. The goal is to build capacity for future growth in supportive housing that meets the unique needs of people with SCI and similar physical disabilities so that they can continue to live in the community of their choice.</div><div class="Default" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="Default" style="color: #c27ba0; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Residential Accessibility Assessment Tool</span></div><div class="Default" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="Default" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">There is a confusing array of information out there about accessibility and what constitutes an accessible home. The confusion creates problems for people needing to find a place to live that meets their specific level of ability. This project will look at the variety of guidelines, tools and processes that are currently being used to assess and describe the accessibility of homes and create a single, standard guideline that distinguishes between different levels of accessibility. The assessment tool and process we create will be promoted widely to encourage standardization. Our long-term hope is that with wide use of a standard tool to conduct audits, a provincial registry could be started to provide easier access to information on accessible homes available for people with SCI and other disabilities. The tool would also be helpful to people wanting to design or renovate their own home to certain specifications.</div><div class="Default" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="Default" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #c27ba0; font-size: large;">Builders' Award</span> </div><div class="Default" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="Default" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Builders and other people working in the building industry are critical partners in the creation of more accessible and affordable housing. With a Builders Award we aim to recognize builders, designers and contractors who have shown excellence in accessible home design. To be successful we not only need to create the award, but market the idea of accessible design. This project will do both those things, with the goal of creating awareness, relationships, momentum, commitment and overall raising the profile and desirability among builders – and buyers – of accessible design.</div><div class="Default" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="Default" style="color: #c27ba0; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Research and Funding for Pressure Relief and Pressure Reduction Devices</span></div><div class="Default" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="Default" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Pressure sores are costly and personally devastating problems. This project will look at the best practices in pressure sore prevention and treatment, and share that information widely with consumers and care providers. It is also our hope to provide funding through the Solutions Fund specifically for pressure relief and reduction devices. In this way we address the immediate needs of consumers while potentially encouraging clinicians, service providers and equipment funders to review the effectiveness of their policies and practices in the area of pressure sore prevention and treatment.</div><div class="Default" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="Default" style="color: #c27ba0; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Improved Trials for Computer Equipment</span></div><div class="Default" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="Default" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Technology is advancing at a rapid rate, and with it, the funding priorities of various programs designed to improve access to computer equipment. More than ever, funders and consumers need to see and handle the equipment to understand it’s benefits to people with different levels of ability. Consumers also need time to trial equipment to see what will really work best for them. This project will provide equipment for people to trial so that they can then go forward confidently with proposals to various funders to obtain the equipment they need to get on with their lives – whether it be plans to go back to school, get a job, or just become more independent and connected to the outside world.</div><div class="Default" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="Default" style="color: #c27ba0; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Best Practices Research into Catheter Use</span></div><div class="Default" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="Default" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Single use or multi-use catheters – which is best and how do you decide? This project will look at best practices research and sort through the information to develop a “decision tree” that care providers, consumers and other professionals can refer to in order to determine which type of catheterization is best. The decision-tree will take into account a person’s lifestyle as well as their health when making recommendations regarding “cathing.”</div><div class="Default" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="Default" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="Default" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">All eight of these Action Plans are in the beginning stages of implementation and are all scheduled to be completed by March 2012. And so the whirlwind continues!</div><div class="Default" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="Default" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">On behalf of the Alberta SCI Solutions Alliance, I’d like to thank the dozens of people who have volunteered their time so far to developing the Strategy and the Action Plans and who are now working to implement them. Their on-going commitment not only help keep us “Rolling” but keeps us “On the Right Track”. </div><div class="Default" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="Default"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";"></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";"></span></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5692690539497834724.post-49909049759038681012011-05-03T12:06:00.000-06:002011-05-03T12:06:44.851-06:00Funding Available for Pressure Relieving Devices<table class="contentpaneopen"><tbody>
