In February 2024, we hosted the virtual Ambulatory & Incomplete SCI Forum over two evenings. Day 1 covered Personal Development and Mindfulness, as well as Navigating Employment. Day 2 focused on Understanding Sexual Health and Exploring Recreational and Adaptive Sports. Professionals, clinicians and peer experts shared valuable insights, practical strategies and empowering stories to equip you with the tools to navigate these aspects of life with resilience and confidence.
Keep scrolling to watch the session recordings and find out the top takeaways from each session!
Personal Development and Mindfulness
Description
Speakers:
- Mary-Jo Fetterly (SCI Peer, Peer Health Coach, Yoga Teacher, Author)
- Ryan Yellowlees (SCI Peer, Registered Clinical Counsellor – Life Empowered Counselling)
Takeaways:
- Trauma and stress (even positive stress, like excitement) can disrupt nervous system function, leading to anxiety and chronic pain.
- The goal is to become the master of one’s thoughts, rather than letting the thoughts rule you. When you start your journey, your thoughts may get louder but, with practice, you will feel more accepting and in control.
- Start small! Practice mindfulness in short intervals throughout the day. When practicing meditation, experiment with different positions and settings.
- The medical model of disability assumes that people with disabilities are broken and need to be fixed. Whereas, the social model of disability believes the physical and social environments cause disabilities.
- Friends and family denying your disability identity can be harmful to mental health. Take pride in your disability identity, let your family and friends know how you feel and set boundaries for your mental health. Ryan recommends saying something like, “My disability is part of who I am. And if you cannot accept that, you are not respecting who I am.”
- Ableism, microaggressions and denial of disability identity can be exhausting to deal with. Look for support from trusted family and friends, peer support groups and counselling. Engaging in disability activism can be a great way to redirect negative energy into something productive and meaningful.
- Explore approaches such as mindfulness meditation, cognitive behavioural therapy, stress reduction techniques, grounding techniques, gratitude journalling, yoga nidra and hypnotherapy. Find what works best for you!
Navigating Employment
Description
Speakers:
- Nate Toevs (Neil Squire Society – Work BC Assistive Technology Services)
- Eden Miller (Neil Squire Society – Creative Employment Options Program)
- Micaela Evans (Accessible Employers)
Takeaways:
- Work BC’s Assistive Technology Services provides work-related assistive technology solutions in-person and virtually across BC. To learn more, check out their information sessions every Wednesday.
- The Neil Squire Society offers a variety of employment-related services. The Creative Employment Options Program helps people with disabilities prepare for, obtain and maintain employment.
- Accessible Employers uses a top-down approach targeting employers to increase employment options for people with disabilities and create inclusive workplaces.
- AskJan.org is a great online resource where you can generate ideas and find effective accommodations that suit your needs.
- Attitudinal barriers towards employees with disabilities are shifting through training and support. Remote/hybrid work has become more common and accepted since the pandemic. Employers want to hire people with disabilities, but may not know where to find them.
- Disclosure of your disability is a personal choice and every situation is different. The benefits of disclosing your need for accommodations early on sets expectations with the employer and lets you see how they react.
- Businesses can consider an accommodation an “undue hardship”, but it depends on the size of the business. Larger businesses may not consider accommodations an undue hardship. In fact, more and more large businesses are creating directories of resources (e.g., IT, equipment) so they can easily and quickly provide accommodations when needed. Smaller businesses can access funds for physical modifications after hiring an employee and can seek assistance from organizations like the Neil Squire Society.
- Advocate, advocate, advocate! Sell yourself and showcase what you can do, rather than what you can’t do. It takes two (you and a receptive employer), but you don’t know until you start the conversation and ask.
Understanding Sexual Health
Description
Speakers:
- Kate McBride (Sexual Health Rehab Service, Vancouver Coastal Health)
- Rachel Nicoletti (Sexual Health Rehab Service, Vancouver Coastal Health)
- James Shaw (SCI Peer)
Takeaways:
- Sexual health rehabilitation is part of a comprehensive rehab program. It involves: 1) Maximizing potential; 2) Adapting to limitations; and 3) Remaining open-minded.
- Sexual health is tied to body image and identity. How you feel about yourself and your body can affect how you feel inside and outside the bedroom. Good communication with your partner can help you both build adaptability.
- Sexual desire is complex and has biological, psychological, and social factors. In addition to spontaneous desire (which many people find affected after SCI), there is also responsive “triggered” desire.
- An orgasm is not the only measure of a satisfying sexual encounter. While injury level and completeness may affect your sexual response, pleasure is possible without an orgasm. You may need to train your brain to make new associations.
- Explore different sexual practices (e.g., BDSM, toys), consult your medical team and remain open to possibilities. SCI peer James Shaw describes how penile nerve transplant surgery helped him with sensory changes.
- Your overall health affects your sexual health. Some medications can impact your sexual health. Start a conversation with your healthcare provider about sexual side effects and your quality of life.
- You can access resources from SCIRE Community and SCISexualHealth.ca and/or get a referral for sexual health rehab.
Exploring Recreational and Adaptive Sports
Speakers:
- Sian Blyth (Whistler Adaptive)
- Adrià Flor (Whistler Adaptive)
- Darren Brisker (SCI Peer)
- Roderick Leighton (SCI Peer)
Takeaways:
- Perseverance and patience are important, especially for those who are newly injured. Darren explains, “You never really know what’s ahead of you. I’m getting a lot of enjoyment out of things that I didn’t think that I could do ever again.”
- If you feel “caught in the middle” when it comes to organized adaptive sports and activities, you’re not alone. Adaptive sports and activities aren’t just for wheelchair users. Don’t hesitate to reach out to organizations for information and support.
- Get creative and be open to opportunities! Many activities and equipment can be adapted. When you’re getting started with adaptive sports, working with an organization and/or coaches can help you build confidence, overcome barriers and recognize your limits.
- There are things you can do to overcome the fear of falling. Talk with your physio about practicing falling safely. Starting with sitting sports can help you regain balance and overcome the fear of falling. For example, paddleboarding is an activity where you can switch between sitting and standing. Sit-skiing is an adaptive winter sport that can give you independence and freedom.
- Whistler Adaptive offers year-round programs that are affordable and accessible. If you’re coming from out of town, Whistler has options for accessible accommodations or you can call the SCI BC InfoLine for assistance finding accessible recreation opportunities near you.
