Our 35th Anniversary Celebration was generously supported by these special Silent Auction Donors
Harrison Hot Springs Resort & Gurvin Jewellers Julianna Torjek Spa Vancouver Canadians Pam Horton Elke Kite, BC Ferries Professional Baseball Club PJ Artman Krasicki and Ward Emergency Hair Today, North Vancouver Christine Gordon Preparedness Ltd. Sylvia Hotel, Vancouver Simon Cox, Technology for Heleen Pannekoek, Fort Berens Ivan Bilenki, University Golf Independent Living Estate Winery, Lillooet Club Lillian Wong Bard on the Beach Wayne Braid, Notary Bruce Godkin and William Diego Iribar Document Systems Foundation of BC Dickson (Ferndale Institution, Direct Valerie Thoem Mission) Mark McAndrews, Mount Dennis Robertson Jeanette Andersen Brenton Golf Course Robin Loxton Johanna Johnson Jon Goodridge, Space Salon Kevin Anderson and Tom Karen Martin Starbucks Coffee Company McGregor Judy Horton Fairmont Empress Hotel, Janis Walsh Anonymous Donor Victoria Nancy Hiew INSIDE SUMMER 2013
Featured Articles selected content regulars
Editorial by Karen Martin______4 Our 35th Anniversary Celebration Everyday Resilience: Social and Fundraiser______8 Connection Get Me Out of Here!® Emergency by Shelley Hourston______22 Evacuation Program by Barbara Obituary | Ted Hobbs______14 Purdy______6 Advertise with BCCPD______25 Emergency Planning Preparing for Decontamination Workshops______17 Planned Giving______29 by Laurie Pearce______10 New Resource for Local We’re Here to Help with Personal Preparedness Tips Governments______18 CPP Disability______31 and Resources______12 ME/FM Awareness Day______19 BCIT Expands Planning by Cheryl Sokol______15 Working Together at Kickstart 5______23 Hurricane Sandy______15 Two Yellow Shirts Ambulance Service Using by Jill Stainsby______27 C-MIST______17 Own Beautiful Art by The Japan Disability Forum PJ Artman______29 by Nicole Kiyooka______20 The Power of Hippotherapy____ 30 Online E-Training: Workplace Emergency Planning______24
Surrey Demonstrates Inclusive Emergency Planning by Tara Cleave______25
Frequently Asked Questions by Karen Martin______26
Canadian Publications Mail Product Sales Agreement No.40051676 | ISSN 0842-5124 PAGE 4 TRANSITION MAGAZINE | SUMMER 2013
Editorial |BY karen martin
Whether at school, work or play, proactive in their own prepared- people with disabilities should ness as possible. have access to the same emer- There are also some links to gency information, notification, stories about people with disabili- evacuation, and response services ties and their experiences during and facilities as other members of Hurricane Sandy in New York in their community. In an emergency November 2012. They show the or disaster, no one should be left ongoing need for communities behind. and governments to work with BCCPD has been working since the disability community and to 2006 to ensure this access and plan for the needs of people with disabilities. inclusion for people with disabili- During Hurricane Irene in the ties in emergency planning and As we continue our work in emer- US, one-third of the population response in British Columbia and gency planning and response, affected used social media to let nationally. We have been educat- there are two key areas for consid- loved ones know they were safe. ing local governments, training eration. First, emergency commu- During the 2007 San Diego County community organizations, busi- nications and the growing use of fires, there were one million hits nesses and post-secondary institu- social media in disasters. Second, on Twitter. tions, and empowering individu- is the impacts of climate change als living with disabilities to be on the health and safety of people Twitter, Facebook and YouTube prepared. with disabilities. were used during earthquakes in the past few years in Chile, Haiti, This emergency preparedness edi- Using Social Media New Zealand and Japan. People tion of TRANSITION highlights some report on emergencies in real- Social media and new technolo- of the important work being done. time, from the streets. People gies are changing the face of Just as important, we provide created information about specific disaster communications. There people with tips on how to be locations–warnings, help requests, is a need to explore how social prepared and highlight some key environmental conditions, food media can be used to benefit resources that BCCPD has devel- and water shortages–which com- populations at high-risk during oped: handbooks, e-courses and plemented traditional media and emergencies, such as people with workshops. We want to encourage government reports. This powerful disabilities and seniors. people with disabilities to be as
Just as important, we provide people with tips on how to be prepared and highlight some key resources that BCCPD has developed: handbooks, e-courses and workshops. We want to encourage people with disabilities to be as proactive in their own preparedness, as possible.
