By any other name would smell as sweet;”

Now, I’m not much of a Shakespeare fan but I have to admit that he came up with more than a few usable quotes. This one, in particular, fits the big change happening today at BCPA. Yes, we are changing our name. Why? I’ll get to that in a minute. But first, the new name:

Spinal Cord Injury BC

What do you think? We are very excited about joining our Canadian Paraplegic partners across Canada in updating our name to more accurately describe who we serve and what we are all about. BC launched this new name on the same day as CPA’s National office, which is now called Spinal Cord Injury Canada. We are proud to be the first province to use the new name.

What makes the Shakespeare quote so apt is that the only thing changing is our doing business as name. Everything else remains the same. We provide the same services to the same people, we have the same membership, the same staff and the same reason for being – to help people with spinal cord injury (and related physical disabilities) and their families adjust, adapt and thrive, whether they are dealing with a new injury or struggling with the ongoing challenges of living and aging with a physical disability. We have the same great team with staff and resources still spread across the province.

There are so many reasons why the name change is timely. However a couple of recent calls may just highlight why this change is so significant. In one, the mother of recently injured quadriplegic asked if her son qualified for our services. She wasn’t sure and thought we might only serve people with paraplegias. This is a question heard on other calls and questions we receive at the GF Strong Rehab Centre.

This type of confusion is rather unfortunate and has led to many people not realizing they can access our services. When we opened our first SCI Resource Centre in Prince George earlier this year, several people with spinal cord injury visited us for the first time. They saw the name Spinal Cord Injury Resource Centre and were very excited that there was a place for them – apparently they did not make the connection with our BCPA name, even though we had visited them at GF Strong.

Why then was the organisation called the Paraplegic Association? The reality is that when the national organisation was formed by injured veterans returning from WWII, there were only paraplegics. Quadriplegics did not typically survive due to complications from infections and other causes. Science and medicine have made great advances since the BCPA was formed in 1957 (as the Canadian Paraplegic Association (BC) – still our legal name), and today, there are as many quadriplegics as paraplegics living in BC.

Time then for a name that is more inclusive. And, a name that people can more easily understand and connect with.

However, just because we are called Spinal Cord Injury BC, it doesn’t mean we aren’t here to provide services to those with related physical disabilities. We are still as inclusive as we were before the name change.

There are many other reasons why this name change is so important. You can read about them on our website. It’s important to note that the whole name change process was not taken lightly. As a participant in the national CPA federation, we sought opinions from our broad stakeholder group, did market research and deliberated carefully over the options and implications. In the end, our members, partners, supporters  and other stakeholders clearly indicated that a change in name was desired and that Spinal Cord Injury Canada was the best option for that change. Here in BC we agreed, so we joining national and almost all of the provinces in becoming Spinal Cord Injury BC (or other provincial name).

As stated above, the only thing changing is our name. Even our logo remains the same. CPA and BCPA are strong and trusted brands that have over half centuries of service delivery excellence. We do not intend on losing any of that. We will continue to provide the high quality and essential services to those in need or who will someday be so. With our new name, those services should be easier to recognize and find.

Change is never easy. I’m sure there will be hiccups along the way and not everyone will be happy with it. However, it has been done for all the right reasons and I, along with the awesome team here at Spinal Cord Injury BC, am proud to have been a part of this progressive change.

Let us know what you think.

Read the press release.

Learn more about the Scotiabank Charity Challenge event
Can’t participate but want to help? Donate to team “Walk N Rollers” today

Nanaimo Peer Coordinator Bert Abbott with Valerie Robinson, Tyze iPad Contest Winner

Earlier this month SCI-BC drew the winner of its Tyze iPad competition. Valerie Robinson, a SCI-BC Peer from Qualicum Beach, was the lucky winner. Since receiving her prize, Robinson has been able to connect with her friends and family with ease using her iPad and Tyze. Below is a letter SCI-BC received from Valerie this week…

Dear BCPA,

Thank you very much for the iPad that I just won from your association in a recent contest. I have been in the hospital for the past 3 1/2 months and unable to communicate with friends and family around the world. Now that I am out and in a care facility the iPad is allowing me to keep in touch with everyone. It is wonderful and I am enjoying it immensely.