<tr><td class="contentheading" width="100%">The Alberta SCI Pressure Relief Device Fund </td> <td align="right" class="buttonheading" width="100%"> <a href="" title="PDF"> <img align="middle" alt="PDF" border="0" name="image" src="http://www.paraplegicfoundation.org/images/M_images/pdf_button.png" /> </a> </td> <td align="right" class="buttonheading" width="100%"> <a href="" title="Print"> <img align="middle" alt="Print" border="0" name="image" src="http://www.paraplegicfoundation.org/images/M_images/printButton.png" /> </a> </td> <td align="right" class="buttonheading" width="100%"> <a href="" title="E-mail"> <img align="middle" alt="E-mail" border="0" name="image" src="http://www.paraplegicfoundation.org/images/M_images/emailButton.png" /> </a> </td> </tr>
</tbody></table><span class="775500720-18042011"><div class="MsoNormal">The Alberta SCI Pressure Relief Device Fund was created to improve the immediate health status and quality of life of Albertans with spinal cord injuries (SCI) dealing with pressure sores by providing funding to purchase appropriate pressure reduction and prevention devices. The Alberta SCI Pressure Relief Device Fund is available in the form of grants up to $5,000 for individuals with SCI living in the Province of Alberta.</div><div class="MsoNormal">The Alberta SCI Pressure Relief Device Fund is one step in the creation and implementation of the Alberta SCI Action Strategy to enhance the wellbeing of Albertans with SCI by identifying priorities of critical importance, engaging the entire SCI community in the process of addressing identified priorities and informing decision making processes related to present and future investments in SCI related initiatives.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><strong>Your application can be mailed, dropped off, couriered, faxed or e-mailed to:</strong></div><div class="MsoNormal">Solutions Coordinator<br />
The Alberta Paraplegic Foundation<br />
305 Hys Centre, 11010 101 Street<br />
Edmonton, Alberta T5H 4B9<br />
Phone: (780) 424-6312, ext 2227<br />
Fax: (780) 424-6313<br />
Email: <a href="mailto:solutionsfund@paraplegicfoundation.org">solutionsfund@paraplegicfoundation.org</a> <noscript> This email address is being protected from spam bots, you need Javascript enabled to view it </noscript> </div><a href="http://www.paraplegicfoundation.org/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=27&Itemid=41">APPLICATION FORM AND GUIDELINES</a><br />
<div class="MsoNormal"><strong>APPLICATION DEADLINE:<br />
Wednesday, June 15, 2011 @ 4:00p.m. MST</strong></div></span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5692690539497834724.post-76546785560109320592010-11-04T11:22:00.001-06:002010-11-04T11:29:14.909-06:00Requests for Proposals - Affordable Accessible HousingProposals are now being accepted for projects in the area of affordable accessible housing for people with SCI and similar physical disabilities. The closing date for applications is November 19, 2010. RFPs are available through the following links, or by contacting Heather Lissel at heather.lissel@cpa-ab.org <br />
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<a href="http://www.docstoc.com/docs/59577384/RFP-Evaluation-of-Supportive-Housing-Models">RFP Builders' Award</a><br />
<a href="http://www.docstoc.com/docs/59577246/RFP-Builders-Award">RFP Evaluation of Supportive Housing Models</a><br />
<a href="http://www.docstoc.com/docs/59577162/RFP-Residential-Assessment-Tool">RFP Residential Assessment Tool</a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5692690539497834724.post-48608708970905172162010-11-04T10:56:00.002-06:002010-11-04T11:30:12.027-06:00Community Consultation Sessions now underwayConsumer involvement is an important principle underlying our work on the Alberta SCI Action Strategy. We believe that all consumers are unique and have the right and the responsibility to be involved in decisions that could affect their lives. Over the next two weeks we will be conducting community consultation sessions with consumers to get their input into the eight SCI Strategy Action Plans. If you are interested in attending one of these sessions, please contact Heather Lissel at 780-467-4418 or heather.lissel@cpa-ab.org.<br />
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If you've missed the session in your community, or are unable to attend, you can still have a say by letting us know what your experiences have been in the areas of housing, home care/attendant care, and adaptive equipment/devices and letting us know what advice you would have to help us make sure the projects we are undertaking in those areas meet your needs.<br />
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A feedback form, along with a brief description of the projects we are undertaking is available by contacting Heather at the number above. <i>We look forward to hearing from you!</i>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5692690539497834724.post-77055656211411905222010-11-04T10:39:00.002-06:002010-11-04T11:30:39.914-06:00Funding is approved and we are On a Roll!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEji25X8y-QaBiRNbaixHWcuIKLyZsEFL0tD6O7vkzTQ8O4A7l7g1oa6yXU0iTwCvJ0LHRzS-0-pIYk_H9ZZbro2XpQc4SZzh_p9bW92Crw76ppOPmedoUuzEJIdnI35s9AZsfvDWz-S_maE/s1600/AA046126_8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEji25X8y-QaBiRNbaixHWcuIKLyZsEFL0tD6O7vkzTQ8O4A7l7g1oa6yXU0iTwCvJ0LHRzS-0-pIYk_H9ZZbro2XpQc4SZzh_p9bW92Crw76ppOPmedoUuzEJIdnI35s9AZsfvDWz-S_maE/s1600/AA046126_8.jpg" /></a>We are pleased to announce that The Alberta Paraplegic Foundation has approved the allocation of $300,000 in Solutions funding to implement eight projects designed to improve quality of life for Albertans with spinal cord injury and similar disabilities. We would like to thank the more than 30 volunteer Task Team members and their Facilitators for their dedication and hard work to bring this to fruition. Many of these same individuals have committed to continue working with us as we implement the Action Plans.<br />
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The Action Plans address priority issues in the areas of Affordable Accessible Housing, Home Care/Attendant Care, and Adaptive Equipment/Devices. A list of the Action Plans follows. <br />