BC COALITION OF PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES BCCPD.BC.CA TRANSITION MAGAZINE | SUMMER 2013 PAGE 5
ABOUT TRANSITION
Editorial Statement During Hurricane Irene in the US, one-third of the population The views and opinions expressed affected used social media to let loved ones know they were within the pages of Transition are safe. During the 2007 San Diego County fires, there were one not necessarily those held by the total million hits on Twitter. membership or Board of Directors. The material presented is meant to tool needs to be used by com- and children); people living in be thought-provoking and to promote munities and emergency program poverty; and, those living in more dialogue. providers. densely populated urban areas, Planning Team often associated with greater envi- Jane Dyson, Shelley Hourston, The Impact of Climate ronmental exposure. Nicole Kiyooka, Ann Vrlak Change As you’ll see in this Transition, Editor and Layout Ann Vrlak As Canada’s population grows we’re beginning to see the fruits of and climate change expands the our labour. Key organizations like Cover Design geographical range, frequency and the Justice Institute of BC, BC Insti- Fiona Gamiet intensity of many existing climate- tute of Technology, BC Ambulance related hazards, people’s expo- Service and others, are incorporat- Subscriptions and Ads sure to extreme weather events, ing disability-related perspectives Transition is published four times a airborne or water-transmitted in their training programs and ser- year by BC Coalition of People with diseases, extreme heat and air pol- vices. We’re so pleased to develop Disabilities. Subscriptions are $15/year. lution, will increase. these community partnerships. Any advertising in Transition is In addition, expected population BCCPD will continue to engage the for readers’ benefit and does not growth and chronic disease trends disability and emergency man- constitute an endorsement by the tell us that the proportion of Cana- agement communities in British BCCPD. dians highly sensitive to climate- Columbia and Canada. Together, related health impacts will grow we hope to address the ongoing Submissions and Reprints over the coming decades. This may and emerging issues for people Comments, articles and graphics are vary by region and be influenced with disabilities in emergencies welcome for consideration. by factors such as access to health and disasters. We welcome any Transition content may be reprinted care and community support ser- interested stakeholders to work without prior permission, as long vices (Human Health in a Changing with us. as the material is published in its Climate, Health Canada). KMaren artin is BCCPD’s entirety, along with this citation: “From Emergency Preparedness Project Transition magazine, BC Coalition of Climate change literature shows Coordinator. She also looks People with Disabilities, [edition date].” that there are underlying risk smashing in a tie. T factors and a higher vulnerability Contact Us to the effects of climate change BC Coalition of People with Disabilities for certain populations: those 204-456 W. Broadway, with underlying health conditions Vancouver, BC V5Y 1R3 (chronic conditions, cardiovascular, T: 604-875-0188 F: 604-875-9227 respiratory, renal disease, diabe- Transition: [email protected] tes, psychiatric illness, alcohol and Ads: [email protected] drug dependency); age (seniors BCCPD: [email protected] Web: www.bccpd.bc.ca/transition
BCCPD.BC.CA BC COALITION OF PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES PAGE 6 TRANSITION MAGAZINE | SUMMER 2013
Get Me Out of Here!® Emergency Evacuation Program
by Barbara Purdy, Physiotherapist
any people do the best they Moving People Without more confident that they could Mcan to prepare for emergen- Equipment better evacuate people and not cy situations. They install fire -ex risk injury to themselves. tinguishers and sprinkler systems I wondered: “In an emergency, in homes and workplaces. They without electricity, how would the Everyone Can Use This may plan evacuation routes in the caregivers move patients quickly Training event of fires, earthquakes and without all of this equipment?” People with limited mobility are floods, and might have first aid kits This led me to develop the Emer- everywhere in our communities. and emergency food supplies on gency Evacuation Program Get Me More and more of us are choosing hand. All this planning is based on ® Out of Here! that teaches safer to care for others–or to be cared the assumption that you can get to methods for evacuating people for–in our homes and away from safety and out of harm’s way. with varying levels of ability– hospitals or care facilities. Many of During an emergency, most people without using equipment. Spe- us live in multi-generational family do not know how to quickly and cific techniques include assisting homes. And any one of us is sub- safely move someone who has evacuees who are disoriented or ject to illness or injury that leaves limited mobility, is in a wheelchair confused, need help walking, are us temporarily immobile. We can or is seriously injured. on the floor or in a wheelchair, or never tell when that situation will can’t manage stairs. The primary I have worked many years as a arise or when an emergency will focus is to help prevent injuries physiotherapist treating people happen. to the rescuer, while keeping the with injuries that resulted from evacuee as safe as possible and You might not live somewhere unsafe lifting and moving practic- “getting them out of here.” prone to earthquakes, floods or es. So, I began to teach injury pre- tornadoes, but because of climate vention methods and worked with I’ve taught this course to hundreds change, extreme weather events professional caregivers, teaching of employees in many care are on the rise. Other emergen- them “no-lift” skills that relied on facilities. I’ve had over 99% cies–gas leaks, fires, water main using equipment to move their positive course evaluations from breaks, lightening strikes–can hap- patients. people who left the classroom pen anywhere, at any time. The Get Me Out of Here!® program During an emergency, most is for anyone who is confronted people do not know how with an emergency who may have to quickly and safely move to move someone out of harm’s someone who has limited way. mobility, is in a wheelchair The unique procedures incorpo- or is seriously injured. rate ergonomically safer moving and transfer techniques for the most efficient combination of speed and safety. The skills taught Learning to take someone are straightforward and easy-to- downstairs in a blanket learn. The course principles and