I am excited to have Tyze. With all the changes and people in my life right now, Tyze will assist me with keeping in touch.  Now that I have the iPad, I can access Tyze and the important people in my life.

 I am an active member with the BCPA and an involved in many of the peer program events such as the peer coffee club, curling, shooting, fishing, dinners and barbecues. They are all very enjoyable events with wonderful people. I will now be able to keep online with all my friends thanks to the iPad.

Once again, thank you very much.

Valerie Robinson

Learn more about Tyze…

My first week as a PhD student, my supervisor appeared on national television news regarding some interesting advancements in the understanding of SCI and regeneration. When asked when there might be a cure, he responded that there could be on in 5-10 years. Wow! Did I ever pick the right time to join this lab and the field of SCI regeneration research. That was almost exactly 20 years ago.

Unfortunately, nothing being tested or developed today represents a cure. That’s not to say there hasn’t been progress. There has been plenty. Some of it is making a difference in the lives of people with SCI every day. Think of the advancements in rehabilitation to maximize potential, in assistive technologies that allow for more inclusion and participation, be it in the workplace, at home or in recreational and leisurely pursuits.

Despite the hype, there is still nothing out there right now that will allow someone with a spinal cord injury to repair or regenerate their spinal cord and totally cure their condition. Science and medicine do not have the tools to reverse spinal cord injury and allow those who do not have enough spared tissue to walk again. They do not have the tools to eliminate chronic pain, to completely restore bowel and bladder function, or to fully regain sensation (sexual and other). Maybe someday -  but not today, and likely, not tomorrow.

The focus of the hype shifts as science makes new discoveries. Lately, the hype has been dominated by stem cells, seemingly the answer to everything. Unlike many other discoveries over the past two decades, stem cells have maintained the hype longer than others. I think back to 10 years ago, when I had finished by PhD in SCI research and had become Managing Director of ICORD, the world’s largest SCI research centre. One of the first things I was asked to do was to present a frank and honest account of the state of SCI research at the SCI-BC’s Annual SCI Forum. SCI-BC and GF Strong-staffed committee asked me to balance the hype-filled hope research was generating with the realities of the state of current research. Why? Because, I was told, people with SCI believed a cure (particularly stem cells) was just around the corner, and thus, they were not bothering to do rehab or to find ways to maximize their potential and learn to get the most out of their lives. They were in a holding pattern waiting for the cure.

Time has proven the need for cautious interpretation of scientific advancements, particularly when it comes to a cure for SCI. The research community is incredibly passionate and continues to make important advancements in all aspects of SCI – some that will make a difference today, and some that are small steps toward treatments in the future.

Our Spring issue of The Spin includes a feature on stem cell research and stem cell tourism. This issue of The Spin will be available online for free on April 2.

In the meantime, take our online poll, which asks if you would travel abroad for stem cell treatment. Click here to go to the SCI-BC home page, where the online poll can be found.

Local Spinal Cord Injury Community Services Network to Celebrate Rick Hansen’s Homecoming

The BC Spinal Cord Injury Community Services Network will celebrate the arrival of the Rick Hansen 25^th Anniversary Relay to Rick’s home province of British Columbia as it crosses the Alberta BC border on March 19th ending the day in Prince George.  In honour of this day, the BC Spinal Cord Injury Community Services Network and the GF Strong Rehabilitation Centre, part of Vancouver Coastal Health, will host a special event attended by Chief Executive Officer of the Rick Hansen Foundation, Mr. Art Reitmayer, at the GF Strong Rehabilitation Centre. The event will celebrate Rick’s successes as well as the achievements of other spinal cord injury organizations in British Columbia over the past 25 years.