<div class="O"><div class="O"><div><span style="font-size: 178%;"><span style="color: #003366; font-family: Wingdings; left: -4.87%; position: absolute;">q</span></span><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"></span><span style="font-size: 32pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"></span></span></span></div></div><div><span style="font-size: 67%;"><span style="left: -0.79%; position: absolute;">-</span></span><span style="font-size: 12pt;"> </span></div></div><ul><li>An easily searchable, comprehensive internet guide with information on adaptive equipment, housing and home care/attendant care. </li>
<li>Improved consumer access to trials for computer software and hardware as well as environmental devices.</li>
<li>Information on pressure-reducing technologies and grant funds available to purchase pressure-reducing equipment and devices.</li>
<li>Information on best practices in catheter use provided to consumers, caregivers and other service providers in an easy to follow format</li>
<li>A pilot of the PACE (personal attendant community education) program developed by the Independent Living Resource Centre in Winnipeg Manitoba. PACE is a 5-week consumer-focused training program for individuals wanting to become paid caregivers.</li>
<li>An evaluation of supportive housing models with a view to supporting communities' ability to promote supportive housing development locally.</li>
<li>The development of a province-wide, standard tool to assess home accessibility and making that information available on the web.</li>
<li>A provincial award to recognize excellence in accessible home design and construction.</li>
</ul>Detailed information on each of these projects will be posted shortly or contact Heather Lissel at heather.lissel@cpa-ab.org or 424-6312.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5692690539497834724.post-57600091981584357762010-09-01T14:59:00.002-06:002010-09-01T15:02:16.343-06:00Alberta SCI Solutions Grant Funding - Fall 2010 Call for ApplicationsThe application form and guidelines for the Alberta SCI Solutions Fund will be available on The Alberta Paraplegic Foundation webpage on September 8, 2010, not September 3, 2010 as previously posted.Ross Nortonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15281105638439850212noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5692690539497834724.post-71291575163138154392010-08-31T14:29:00.003-06:002010-08-31T14:33:59.826-06:00Alberta SCI Solutions Grant Funding - Fall 2010 Call for ApplicationsPlease note that we will be accepting applications for the Alberta SCI Solutions Grant Funding on September 3rd, 2010. The application deadline is October 15, 2010. The application guidelines and forms can be downloaded from The Alberta Paraplegic Foundation website at www.paraplegicfoundation.org. Please note that there is no longer an Active Living fund and any successful applicants from Spring 2010 will not be considered for funding for this round.Ross Nortonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15281105638439850212noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5692690539497834724.post-92095966378155742352010-05-26T11:23:00.003-06:002010-05-26T11:30:25.937-06:00Alberta SCI Solutions & Active Living Grant Funding - Spring 2010 Call for Applications ClosedThe Alberta SCI Solutions & Active Living Grant Funding call for applications for the Spring 2010 is now closed. We anticipate notifying successful applicants in July 2010.Ross Nortonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15281105638439850212noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5692690539497834724.post-14204645259266025692010-05-13T22:09:00.003-06:002010-06-15T10:01:06.548-06:00Glossary now availableA glossary of terms related to housing, adaptive equipment/devices and home care/attendant care is now available by clicking <a href="http://www.docstoc.com/docs/43646612/Glossary-of-Task-Team-terms-FINAL">here</a>. The glossary will be useful to our Task Teams who will be developing strategies to address issues in these three areas as they related to Albertans with spinal cord injury.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5692690539497834724.post-55146946149460561582010-05-07T14:18:00.002-06:002010-05-07T14:21:38.422-06:00The Alberta SCI Solutions Fund - Email Address Not WorkingHello! For those who have intend to submit an application for funding for the Alberta SCI Solutions Fund or the Alberta SCI Active Living Fund, the email address solutionsfund@paraplegicfoundation.org is not working. Please submit your application using the email address ROSS.NORTON@CPA-AB.ORG or by fax, mail or in-person.Ross Nortonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15281105638439850212noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5692690539497834724.post-79567043605229615482010-04-14T15:22:00.004-06:002010-04-27T10:18:30.724-06:00The Alberta Solutions & Active Living Grant Funding - Now Accepting ApplicationsApplications are now being accepted for both the Alberta SCI Solutions Fund and the Alberta SCI Active Living Fund. Application deadline is Friday, May 14th, 2010 at 4:00pm MST. Eligible applicants include Albertans with spinal cord injuries (including polio and spina bifida) and not-for-profits registered as a charity with the Canada Revenue Agency or a society with the Alberta Societies Act that provide services for Albertans with SCI or looking to expand services for Albertans with SCI. The application forms and guidelines for both funds can be located by going to <a href="http://www.paraplegicfoundation.org/">www.paraplegicfoundation.org</a>. Any questions can be directed to Ross Norton, Solutions Coordinator at the Alberta Paraplegic Foundation, 305 11010 101 Street, Edmonton, Alberta T5H 4B9, phone (780) 424-6312 or email solutionsfund@paraplegicfoundation.org.Ross Nortonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15281105638439850212noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5692690539497834724.post-72426775896948861062010-03-28T20:54:00.014-06:002010-04-21T13:32:31.489-06:00Welcome Alberta SCI Action Strategy Task Team Members!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEji25X8y-QaBiRNbaixHWcuIKLyZsEFL0tD6O7vkzTQ8O4A7l7g1oa6yXU0iTwCvJ0LHRzS-0-pIYk_H9ZZbro2XpQc4SZzh_p9bW92Crw76ppOPmedoUuzEJIdnI35s9AZsfvDWz-S_maE/s1600/AA046126_8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="123" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEji25X8y-QaBiRNbaixHWcuIKLyZsEFL0tD6O7vkzTQ8O4A7l7g1oa6yXU0iTwCvJ0LHRzS-0-pIYk_H9ZZbro2XpQc4SZzh_p9bW92Crw76ppOPmedoUuzEJIdnI35s9AZsfvDWz-S_maE/s200/AA046126_8.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>Thank you to all of our dedicated Task Team members who will be working together over the next three months to develop strategies to address issues in housing, home care/attendant care, and adaptive equipment facing Albertans with Spinal Cord Injury. Below, you will find essential information and resources such as the Terms of Reference for your group and Toolboxes which contain web-based resources on your area of interest.<br />