BC COALITION OF PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES BCCPD.BC.CA TRANSITION MAGAZINE | SUMMER 2013 PAGE 7
methods can be applied in work- take the workshop places, homes, schools, enter- tainment or commercial areas– The Get Me Out of Here!® anywhere an emergency might course offers a full-day, hands- happen. Once you learn them and on workshop and a three-day practice a few times, you’ll have intensive Train the Trainer them in your toolbox for the rest Instructor’s Program™ that trains of your life. people in your organization to deliver the program to your staff. With the practical exercises and expertise of the trainer in a Get Barbara Purdy, Registered Me Out of Here!® class, partici- Fall forward out of a chair Physiotherapist, is also available onto side, using gravity pants identify what works best for for assessments of individual them. clients. The sessions emphasize learning and Fatal Move, along with Power For More Information: specialized skills and body moves, Position and Safe Zone and more, Visit www.freetobe.ca or contact rather than practising lifting heavy you will be able to apply these Barbara at [email protected] bodies. Once you understand Cen- unique emergency evacuation or phone 604-739-7315. tre of Gravity, Stability, Waterfall techniques. T
- - www.kleinlyons.com
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Our 35th Anniversary Celebration and Fundraiser What a Great Party! byJ ohanna Johnson and Jane Dyson
The BCCPD Board and staff wanted be used to continue our various our 35th Anniversary Celebration programs for people with disabili- to be a party, short on speeches ties. and big on fun–and a party it was! This was our 35th anniversary We laughed at the antics of the celebration, but birthdays come hilarious David C. Jones, grooved every year. We had so much fun to the music of the amazing Don and raised money, we’re already Alder, were charmed by our lovely thinking, maybe again next year? host Mark Madryga and wowed by the Salsa Studio dancers. A huge thank you to everyone who bought tickets, donated It was truly heart-warming to see items to our Silent Auction, and so many BCCPD friends, old and volunteered to make our April 4th new, come together to reminisce, Host Mark Madryga, with sold-out celebration such a great WestJet tickets winner Jill chat, and enjoy the entertainment success. And a special thank you Stainsby (centre) and Jane Dyson and food. to our sponsors the Vancouver We were honoured that many Taxi Association, Advanced Mobil- of our funders and community ity Products Ltd., the Trial Lawyers partners came out to support us. Association of BC, and to WestJet There were plenty of good for their wonderful donation of natured bidding battles in the two return tickets to anywhere Silent Auction and all the fun was they fly. We would also like to very ably captured by photogra- thank Jim Watson and Simon Cox pher Vickie Marie Ayers. for all their generous help, and Julianna Torjeck for her donation Thanks to everyone’s efforts, we Don Alder made beautiful music met our fundraising goal for the of profits from sales of Arbonne on his harp guitar. evening. The money we raised will products. Thanks everyone! T
The Salsa Studio dancers David C. Jones and the BCCPD Rockettes! heated things up.
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Preparing for Decontamination by Laurie Pearce, JIBC Research Chair
We were so impressed with the brave people who agreed to put aside their fears and physical comfort to take part in the drill. The weather was 10°C and drizzling leading up to a Vancouver rain.
The Justice Institute of British is something that may occur as a meth labs); being pepper-sprayed Columbia (JIBC) was very proud to result of terrorist activities and, in a robbery; or, being exposed to partner with the BC Coalition of while that is true, the reality is a chemical leak. People who have People with Disabilities (BCCPD) that people are also contaminated gone through a decontamination in a Decontamination Drill held on as a result of exposure to a vari- process have found it frightening, March 13th, 2013 in Mahon Park ety of commonplace hazardous humiliating or even traumatizing. in North Vancouver. Read on to materials. find out about the brave people Examples include toxic smoke from Involving People with who volunteered for this drill! house fires; accidental releases Disabilities Hundreds of people every year of pesticides and insecticides; Decontamination drills involve face the process of getting decon- exposure to chemicals (inadver- soldiers or first response person- taminated in British Columbia. tently mixing household chemicals nel. It is not very often that con- Most people think contamination or being exposed to clandestine sideration has been given to the psychosocial effects on people and rarely have people with disabilities been actively involved. So, as the researchers here at JIBC were looking at how to make sure the decontamination process built in as many psychosocial proto- cols as possible, we also wanted to make sure that we took into consideration the needs of people with disabilities and other special needs (e.g., mothers with infants). It seemed to us to be the perfect opportunity to involve BCCPD in a partnership–to learn from people with disabilities what works and what doesn’t work. After all, who knows best?