“As we enter into British Columbia for the final leg of the 25th Anniversary Relay’s cross Canada tour, we are thrilled to see such support and encouragement from the BC Spinal Cord Injury Community Services Network,” says Art Reitmayer, CEO of the Rick Hansen Foundation. “As we look to the future, partnerships built from a shared vision of healthy and inclusive BC communities will be key to ensuring the Rick Hansen Foundation can continue its work of supporting these very important organizations for years to come.”

Spinal Cord Injury BC Executive Director, Chris McBride said that there is a great deal to be celebrated. “Over the past 25 years life for people with spinal cord injury has become more inclusive and accessible.” Says McBride. “Rick has inspired many and his Foundation has supported our organizations to provide innovative and world-class services to people with spinal cord injury and other physical disabilities throughout BC.”

Patients at GF Strong, along with staff, members and clients of each of the five organizations that make up the BC Spinal Cord Injury Community Services Network have been invited to attend this event, which will include remarks from Mr. Duane Geddes, Executive Director of the Sam Sullivan Disability Foundation, and Mr. Art Reitmayer, Chief Executive Officer at the Rick Hansen Foundation. The event will also showcase interactive displays highlighting each of the organizations services and achievements. 

Join Us

When: Monday 19 March, 3pm-5pm.
Where: GF Strong Rehabilitation Centre Gymnasium – 4255 Laurel St Vancouver, BC V5Z 2G9
What: A celebration of Rick Hansen’s* return to British Columbia

* Please note that Rick Hansen will not be attending this event.

For more information please contact Jennifer King, Communications Specialist at the BC Paraplegic Association. Email: jking@sci-bc.ca Phone: 604-326-1203 Mobile: 604-710-6382

About the BC Spinal Cord Injury Community Services Network

The BC Spinal Cord Injury Community Services Network is comprised of five community focused organizations dedicated to improving the lives of over 12,000 British Columbian’s with spinal cord injury, as well as people with other disabilities, their families and friends. The organizations work collaboratively to provide the best and most essential community services throughout the province.

Spinal Cord Injury BC (SCI-BC): Helps people with spinal cord injuries (or related physical disability) and their families adjust, adapt and thrive by providing answers, information and unique community experiences. 

BC Wheelchair Basketball Society (BCWBS): Actively promotes opportunities for participation, recreation, competition, and excellence in the sport of wheelchair basketball in British Columbia. 

BC Wheelchair Sports Association (BCWSA): Provides exceptional wheelchair sports programs and services to people with physical disabilities across the province. 

Neil Squire Society: Provides education, technology and career development for people with physical disabilities through complete end-to-end services. 

Sam Sullivan Disability Foundation: Parent organization to six major societies aimed at improving access, opportunities and quality-of-life for people with significant physical disabilities. 

Media Advisory: Spinal Cord Injury BC to take on Scotiabank Group Charity Challenge – part of the Scotiabank Vancouver Half Marathon & 5k

Spinal Cord Injury BC (SCI-BC) is excited to be the first organization to enter a team in to the Scotiabank Group Charity Challenge that includes people who use wheelchairs. The 2012 Scotiabank Half-Marathon & 5K race will permit people with physical disabilities such as spinal cord injury to participate in the 5K portion of the event using mobility aids such as wheelchairs and hand cycles.

SCI-BC team “Walk n’ Rollers” Captain Brad Jacobsen is excited that SCI-BC is able to enter a team and fundraise in the Scotiabank 5K Charity Challenge race this year. “The opportunity to raise money and awareness for our organization while taking part in such a great community event benefits more than just our staff and the people that we serve” says Jacobsen. “The community at large learns to be more inclusive when sharing in activities that allow people with physical disabilities to challenge themselves side by side with their family, friends and neighbours. We look forward to Walk ‘n’ Rolling with the other teams!”

Click here to join team Walk n’ Rollers and raise funds for SCI-BC. 