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<b>Please subscribe to this blog (at right).</b> This is a very quick (15 second) process and you will receive an e-mail when new information is posted.<br />
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We are looking forward to working with you ... we are indeed <i>On a Roll ....</i> <br />
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<div style="color: #f1c232; font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><b><span style="font-size: large;"><i>On a Roll </i>Task Team Membership List</span></b></div>(to follow)<br />
<div style="color: #f1c232;"><br />
</div><div style="color: #f1c232;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b><i style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">On a Roll and on the Right Track: </i><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">the Alberta SCI Action Strategy</span></b></span> </div><a href="http://www.docstoc.com/docs/31954587/Draft-Action-Strategy-v2-March-19-2010">On a Roll: The Alberta SCI Action Strategy, v.2 March 19, 2010 </a><br />
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<div style="color: #f1c232; font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b><br />
</b></span></div><div style="color: #f1c232; font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Task Team Terms of Reference</b></span></div><a href="http://www.docstoc.com/docs/31954293/TOR-Home-Care-Attendant-Care"></a><br />
TOR Attendant<br />
<a href="http://www.docstoc.com/docs/35253962/TORAdaptive-Equipment15APR10">TOR Adaptive Equipment</a><br />
<a href="http://www.docstoc.com/docs/35252686/TORHousing15APRIL10">TOR Housing</a><br />
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</b></span><br />
<div style="color: #f1c232;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Toolboxes</span></b></span></div><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"></span>Click on the link that pertains to your priority area. The document contains descriptions and links to websites that contain information on initiatives from around the world. You may need to click "download" in order for the links to work. (note: send us an e-mail if you would like to see any resources added to these Toolboxes).<br />
<a href="http://www.docstoc.com/docs/35081274/Adaptive-Equipment-and-Supplies-Toolbox">Adaptive Equipment and Supplies Toolbox</a><br />
<a href="http://www.docstoc.com/docs/35081681/Home-Care-Attendant-Care-Toolbox">Home Care Attendant Care Toolbox</a><br />
<a href="http://www.docstoc.com/docs/35081968/Housing-Toolbox">Housing Toolbox</a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5692690539497834724.post-4648880609796817042010-03-18T10:15:00.001-06:002010-03-28T20:31:07.508-06:00Alberta SCI Action Strategy Task TeamsThings are moving along with the Alberta SCI Action Strategy, and we are now in the process of forming Task Teams that will investigate and recommend actions to be taken in their area of interest: Housing, Adaptive Equipment, and Home Care/Attendant Care. The task teams will be made up of Alberta-based stakeholders from the field of SCI research, policy, and service delivery. Consumers (ie. people with SCI or another related physical disability) will make up 1/3 of each of the Task Teams. We're looking to have teams oriented to their jobs in early April. Each team will have an assigned facilitator to support their work. See opposite for a profile of our facilitators ...<br />
By June, the Task Teams will have researched, selected, and outlined three or four ideas that, if implemented, would result in a marked improvement in the quality of life of Albertans with SCI. Their recommendations will go to the Alberta SCI Solutions Alliance for consideration and advice on implementation. We're on a roll, so subscribe to our blog now to keep up with the action!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5692690539497834724.post-17530993884144154512010-03-10T10:59:00.001-07:002010-03-28T20:31:38.868-06:00Post Forum update and next stepsThe Alberta SCI Action Strategy and stakeholders' Forum is now over and the next phase of the project has begun. We would like to thank the 36 individuals (numbers fluctuated over the day) who participated. Our <a href="http://www.docstoc.com/docs/28597554/Strategy-Forum-Evaluation-Results">evaluation </a>results show that the vast majority were pleased with the process and facilitation and the quality of discussion that took place around the priority areas which are: housing, home care/attendant care, and adaptive equipment.<br />
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The next step is to process all of the comments from these groups and produce a next draft which will be circulated to a wide audience. We've also begun the process of preparing the Terms of Reference and supporting materials the three task teams in the priority areas will need to continue developing a set of actionable strategies in their respective areas.<br />