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Karen Martin, BCCPD Emergency decontamination process. This grateful for the hot shower! The Preparedness Project Coordina- appeared to work well because final stage was a medical assess- tor, was enthusiastic and willing people cared about making sure ment. to lend us her support. She began that everyone was helped. Bud- recruiting volunteers for testing dies talked to each other to help Disaster Psychosocial Services our protocols. decrease anxiety–having a buddy volunteers escorted people to the made the process less scary. reception centre which helped to We were keen to test cold-weath- ensure that everyone was okay er self-decontamination protocols. Self-decontamination kits, de- emotionally, as well as physically. In many situations, it can take veloped in conjunction with First over an hour for the “HazMat” Aid Survival Technologies Lim- We also learned we needed to team to arrive, so our aim was to ited (FAST), helped lead people speed up the process of self- have people self-decontaminate through the cleaning process. For decontamination and that more as much as possible. We were not example, people took off their guidance was needed for people sure we would find many volun- jewelry and put their cell phones who were visually impaired or who teers, especially because our drill in special bags they could keep did not speak English. involved cold, rainy weather and with them. Clothes went in sepa- Many thanks to BCCPD and to all agreeing to strip down to one’s rate bags. the volunteers. I’m sure it was an underwear to rinse off the “con- People wiped down their face, experience you won’t forget (!) taminant”! hands and bodies, and put on a and we look forward to interview- We were so impressed with the Tyvek smock and flip-flops. Then ing you in the weeks to come. brave people who agreed to put volunteers waited in a bus to get With your help, we’ll know more aside their fears and physical warm, until the showers were up about what worked well and how comfort to take part in the drill. and running. People were very things could be improved to better The weather was 10°C and driz- meet your needs. T zling leading up to a Vancouver rain. The fire department set up a smoke machine to simulate a Emergency Form for chlorine leak coming from a com- munity swimming pool. A group Travelling on BC Ferries of about 30 volunteers huddled When you are travelling on BC Ferries, you by the “smoke” and the exercise can use a form to organize and communicate began. your needs to staff. What We Learned The C-MIST framework, that we have men- We haven’t yet completed all of tioned in this TRANSITION, lists your needs the interviews and analyzed the in various areas and will enable staff to assist results to have a good sense of you better should an emergency occur. how everyone was impacted. But You can find the C-MIST form and details on how to use it on the BC there were a couple of early im- pressions worth mentioning. Ferries website. See “C-MIST—A Functional Needs Framework” on the Accessibility at BC Ferries page at One is the use of the “buddy” system. We asked everyone to find www.bcferries.com/travel_planning/disabilities.html. a buddy to help them through the
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Use the C-MIST Framework ces We recommend beginning your Personal Preparedness personal emergency planning Resour process using the five categories Tips and of the C-MIST or Functional Needs Framework. This approach looks There is a lot you can do to be at the needs you will have in an prepared in case of an emergency. emergency, rather than just your disability. For example, rather than We’ve put together this list of tips having emergency information and resources for you. that says you are a person with Cerebral Palsy, the C-MIST Frame- work describes your needs in five functional areas: • Learn what to do in case of • Communication power outages and personal • Medical injury Have a Personal • Independence • Learn your community’s warn- • Supervision Network ing procedures, evacuation A personal network can help you: plans and shelter locations • Transportation • plan and identify resources • Prepare an emergency “Grab You can use the C-MIST framework you need. and Go” kit (see next section) to self-assess and organize infor- • practice evacuating your home mation for your personal network and workplace. Create a “Grab and Go” and emergency personnel. Here Kit are a few examples of needs that • assess your needs during and fall into the C-MIST categories. after a disaster. • Bottled aterw • Flashlights–keep one by your Communication needs include Use a Self-assessment bed and others around the people who: Checklist house • have reduced or no ability to speak, see or hear Check off the items in this list and • Battery-operated radio you’ll be well prepared! • Non-perishable food • have limitations in learning and understanding. • Customize an emergency • First-aid kit Medical needs includes people health information card (see • Any items specific to your who need assistance with: opposite page) needs, using the C-MIST • Develop a personal team framework • managing chronic, terminal or contagious health conditions • Master the skill of giving quick • 7-day supply of medications information and supplies needed • dialysis, oxygen, suction. • Plan your way out • Personal hygiene items Functional independence includes • Determine if you are able to people who use assistive equip- operate a fire extinguisher and ment and devices to function turn off water and gas on your independently such as: own • mobility aids • communication aids • medical equipment.
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Supervision needs includes people who have the following: Health Information Card • developmental disabilities This card will provide first responders/rescuers with information they • dementia, Alzheimer’s. need to know, if you are unconscious or incoherent, or if they need to Transportation needs includes quickly evacuate you. Keep a copy of this information at your work desk, people who cannot drive due to: in your wallet or purse, and at home. • disability • age Name ______• temporary injury. Address ______Documents and Key People City/Province/Postal Code ______• Make copies of your ID Blood type ______Conditions and/or disability ______• Identify legal documents you may need ______• Record your family doctor’s name and number Medications (prescriptions, dosage, times taken, etc.) ______• Note family member or friend to be contacted ______• List people in your network and how to contact them ______• Pharmacy name and number. Equipment you use (communication, mobility devices) ______Assistive Equipment and Medical Supplies ______• Identify what you need Where your equipment is kept ______• Organize back up power– batteries, generator, etc. Note if you have extra equipment that could be used in an emergency, • Have photos of how to use such as a manual wheelchair your specialized equipment • Include extra supplies you ______need in your “grab and go” kit. Allergies and sensitivities ______Other Resources Communication difficulties you may have and the best ways to Emergency Management BC has communicate with you information for people with a range of disabilities on its website: ______http://embc.gov.ca/em/hazard_ preparedness/disabilities_informa- Assistance you will need (be specific) ______tion.html. T ______
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Obituary | Ted Hobbs Ted Hobbs died suddenly and peacefully on February 20, 2013, after a brief illness. Ted was diagnosed with Parkin- son’s disease at the age of 45. He became involved with the BC Parkinson’s Disease Association We couldn’t do it without you. (BCPDA), including counselling others who were newly diagnosed. Thank you to these organizations, companies and In 1989, Ted was hired by the government departments who support our work on BCCPD, first as the Coordinator behalf of people with disabilities. of Coalition Enterprises, then as a disability rights advocate with BC Association for Individualized Technology and Supports Advocacy Access. Ted delivered for People with Disabilities workshops, and helped to develop BC Hydro Employees Community Services Fund many of BCCPD’s advocacy manu- BC Rehab Foundation als and resources. Canadian Co-operative Association He was very proud of his advocacy City of Vancouver work and grateful to both the Parkinson’s Association and BCCPD Council of Canadians with Disabilities for allowing him to serve the com- Government of Canada’s Social Development Partnership munity. Program-Disability Component He once told his wife, Karen, about Health Sciences Association of BC a client who said, “I have Parkin- Homelessness Partnership Strategy–Human Resources and son’s. You have no idea what I am Skills Development Canada going through.” Ted decided not The Law Foundation of British Columbia to correct the man and said, “Why The Law Foundation of Ontario don’t you tell me about it.” Ted Legal Services Society of British Columbia felt his job was not to share his dif- ficulties, but to listen. No Frills Pharmacy (Loblaws) Ted is survived by his wife Karen, Notary Foundation of BC his children Clayton and Julie, Planned Lifetime Advocacy Network their mother Leah, Ted’s mother Provincial Health Services Authority Edna, his brother Robert and sister TELUS Employees Charitable Giving Program Mary Lou. Ted has two nieces, one United Way of the Lower Mainland nephew and two great nieces. T Vancouver Coastal Health Vancouver Foundation Vancouver Taxi Association WorkSafe BC
We acknowledge the financial support of the Province of BC.
