2020 was one for the books! And although we couldn’t be happier it’s coming to an end (seriously, didn’t it feel like the longest year ever?), we wanted to take a moment and thank everyone for connecting with us online. We are so proud of our community and supporters for coming together during this unexpected and challenging year and are thankful to everyone who helped bring our online articles to life.
Here’s a look back at the top 10 blogs of 2020 – we hope you enjoy them!
This year was all about information and innovation. COVID-19 dominated our blog as SCI BC peers and readers sought out answers, resources and support. But there were also important stories about new innovations, achievements, inclusivity and, as always, at the heart of every story was what matters most—our community. Read on for the top 10 blogs of 2020!
1. COVID-19 Impact on SCI BC Services – When COVID-19 hit BC we quickly adapted our programming to provide online events and support. All the details of our response and timely updates are captured in this blog about the impact of COVID-19 on SCI BC services.
2. In Pursuit of the Perfect Fit – Creating Custom Wheelchairs – SCI BC Peer Kevin Priebe believes there’s no fit like a custom-fit. After years in special effects for the motion picture industry, Kevin Priebe has embarked on a new business, Society Wheelchairs, which offers a customized experience to anyone seeking the perfect fit.
3. Inclusive Hiring: Advice and Tips – Looking for a job is hard work. Resumes, interviews, negotiations…phew! But for job-seekers with a disability, finding the right career isn’t just about completing these steps successfully, it’s also about finding a workplace that meets your needs AND your professional goals. To help navigate this process, we reached out to our friends at YVR who are committed to inclusive hiring and accessibility.
4. Meet Paulo Guerrero – this year’s Scotiabank Charity Challenge Team Captain! – An athlete by nature, our 2020 Scotiabank Charity Challenge Team Captain Paulo Guerrero trains relentlessly and doesn’t shy away from any challenge. “I want to share my story and help other people because I want other people’s possibilities to be bigger too,” he says.
5. The Misconceptions of Living with an Incomplete SCI – “You’re not that disabled…” The public—and even some of your friends and family—assume you’ve won the disability lottery. But as someone who’s living with an incomplete SCI and can walk, you know that isn’t exactly the reality.
6. Tara Llanes: Born to Mountain Bike – It’s been quite a life journey for SCI BC peer Tara Llanes, but the one constant throughout it all has been a passion for mountain biking—a sport which she loves sharing with others.
7. BC SCI Network Response to COVID-19 – With all of the disruptions caused by COVID-19, it can be hard to keep track of what’s happening in your community. Will my wheelchair basketball practice be cancelled? Can I still access adaptive technology when I need it? What about my sailing club or gardening group? We reached out to the BC SCI Network for answers.
8. Ask an Expert: Spinal Cord Injury Rehab & Exercise During COVID-19 – Has the COVID-19 pandemic cut you off from physiotherapy, occupational therapy (OT) or your regular exercise for rehabilitation? Spinal cord injury OT, PT and exercise specialists joined SCI BC’s Teri Thorson for our most recent Ask an Expert session on how to get your rehab and exercise on during self-isolation!
9. BC SCI Network Accessibility Legislation Consultations: Summary & Report – In 2019, the BC SCI Network hosted a series of accessibility legislation community consultations throughout the province to gather feedback on what would make BC accessible and inclusive for all. This feedback has been gathered in a report and shared with the Minister of Social Development and Poverty Reduction. Read on to learn more about our findings.
10. Row For Health: Using Adapted Rowing Machines for Fitness and Health – ICORD researchers Dr. Jaimie Borisoff and Dr. Carolyn Sparrey are testing the concept of stationary rowing (or adapted rowing machines) for people with an SCI. If they’re successful, the result could be an excellent new method for readers to maintain their fitness and health.