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A lot is happening, so keep up to date by checking this blog or subscribing (at the right) to receive notice of new postings.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5692690539497834724.post-63978535012306533172010-03-03T22:59:00.003-07:002010-03-04T23:56:49.381-07:00Alberta SCI Action Strategy Stakeholders' Forum, March 6, 2010On March 6, 2010 a group of about 50 individuals involved in the field of SCI, and people with SCI will gather at the Northlands Edmonton Expo Centre to take the development of the Alberta SCI Action Strategy to the next level. A draft strategy titled <a href="http://www.docstoc.com/docs/27465335/On-A-Roll---Draft-February-2010">On a Roll and on the Right Track</a> was developed and circulated to participants. This report will be reviewed, cover to cover, to ensure that the direction we take to address issues in SCI is truly the right one. Watch for updates as our work progresses.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5692690539497834724.post-73142693088044692222010-03-03T22:44:00.002-07:002010-03-03T23:01:52.204-07:00Overview of Policies, Plans and StrategiesThere have been many attempts to generate strong and sustainable policies, plans and strategies, both from a cross-disability perspective and with and SCI focus. The Alberta SCI Strategy will build on the best of these, giving particular reference to current government policy and to recent, consensus based documents endorsed by the disability community. This document summarizes high level policy and strategy from 30 of the most relevant sources. Click <a href="http://www.docstoc.com/docs/27464568/Overview-of-Policies-Plans-and-Strategies">here</a> to view.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5692690539497834724.post-69392352294079673532010-03-03T22:38:00.001-07:002010-03-04T20:52:22.820-07:00Delphi Results Are InThe results are in! Our Delphi Survey to determine the priority areas for action in SCI is complete and consensus has been reached between the 44 consumers and SCI experts who participated. Their recommendation was to begin the action planning stage around three areas: 1. Available, accessible and affordable housing; 2. Home Care/Attendant Care; and 3. Adaptive Equipment. Respondents felt strongly that although there are many valid and important issues facing people with SCI in Alberta, we needed to focus our efforts on only a few. Within each of the priority areas above, respondents identified several sub-issues. It will be the job of Task Teams to decide how to deal with these sub-issues. To stay up-do-date on the work of Task Teams, click on one of the links in the sidebar to subscribe to our blog.<br />
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The results of the third and final Round of the Delphi are available <a href="http://www.docstoc.com/docs/27582637/Delphi-Survey---Round-3-Final-Results">here</a>.<br />
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<a href="http://www.docstoc.com/docs/27464296/Delphi-Final-Results">Delphi Final Results</a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5692690539497834724.post-32534094051296743402010-03-03T13:33:00.005-07:002010-03-03T22:51:39.231-07:00Alberta Spinal Cord Injury Bibliography available on-lineAs part of the background research that was done to create the Alberta SCI Action Strategy, a comprehensive search of on-line documents and resources was completed in December, 2009. The Bibliography contains nearly 500 references relating to policies and practices relevant to the area of SCI. Part I is a bibliography of reviews, best-practices, models, and frameworks in the field of SCI and other related fields (e.g. chronic care). Part II is a bibliography of resources specific to issues in SCI, including housing, home care/attendant care, adaptive equipment, transportation and several others. The list provides direct links to the websites where these documents and resources are located.<br />
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These bibliographies are valuable to anyone searching for resources to develop a strategic plan or action plan in SCI or another health related area, and are especially helpful to those looking for information on current programs and practices in SCI in locations around the world. They could be considered best or promising practices based on their application in the field. (If you are looking for best practices in SCI service delivery that have been scientifically tested and peer-reviewed, check out <a href="http://www.scireproject.com/home.php">SCIRE</a> (Spinal Cord Injury Rehabilitation Evidence)). <br />
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The Alberta SCI Bibliography is intended to be continually updated. If you have suggestions for good resources not found in either of these bibliographies, drop us a line using the Comment Box! <br />
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Our thanks goes out to the staff at the <a href="http://www.accd.net/">Alberta Committee of Citizens with Disabilities</a> for preparing the bibliographies - you did a great job!<br />
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To access the bibliography, click on one of the links below. Click on the "download" button to download a copy for easier reading or printing.<br />
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<a href="http://www.docstoc.com/docs/27461074/Part-I-Reference-List">Part I - Reference List</a><br />
<a href="http://www.docstoc.com/docs/27461741/Part-I---Description-and-Detail">Part I - Description and Detail (EXCEL file - must download to view entire document)</a><br />
<a href="http://www.docstoc.com/docs/27462309/Part-II---Reference-List">Part II - Reference List</a><br />
<a href="http://www.docstoc.com/docs/27462484/Part-II---Description-and-Detail">Part II - Description and Detail (EXCEL file - must download to view entire document)</a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5692690539497834724.post-76166570559619995422009-12-02T14:49:00.004-07:002010-03-01T21:46:17.739-07:00First Round of Solutions Grants AwardedThe $12 million Alberta Contribution included $2 million set aside as the Alberta SCI Solutions Fund. Grant policies and proceedures are now in place and the first round of grants have been awarded: a total of $244,991 for 31 grants for the period April 2009 to September 2009. Twenty grants were awarded to individuals - totalling $84,936 or 35%.<br />
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<ul><li>Super G Ski and Alberta Provincial Race Team Fees - $2,203.47</li>
<li>Pursuit of Excellence, goal to represent Canada in Sledge Hockey - $1,001.98</li>
<li>Mclaren Major Positioning Chair with Seat Liner - $1,190</li>
<li>Pressure Relief Mattress System - $5,000</li>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcHrRLbHhhm2LO9y74tzmWXRYRMvzkxFFQUYdM90RBOu8C2OPjmklzSQgM6tNoXSruO1O8zkclxaG9LFPPiBSRNup2qB5XHIKL7k-um6EgSzOa2rD3AT1K0KNoqbCczHO-Nen2v938l-E/s1600-h/Mclaren+chair.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" er="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcHrRLbHhhm2LO9y74tzmWXRYRMvzkxFFQUYdM90RBOu8C2OPjmklzSQgM6tNoXSruO1O8zkclxaG9LFPPiBSRNup2qB5XHIKL7k-um6EgSzOa2rD3AT1K0KNoqbCczHO-Nen2v938l-E/s200/Mclaren+chair.jpg" /></a> </div>