Click here to make a donation to a team Walk n’ Rollers 

For more information contact: Shelley Milstein, Manager of Events, Marketing and Volunteer Program 604-326-1222.

This morning, my Grade 6 son departed the house with a pink shirt, pink hoodie, pink fuzzy gloves and pink shoelaces in his sneakers. Fun, for sure, but our conversation around the dinner table the night before reassured me that the real intent of the Pink Shirt Day was fully understood.

For people with a disability, this day may take on some extra meaning. Until recently, I will admit that I wasn’t fully aware of the extent of bullying and marginalization kids with physical disabilities faced in the school setting. Several stories I’ve hear recently have genuinely surprised and quite frankly disappointed me.  These are not stories from the many generations ago. They are stories from my generation, plus or minus a few years.

I had the privilege of growing up in a family in which the values of inclusion and equality were strongly reinforced. I never thought this might not be the norm. I went to high school in the 1980’s. It was a fairly small school with a relatively homogenous student population. There were a couple of kids with physical disabilities and they were pretty visible. But I don’t ever remember them being picked on or bullied. Maybe I just never saw it.

However, as I’ve learned over the years, it seems that this was not the case in many other schools in Vancouver and the Lower Mainland of BC. Although Vancouver is often regarded as a progressive leader in accessibility and inclusion for people with disabilities, and in many ways it is, students with disabilities in the 1970s and 80s often had to fight school districts and school administrators for the simple right of attending public schools in their neighbourhoods. It was as late as the late 70s when certain schools were selected as testing grounds for integrating kids requiring braces or wheelchairs into the “regular” schools. The outcome wasn’t always favourable – and not just because the schools didn’t have accessible access to all of the classes and facilities.

It’s shocking to me that students from my high school era would kick out the crutches of kids with disabilities as they walked down the hall. That they would intentionally break elevators (in the rare case that a school had one) so that those who used a wheelchair couldn’t go up or down to class. That they would be excluded from participating in gym class, field trips or other class activities. That they would be verbally abused. That just because they had a physical disability, students, teachers and administrators alike would treat them as though they had cognitive learning limitations.

The bullying was fierce and somehow tolerated in many ways, perhaps because the education system didn’t know anything about disability or how to manage it within the school setting.

I honestly don’t know how much has changed since the 1980s when it comes to inclusion for people with disabilities within the school system. I’d like to think it has gotten better. Certainly, there is better physical accessibility for most schools and the awareness raised by champions within our communities has helped – like that by our inpiring Paralympic athletes, Rick Hansen, Sam Sullivan, and so many others. However, I suspect that it is not anywhere near as inclusive as we would hope. I do hear that they school system still hasn’t learned to deal with kids with disability – physical or otherwise – as well as they could. Teachers and administrators receive little or no training in aspects of physical disability.

I can’t really rely on my kids to inform me about how kids with disabilities are viewed and treated within their schools. They have grown up in a home environment in which both parents work within the disability field. For the most part, they naturally think of people with disabilities as equal members of our communities with whom we interact with in the same way as all of our friends and acquaintances. Just regular people, who like anyone else, have unique sets of wants, needs, goals and challenges.

Instead, I rely on the stories I hear from the community – those who have experienced first hand either negative or positive experiences from their school years – to enlighten me on the challenges and progress of survivng the journey through school.

So, on Pink Shirt Day 2012, I encourage you to share your stories about going through school with a physical disability or with someone you knew with a disability that was bullied or included in the daily challenges of school life.

Your stories are emotionally powerful. They can also be powerful effectors of change. Let them be heard.

• View Scooter specs
• Download Special Application – Proudrider Scooter

Application deadline: Feb 29, 2012. 

• Watch what Jurgen Posselt, an SCI-BC Peer from Prince George had to say about gliding and SCI-BC.
• Read about the trip in the latest issue of The Spin.
• Looking for some adventure? Visit our SCI Information Database to help you find what you’re looking for.