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BCIT Expands Planning Hurricane Sandy by Cheryl Sokol
In spite of some excellent planning already in place, we found How were people with dis- the BCIT community would benefit from an increased awareness abilities affected by Hurricane around planning for emergencies for those of us with disabilities. Sandy? Check out these links to read people’s stories. We couldn’t do it without you. Last summer, the Disability Re- solutions. Karen helped us to gen- source Centre (DRC) and Emer- erate simple, but powerful sugges- Crystal Evans-Pradha, a wheel- gency Management at the British tions such as the following: chair user with muscular dys- Columbia Institute of Technology • Adding a notepad and Sharpie trophy, blogged about helping (BCIT) hosted a workshop on Stra- felt pen to the personal emer- Nick Dupree, a disability rights tegic Inclusive Training for Emer- gency kits to enable commu- advocate with a metabolic gencies (SITE), presented by Karen nications with people who are muscular disease, when he and Martin of BCCPD. deaf or hard of hearing. his partner were stranded on the 12th floor. In preparation for the workshop, • Development of visual illustra- http://littlefreeradical. we met with Karen to discuss tions and charts of what to do com/2012/10/31/ BCIT’s planning for students and during drills. staff with a disability. • Collecting information from You can read about the touch- In spite of some excellent plan- students who may need assis- ing stories of several people ning already in place, we found tance in case of an emergency. the BCIT community would benefit with disabilities during Hurri- from an increased awareness • Using self-assessment infor- cane Sandy at this link: around planning for emergencies mation to ensure that students http://media-dis-n-dat. for those of us with disabilities. with disabilities are properly blogspot.ca/2012/11/disabled- assisted in case of emergency. people-especially-vulnerable. We decided to include students html/ with disabilities in the Disaster Day In preparation for an emergency 2012 exercise that occurs every event that affects the operation of two years at BCIT to give us a bet- all or a significant portion of our ter understanding of their unique activities, every BCIT department needs. The Disaster Day scenario and school prepares a Business was a mock earthquake, plus a Continuity Plan that enables us hazardous materials spill. to resume the business of educa- tion as soon as possible. After the Karen gave us information to help SITE workshop, we revised some us be more comprehensive and sections of the plan to reflect our inclusive planners. We looked at better understanding of planning case studies of people with disabil- for people with a disability. ities whose functional limitations included mobility and communica- Working with Karen and the BC- tion needs that would not likely be CPD was very positive and we visible to first responders. encourage other groups and com- panies to do the same. The noise level in the room went CSheryl okol, MRC, CCRC is the way up as the groups brain- Vocational Rehabilitation stormed and discussed possible Specialist Coordinator at BCIT’s Disability Resource Centre. T
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advertising feature
Have the Right Disaster Management Equipment by Clifford Adkins, CEO, ARC Products, LLC
During the terrorist attacks on filled hallways? How are they ad- Langone Hospital couldn’t be the World Trade Center in Sep- dressing the needs of people with evacuated from the building by tember 2001, we all heard stories a disability? Are they leaving those being carried. With the MedSled®, of unbelievable heroism. In one that are injured or with a disability she was quickly and safely evacu- story, two men carried a woman behind (in an “area of refuge”) ated down 14 stories. using a wheelchair down 68 flights hoping first responders will get Wheeled devices, such as stair with the help of nine co-workers. there on time to save them too? chairs and wheelchairs, can’t roll Unfortunately, many of the stories When deciding to buy equipment, over debris. Consider that NYU from that day ended in tragedy: a building-by-building and floor- Hospital moved over 300 non- immobile victims were left waiting by-floor assessment needs to be ambulatory critical-case patients for help. conducted to ensure the facility from a 17 story high-rise without a Twelve years, and numerous di- is properly equipped. MedSled® single injury or loss of life. sasters later (both man-made and evacuation sleds are the most Also, are evacuation drills realis- natural), most emergency man- effective device, both in its ability tic? When drills are run, are they agement plans don’t fully address to slide over all types of debris and including people with disabilities? the evacuation needs of people for protecting the person. Med- Training is time-consuming, ex- who are immobile or have a physi- Sleds are intuitive, easy to use pensive and usually unappreciated cal disability. and come ready for horizontal or until the time comes and people As a person with a disability, get vertical evacuation. have to evacuate. involved with the emergency When an EF5 tornado struck We work closely with customers planning process where you work Joplin, Missouri in 2011, St. John’s to provide multiple forms of train- and where you live. Ask criti- Mercy Hospital was completely ing and drill support. cal questions and ensure plans, demolished and first responders equipment and training address would not arrive for 14 hours. With So, are the places you live and the need for full evacuation. the MedSled® evacuation sled, work evacuation ready? Get in- volved, be part of the solution. For example, does your facility’s patients were transported over ® plan address worst-case scenarios debris-filled hallways to safety. Contact MedSled at 314-965-7533 with loss of power and debris- During Hurricane Sandy, an ICU or http://www.medsled.com/. liver transplant patient at NYU