<li>Pressure Relief Positioning Mattress - $3,350</li>
<li>Modifications for Live In Caregiver - $5,000</li>
<li>Home Renovation (bathroom) - $5,000</li>
<li>Home Renovation (bathroom) - $5,000</li>
<li>Home Modification (kitchen) - $5,000</li>
<li>Kitchen Accessibility - $5,000</li>
<li>Stair Elevator - $4,295</li>
<li>Ramp at rear entrance to home - $5,000</li>
<li>Residential Elevator - $5,000</li>
<li>Hand Control Installation and Porable Ramp for vehicle - $1,000</li>
<li>Wheelchair Vehicle modifications for two individuals (sharing) - $5,000</li>
<li>Wheelchair Accessible Van - $5,000</li>
<li>Camper Wheelchair Lift - $2,500</li>
<li>All Terrain/Off Road Wheelchair - $5,000</li>
<li>Trailrider for personal and Community Use - $2,500</li>
<li>Installation of Electric Wheelchair Power Tilt System with headrest - $3,895</li>
</ul>11 grants were awarded to organizations - totalling $160,055 or 65%:<br />
<ul><li style="border: medium none;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoid8axDDBpkHaMeY5uwWiNZ3Sk3z21dl6VHOPL7IVaEN6BZjhnzzE5UyyBE5jlHsX3HTiYH3ia7ZUxS1AKCCnXhOJ5Aq6XIk60qcXuqoYXH4ex9bzqNbCwcYXzphyp3VMTQkf-k3i6mY/s1600-h/Wheelchair+Rugby.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" er="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoid8axDDBpkHaMeY5uwWiNZ3Sk3z21dl6VHOPL7IVaEN6BZjhnzzE5UyyBE5jlHsX3HTiYH3ia7ZUxS1AKCCnXhOJ5Aq6XIk60qcXuqoYXH4ex9bzqNbCwcYXzphyp3VMTQkf-k3i6mY/s200/Wheelchair+Rugby.jpg" /></a>Enhanced Rehabilitation and Staff Training, Bethany Care Foundation - $10,000</li>
<li style="border: medium none;">Barrier Free Accessibility, Medicine Hat Curling Club - $15,000</li>
<li style="border: medium none;">All for One Summer Camps, Paralympic Sports Association - $10,000</li>
<li style="border: medium none;">Spine, disability experience theatre, Real Wheels Society - $20,000</li>
<li>Community Exercise Transition Program, The Steadward Centre - $25,000</li>
<li>Bridging the Gap and Alberta Wheelchair Basketball - $24,750</li>
<li>Trail Rider Project, Calgary Society of Community Opportunities - $9,620</li>
<li>Purchase of 6 Vesco Rugby Wheelchairs, Calgary Wheelchair Rugby Association - $30,000</li>
<li>Purchase of 3 sled, 3 boot straps and 6 ice picks, Edmonton Sled Hockey Club - $2,426</li>
<li>Aboriginal Wellness Retreat, CPA (Alberta) - $11,259</li>
<li>Spinal Columns (extra issue each year), CPA (Alberta) - $12,000</li>
</ul>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5692690539497834724.post-84856442857756093232009-12-02T12:42:00.006-07:002010-03-03T23:07:16.425-07:002008/2009 Overview - Engaging Communities in Finding SolutionsThrough RHF leadership, the Alberta SCI Initiative strives to engage communities in finding solutions through three programs:<br />
<ul><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuaSMGQ8uSGa0fE2qcUEsjhKy10PzGMaAEK3rK59_OSeoJrfI4zXrYZeeMsy-tIhUjrdKrv3N1909PjVEKC4NfiiU_41GNpUPeKYuW63qVFNVB5Jh11-khhrMw4OpkGIUgtrjDya7FA_w/s1600-h/RHF+logo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" er="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuaSMGQ8uSGa0fE2qcUEsjhKy10PzGMaAEK3rK59_OSeoJrfI4zXrYZeeMsy-tIhUjrdKrv3N1909PjVEKC4NfiiU_41GNpUPeKYuW63qVFNVB5Jh11-khhrMw4OpkGIUgtrjDya7FA_w/s200/RHF+logo.jpg" /></a> </div>
<li>the Rick Hansen Wheels In Motion community fund-raising events</li>
<li>the Rick Hansen Ambassador program, and</li>
<li>the Rick Hansen School Program (Kids In Motion, Awards, Resources). </li>
</ul>Click on the link below to find out more about these programs.<br />
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<span style="color: #660000; font-size: large;">RHWIM community fund-raising events</span> <br />
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Key Objective: Support the RHF in its efforts to encourage growth in the number and financial earnings of RHWIM community fund-raising events.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgg7c3BB55AhR3F8IUrjgzwfLwchVQHDQEExPZozb6ND3nQ_NE6E8WSc3zzbT_JbOJ69rHxavsUlrgKXQeGOj4ydL0AcbJkdkAfBji84igX1n9yNjnzKdyKE__INeInnOpeRc9u0LUk7aI/s1600-h/WIM.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" er="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgg7c3BB55AhR3F8IUrjgzwfLwchVQHDQEExPZozb6ND3nQ_NE6E8WSc3zzbT_JbOJ69rHxavsUlrgKXQeGOj4ydL0AcbJkdkAfBji84igX1n9yNjnzKdyKE__INeInnOpeRc9u0LUk7aI/s320/WIM.jpg" /></a></div><br />
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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.<br />
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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. <br />
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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: <br />
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• Personal and technical devices and equipment <br />
• Accessibility<br />
• Health and wellness programs<br />
• Education and skill development<br />
• Employment programs<br />
• Sport and recreation<br />
• Awareness and information<br />
• Support for participation in clinical trials and other research initiatives<br />
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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.<br />
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<span style="color: #660000; font-size: large;">The Rick Hansen Ambassador Program</span><br />
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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.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEHe5BizmhxXK1JhKO04eDXMJRqhvTnzYQd2wHsD1AbPr7QAxhlecrX7Y1Isw6wUKKLXMNtl-40xQ8MAMfeAFAhL7yPfotEGYXxRF4w75yrhHQOYRdW3Vv-gokm6BCj3tb69Jt8WrYqYs/s1600-h/Ambassador.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" er="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEHe5BizmhxXK1JhKO04eDXMJRqhvTnzYQd2wHsD1AbPr7QAxhlecrX7Y1Isw6wUKKLXMNtl-40xQ8MAMfeAFAhL7yPfotEGYXxRF4w75yrhHQOYRdW3Vv-gokm6BCj3tb69Jt8WrYqYs/s320/Ambassador.jpg" /></a></div><br />
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. <br />
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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.<br />
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<span style="color: #660000; font-size: large;">Support the Rick Hansen School Program (Kids In Motion, Awards, Resources)</span> <br />