BC COALITION OF PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES BCCPD.BC.CA TRANSITION MAGAZINE | SUMMER 2013 PAGE 17
Ambulance Service Using C-MIST
How can BC Ambulance Services (BCAS) better respond to people with disabilities during emergencies? BCCPD worked with the BCAS to answer this question. The result was the incorporation of the C-MIST model in the BCAS dispatch database (learn about C-MIST on page 12). This means that people with disabili- ties or seniors with functional limita- tions can voluntarily and confiden- tially provide BCAS with information. This personal information will help BCAS respond better to your needs, if you ever have to make an emer- gency 9-1-1 call from home. Thanks to participants in our SITE workshop at the North Shore There has been a very good response Disability Resource Centre in March 2013. We had great discussions from people sending in the form and wish the NDRC success in implementing some of the ideas and from communities around BC. procedures from the SITE planning. “It’s been a bit too successful,” says Derek McClure, Superintendent of BCAS, Vancouver Dispatch Opera- tions. “We’ve just had our people Emergency Planning Workshops inputting the data from the faxed in forms off the side of their desks, but BCCPD has two workshops to train businesses, government we’ll soon have an electronic ver- departments, local governments and community sion that people can fill in online and organizations in how to create emergency plans that include send to us. That way, the information people with disabilities and seniors. can be inputted more directly.” Strategic Inclusive Training for Emergencies (SITE) If you are using this service, it is im- Teaches businesses, government departments and community organiza- portant to resubmit your form each tions how to create inclusive emergency plans. year to BCAS to keep your informa- tion up-to-date. BCAS will only keep C-MIST and the Duty to Accommodate the information in their database for Learn what Canadian and BC laws say about local governments’ responsi- one year. bility to provide emergency response programs in a way that is accessible to all citizens. You can download a copy of the C-MIST form from the BCCPD web- www.bccpd.bc.ca/epworkshops.htm site at http://tinyurl.com/d6gd3fd. Details on content and costs available online, or contact Karen Martin at 604-875-0188 or [email protected]. T
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your voice counts become a BCCPD member New Resource for Local Governments Numbers matter. The more members we have, the stronger Though emergency planning and our voice in the community. response involves many sectors of our communities, local govern- Please become a BCCPD member today. You can be a ments have the core civic and legal voting member or a non-voting member, and we welcome responsibility. both individuals and groups.
BCCPD has created a new book- I accept your invitation to join the BC Coalition of People let, Creating Safe Communities: with1 Disabilities and enclose my membership fee of $15 Local Governments’ Legal Duty to (groups and individuals). Accommodate People with Dis- abilities in Emergency Response, I am also including a tax-deductible donation of $______. to help local governments un- (Donations over $10 are tax deductible). derstand this legal responsibility. Canadian law tells us it’s discrimi- natory to provide public services Please check the correct boxes: in a way that excludes protected o New membership or o Renewal groups, such as people with dis- abilities. o Voting Member or o Non-voting Member We’ve also produced a short video Voting members are people with disabilities and self-help to introduce the booklet. groups where at least 50% of members have a disability. You can find both resources at Name ______http://www.bccpd.bc.ca/emerg- prep.htm. Or, if you would like to receive hard copies of the booklet Organization ______for your local government depart- ment, please contact Karen at Address [email protected]. City/Prov______Postal Code ______Thank you to the Law Foundation of BC for generously funding this legal edu- Phone ______Email ______cation booklet and video. T
Please return your payment/donation with this form to: BCCPD, 204-456 W. Broadway, Vancouver, BC V5Y 1R3. You can also become a member or donate online at: www.bccpd.bc.ca/supportadvertise.htm.
Thank you for your invaluable support.
BC COALITION OF PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES BCCPD.BC.CA TRANSITION MAGAZINE | SUMMER 2013 PAGE 19
ME/FM Awareness Day
“I split my clinical time between [ME and HIV] and I can tell you, if I had to choose between the two illnesses in 2009, I would rather have HIV.”
May 12 was ME/FM Awareness Alzheimer’s/dementia and the • Dr. Nancy Klimas, an AIDS re- Day. Both ME (Myalgic Encepha- effects of stroke.2 searcher in the 1980′s and now lomyelitis, also known as Chronic • The media, the general public prominent in ME/CFS research, Fatigue Syndrome) and FM (Fibro- and many doctors easily and stated in a New York Times myalgia) can be severely disabling often confuse Chronic Fatigue interview: “My HIV patients and are widely misunderstood. Syndrome with chronic fatigue. for the most part are hale and Here are some facts and figures Chronic fatigue can be caused hearty thanks to three de- about these illnesses. by sleep disorders, vitamin cades of intense and excellent deficiencies and illnesses, and research and billions of dol- • ME and FM affect close to can usually be relieved once the lars invested. Many of my CFS 100,000 British Columbians. In underlying cause is treated. patients, on the other hand, are Canada, each of these diseases terribly ill and unable to work or is almost 4 times as common • Many people with ME and doctors familiar with the illness participate in the care of their as Multiple Sclerosis or Al- families. I split my clinical time zheimer’s Disease, and over 10 prefer the name “ME” because “Chronic Fatigue Syndrome” between the two illnesses, and times as common as Parkinson’s I can tell you, if I had to choose Disease. 1 is very misleading. Dr. Bruce Carruthers, one of the earli- between the two illnesses in 5 • Some people believe having ME est physicians to recognize 2009, I would rather have HIV.” means you’re tired all the time and treat ME, said that, “Using For information or to help raise and having FM means you’re ‘fatigue’ as a name of a disease awareness of ME/FM, please con- sore all the time, but they are gives it exclusive emphasis and tact the ME/FM Societies of BC at much more debilitating. People has been the most confusing 604-878-7707, [email protected] with ME can be so disabled by and misused criterion. No other or www.mefm.bc.ca. fatigue and other symptoms fatiguing disease has ‘chronic fa- 1,2 that they’re unable to prepare Statistics Canada, 2010 Canadian tigue’ attached to its name, e.g. Community Health Survey. a basic meal, make a phone call cancer⁄chronic fatigue, multiple 3 or even sit up. People with FM “Myalgic Encephalomyelitis: Interna- sclerosis⁄chronic fatigue–except tional Consensus Criteria”, Journal of can be in such pain that walk- ME⁄CFS.”3 Internal Medicine, July 2011. ing, taking a shower or even • The causes of ME and FM are 4 National ME/FM Action Network light pressure on their skin is unknown, there is no cure and website, http://tinyurl.com/bw8fq3w. excruciating. there are still no effective treat- 5 New York Times, Consults Blog, • These illnesses present with ments. Yet, compared to other http://tinyurl.com/yjakdnz. T numerous symptoms including chronic diseases, ME and FM headaches, nausea, neurocogni- have the second and third low- tive dysfunction, sleep disorders est federal research funding per and autonomic and cardiovas- capita in Canada. 4 cular disturbances. Both diseas- es are lifelong, full recovery is rare and they show the highest rate of disability among chronic diseases in Canada, after only
BCCPD.BC.CA BC COALITION OF PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES PAGE 20 TRANSITION MAGAZINE | SUMMER 2013
The Japan Disability Forum
BCCPD’s Nicole Kiyooka spoke with a family member about how the 2011 tsunami brought together disability groups.
Across the street from BCCPD is a Kaori told me that, during and Soon after the disaster, 11 disabil- small Japanese-Canadian hybrid after the earthquake, people ity-related organizations, from a of a café, with eggs benedict and went out of their way to help one coalition called the Japan Disability octopus on the menu. Walk inside another, especially those who Forum (JDF), wrote a detailed peti- the café, past the dangling Christ- were most vulnerable. They came tion to the Prime Minister of Japan mas lights in the front window (in together and the rest of the world and other top government officials March) and there is something reached out to help too. Unfortu- on behalf of people with disabili- that might catch your eye–a dona- nately, kindness and compassion ties. Lack of accessibility, missing tion bucket for the Red Cross, art- could not protect everyone. At medication and equipment, hous- fully decorated in red and white. A the flooded Sendai airport, people ing, resources and supports were small reminder of a giant tragedy. were stranded and went without widespread problems. JDF also It was on March 11, 2011 at food and power for days. Much issued a request to the Japanese 2:46 pm that a 9.0 magnitude needed medical resources were government that they research: earthquake struck northeast Japan just not available. People with dis- the number of people with dis- and a major tsunami followed. abilities who needed medication, abilities who lost their lives, living The horrific facts are still hard to equipment and supports were conditions of people with disabili- imagine or comprehend. More isolated and this resulted in many ties after the disaster and a review than 18,000 people lost their lives lives being lost. of disaster reduction policies from and 300,000 people were dis- The aftermath was unpredictable the perspective of people with placed. Reconstruction has been and astounding. disabilities. estimated at over $200 billion and the country is still recovering. Two years ago, I remember watch- ing a story on TV about Sendai, the Japanese city closest to the epicentre of the earthquake. This is my sister-in-law’s hometown. The images showed Kaori’s local airport completely flooded, with runways under water. A mix of airplanes and cars were piled up in one surreal photo, carried by the tsunami and tossed back to the earth like miniature toys. Kaori is a Vancouverite now and was at home when the earthquake Two years ago, I remember watching a story on TV about Sendai, the happened. Her parents, sister and Japanese city closest to the epicentre of the earthquake. This is my sister-in- grandma were in Sendai. Thank- law’s hometown. fully, they were all ok.