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Key Objective: increase the level of social responsibility, improve life skills, and increase understanding of the barriers to accessibility among Alberta youth.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiFPCrL-I5xMuJe-tF9sF9KivxNER8ukpw09qD499wBS1LWIFK1dlOBEOq9fdVKGq0vipUoQSJFyDa4EEtJ-HV5AIq8NMr-K-cr6i2Fr8Q27ja38lQGeN0GiacJ1A5OZvFY5jEPoXdPZg/s1600-h/Schools+Program.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" er="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiFPCrL-I5xMuJe-tF9sF9KivxNER8ukpw09qD499wBS1LWIFK1dlOBEOq9fdVKGq0vipUoQSJFyDa4EEtJ-HV5AIq8NMr-K-cr6i2Fr8Q27ja38lQGeN0GiacJ1A5OZvFY5jEPoXdPZg/s320/Schools+Program.jpg" /></a></div><br />
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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.<br />
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<span style="color: #660000;">Presentations:</span> <br />
• Calgary Board of Education Administrators Meeting<br />
• Health and Physical Education Council - PHE Conference, Banff Alberta<br />
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<span style="color: #660000;">Trade Show Participation:</span><br />
• Calgary Teachers Convention - February 26 & 27 2009<br />
• Greater Edmonton Teachers' Convention - February 12 &13, 2009<br />
• Central Alberta (Palliser) Teachers' Convention – February 16 & 17, 2009<br />
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Number of introductory packages sent out to schools: 1,461<br />
Number of schools that chose to participate in program: 70<br />
2009/2010 target for number of registered schools: 140<br />
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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. <br />
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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.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5692690539497834724.post-23657447470290587362009-12-02T12:06:00.001-07:002010-02-26T15:46:01.892-07:00Letter from Rick Hansen reflecting on first full year of the Alberta SCI InitiativeDear Friends,<br />
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The Man In Motion World Tour was first inspired by the dream that things could and would be different for people with disabilities. The Alberta Spinal Cord Injury Solutions Alliance (“Alliance”) supports this dream, and since 2007 has worked to make a difference for the approximately 4000 Albertans who live with a spinal cord injury. <br />
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I am proud to see that in this very short time, the Alliance and its partners have already made significant improvements and empowered positive change for people with spinal cord injury (SCI) in this province. We would like to thank the Government of Alberta, and the departments of Health and Wellness, Seniors and Community Supports and Tourism, Parks, Recreation and Culture, for their continued support in building capacity and making a difference in Alberta. <br />
The vision for Alberta was originally articulated by the Alberta SCI stakeholders and outlined in the original agreement with the provincial government. In this past year, the Alliance has made significant achievements in all the priority areas identified in the agreement. Infrastructure is now in place for the efficient implementation of programs and services, important agreements have been formalized and strategic plans and processes have been created to guide the work of translational research and local Solutions Teams. Alberta researchers are participating in the national Leadership Teams, facilitating communication and collaborations between researchers in the province and the rest of Canada; this will provide new opportunities for research projects aimed at minimizing disability and maximizing quality of life following an SCI. Four Alberta trauma and rehabilitation centres are now participating in the Rick Hansen SCI Registry (RHSCIR). The Alberta Active Living Strategy is now finalized and related projects are currently being funded. Community awareness of SCI has been increased through the Ambassador program, the School Program, and Rick Hansen Wheels In Motion (RHWIM) events.<br />
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The biggest success this year has been the empowerment of individual Albertans with SCI integrating and participating in their communities, through the peer programs, the Ambassador programs and through the work of the Client Solutions Coordinators and Community Development Coordinators. Through these programs, Albertans with SCI are now able to access necessary services, participate more fully in the community and achieve their quality of life goals. <br />
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Our success is a result of relationships. This year, many new relationships were established and existing partnerships were strengthened. Networks and communities are being created at all levels and are increasing the capacity in Alberta. Alberta is supporting the SCI Solutions Network in being a leader in connecting the country. As we look forward, we hope to continue developing greater relationships both locally with citizens, nation-wide with experts and organizations and globally with other countries who share our concerns and priorities for those with SCI. Our vision is global – we want to connect with the world. <br />
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This work that was achieved would not have been possible without our partners. On behalf of the Foundation, I would like to extend my gratitude to The Alberta Paraplegic Foundation (APF), the Canadian Paraplegic Association (Alberta) as well as our many other Alliance partners for their hard work and leadership in continuing this important work. We look forward to working with you moving forward.<br />
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Our plans for the next year are ambitious and include further development of the Alberta SCI Strategy, implementation of the Active Living Strategy, and creation of the Alberta Research strategy. The Alberta community will continue to expand and be strengthened by the work of local Solutions Teams and by the promotion of local ideas and sharing of best practices across the province. In the upcoming year, additional focus will be placed upon the need to ensure sustainability of priority initiatives and support mechanisms, and monitoring and evaluation.<br />
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The province of Alberta is a leader in making a difference for those with SCI. We see Alberta as a model for provinces that are also making similar investments. My hope is that this investment will positively and profoundly change the SCI landscape in the province, and that the vision articulated by the Alberta stakeholders will manifest itself. We are pleased to be supporting CPA, Alberta, Alberta Paraplegic Association and SCISN Solutions in the implementation of this tremendous vision.<br />
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Sincerely,<br />
<br />
Rick Hansen<br />
Chief Executive Officer<br />
Rick Hansen FoundationUnknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5692690539497834724.post-45746693026789071312009-12-02T12:02:00.000-07:002009-12-02T12:02:05.178-07:002009/2010 Plans and PrioritiesEach year, The ADF prepares a business plan for those components of the Alberta SCI Initiative that it is responsible for. The 2009/2010 Plan commits to the following:<br />
<ul><li>two rounds of Solutions Fund grants, each allocating approximately $250,000 (awards in August 2009 and January 2010)</li>
<li>leveraging a $20,000 allocation from the Solutions Fund to an emergency response fund (for an aggregate of $50,000)</li>
<li>allocating up to 15% of the Solutions Fund for directed investments (ie driver education in Southern Alberta, search for best practice related to inclusive communities/universal design)</li>
<li>round 1 allocation of Active Living Grants, up to $200,000</li>
<li>work with SCISN/RHF, CPA and Wheelchair Sports to build synergy between the peer and Ambassador programs in Alberta</li>
<li>work with SCISN/RHF to rationalize and further coordinate development of RHWIM teams, local solutions teams, and the roles of CPA counselors, service coordinators and community developers</li>
<li>work with SCISN and stakeholders to further our understanding of the Solutions Model and to learn from experience with the model in other parts of Canada - establish a formal pilot in Edmonton</li>
<li>allocate $2.5 million in grants for support of Alberta SCI Translational Research and Infrastructure, and support for Alberta SCI researcher development</li>
<li>complete the 'front end' of the Alberta SCI Strategy - vision, principles, models/frameworks, strategies and priorities</li>
<li>develop and begin to implement a Communications Strategy or Plan</li>
<li style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikVsSiSsnnNmtpY5nqNrBG1f5Oh24zujNcFTFJgSxcRRAuNYxnsg3rd1r29ENM94uiY7c9TVusGhv6LTIr0juiLnEy4_Ibj2RiGx6dtRpJLUN-JctX_z9ZUv9ASZ0N7jTFSd8bJC9Qko4/s1600-h/Ross+exercising.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" er="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikVsSiSsnnNmtpY5nqNrBG1f5Oh24zujNcFTFJgSxcRRAuNYxnsg3rd1r29ENM94uiY7c9TVusGhv6LTIr0juiLnEy4_Ibj2RiGx6dtRpJLUN-JctX_z9ZUv9ASZ0N7jTFSd8bJC9Qko4/s320/Ross+exercising.jpg" /></a>establish formalized working relationships with related solutions teams or alliances in other provinces and territories - including promotion of the concept of a National Advisory Council to the SCISN as proposed in various national strategic plans to date - comprised of the chairs of each provincial/territorial solutions team or alliance</li>
<li style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">finalize accountability strutures and systems - including a performance measurement framework and related monitoring processes and measurement tools</li>
<li style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">work with SCISN/RHF on the Collaborative Resource Development Strategy that has been referred to in various national planning documents.</li>
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</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5692690539497834724.post-8525755109098383792009-12-01T18:21:00.000-07:002009-12-01T18:22:25.179-07:00An SCI Strategy for Alberta<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">A portion of the Alberta Contribution was protected for creation of an SCI Strategy for Alberta. This strategic plan will:<br />
</div><ul><li style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">inform decision making processes related to the $12 million fund</li>
<li style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">identify additional priorities of critical importance to Albertans living with SCI, and</li>
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<li style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">engage the entire SCI community (researchers, service providers and people with SCI) in the process of addressing identified priorities.</li>
</ul>The planning process will build on rather than duplicate related planning initiatives. We will leverage learnings from:<br />
<ul><li>stakeholder discussions that generated the Alberta Proposal - 'Going Forward Together'</li>
<li>business planning for the Alberta SCI Initiative</li>
<li>earlier efforts such as the Neurotrauma Initiative and the SCI Collaboration</li>
<li>strategic plans and priorities of CPA (Alberta), WheelChair Sports and others</li>
<li>recommendations contained in cross-disability reports and plans: the Premier's Council on the Status of Persons with Disabilities, the Alberta Disabilities Forum.</li>
</ul>The process is divided into two main parts. The first works at a high level to develop vision, principles, overall strategies and models/frameworks. It also creates consensus on the four to six priority unmet needs of Albertans with SCI. This work will be reviewed at a Stakeholder Forum in March 2010 (prior to moving on to phase two). The second phase essentially creates an action plan for each of the priorities identified in the first phase.<br />
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Progress on phase 1 in 2009 includes:<br />
<ul><li>project organization and the appointment of a Steering Committee</li>
<li>key informant interviews with approximately 50 individuals</li>
<li>an extensive literature review conducted by ADF staff</li>
<li>the first round of a DELPHI study to develop consensus on priorities</li>
<li>initial work on vision, principles, overall strategies and models/frameworks.</li>
</ul>For more information, please contact Heather Lissel (Project Coordinator) working at the Secretariat in the offices of CPA (Alberta).<br />
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</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0