BC COALITION OF PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES BCCPD.BC.CA TRANSITION MAGAZINE | SUMMER 2013 PAGE 21
A year and seven months after the earthquake, JDF continued to wait for a formal reply. Now over two years have passed and I still could not find any information in my research to suggest that JDF ever received a response to their petitions and requests from the Japanese government. Here in BC, we’ve been told for many years to expect the “Big One.” Sometimes this refrain about an earthquake sounds like a broken record. The events in Japan showed us the reality of that possibility. When BC’s coast felt a 7.7 magnitude earthquake in October 2012, BCCPD fielded an increase in calls and requests for information about our Emergency Prepared- ness Program for people with disabilities. These thoughts were in the back of my mind, when I recently visited the café across the street. I no- ticed the familiar donation bucket was not there. It was gone and so was that initial shock and urgency I had experienced when I first heard about the earthquake in Japan and realized that the same thing could happen here in BC. Its absence was a bit unsettling. I knew that being ready for an emergency is something we can’t forget–for all of us and for people with disabilities. I took this thought with me as I closed the café door and walked back to BCCPD. NKicole iyooka is Administrative Director at BCCPD. T
BCCPD.BC.CA BC COALITION OF PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES PAGE 22 TRANSITION MAGAZINE | SUMMER 2013
Everyday Resilience: Social Connection By Shelley Hourston
tudies show that healthy social with social connection can also be situations, it’s important to have a Srelationships—positive inter- related to our disability or illness. closer relationship before sharing action with family, neighbours, For example, poor short-term something personal with a mem- colleagues and friends—are memory, negative perspective or ber of our support network. important in maintaining physical worldview, anxiety or difficulty Some experts point out the value of and mental health. Adults with making conversation can affect having five or more people in your so- social relationships, also called our willingness to engage in social cial network. Different people will pro- social networks, live longer than interaction. vide diversity of insight and feedback, those without these connections. through varying interests, perspec- Social support increases our ability Loneliness Can Become tives and experiences. Other research- to cope with stress and nurtures a a Habit ers note that our sense of connection sense of meaning and purpose in is internal and related to the quality of R esearchers have found that life.* our relationships, not the number. social isolation and loneliness can If you are interested in adding to your Both the size of our social net- become a vicious cycle.** Feeling social support network, you’ll find lots works and the quality of individual lonely because we have few or of ideas and suggestions on the Inter- relationships affect our health. unsatisfying social relationships net or at your public library. Before Social isolation and unsatisfying causes us to be overly sensitive you begin your research, remember to relationships have been linked to to negative events and feedback. “start small.” Think about opportuni- heart disease, high blood pressure, And this can create a self-fulfilling ties that may be right outside your cancer, slower wound healing and prophecy by negatively influencing door. Social conncection can be as impaired immune function.* the way we behave and interact simple as making friendly eye contact with others. Social isolation leads with neighbours on the street, saying Just as positive relationships can “hello” at the bus stop and listening to negativity, which in turn leads foster good health, poor relation- for receptive responses. ships negatively influence health to continuing social isolation. In growing your own social support through stress, anger, sadness or There is Good News network, you also become part of poor lifestyle choices such as sub- another’s network. Everyone wins! stance misuse and an unhealthy Building new social connections * Umberson, Debra, and Jennifer diet. and maintaining existing ones K. Montez. “Social Relationships becomes easier with practice. And and Health: A Flashpoint for Health It’s Not Always Easy not all connections require the Policy.” Journal of Health and Social Building and maintaining social same degree of effort. A social Behavior 51, no. 1 Suppl (2010): S54- networks can be difficult for support network is made up of S66. http://hsb.sagepub.com/con- people with disabilities or chronic a variety of relationship types, tent/51/1_suppl/S54.long (accessed May 6, 2013). illness. Day-to-day coping with including close friendships, family disability can drain energy, affect members, neighbours, classmates ** Masi, Christopher M., Hsi-Yuan our mood and limit our desire from school, co-workers or people Chen, Louise C. Hawkley, and John to interact with others. Fatigue, we know from support groups. T. Cacioppo. “A Meta-Analysis of Interventions to Reduce Loneliness.” pain, medication side-effects, low Sometimes it is appropriate to call Personality and Social Psychology Re- self-esteem and low income can on more distant relationships— view 15, no. 3 (2010): 219-266. http:// hinder social interaction. Difficulty when looking for a job or an psr.sagepub.com/content/15/3/219 apartment for example. In other (accessed May 6, 2013). T
BC COALITION OF PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES BCCPD.BC.CA TRANSITION MAGAZINE | SUMMER 2013 PAGE 23
Working Together at Kickstart 5
Disability arts takes centre stage at Performers will come from across North America to the the upcoming Kickstart 5 Festival festival, slated to include a variety of performances for in Vancouver, in September 2013. Vancouver audiences, as well as two visual arts shows, Performers will come from across a series of workshops and processions. North America to the festival, slated to include a variety of performances for Vancouver audi- ences, as well as two visual arts shows, a series of workshops and processions. “It’s all about working together as we blaze a path,” says Artistic Director, Emma Kivisild. “As well as a roster of dynamic performances, festival-goers will engage in col- laboration and mentorship, work together on a variety of projects, and learn about building partner- ships.” There’s something for everyone here and many different levels of Kickstart 5 is the culmination of 15 years (and five festivals) engagement, too. from the disability arts organization which hosted Canada’s Leading up to the festival, collab- first international disability arts Festival in 2001. Audiences oratively produced banners and can expect returning festival favourites, like the Swamp processions will provide opportu- Angels Choir and performer, David Roche, as well as several nities for participation. Workshops artists making their festival debut. at the conference will also look at For information about the Kickstart 5 Festival, visit http:// the artists’ working process. www.kickstart-arts.ca. T
BCCPD.BC.CA BC COALITION OF PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES PAGE 24 TRANSITION MAGAZINE | SUMMER 2013
Online E-Training: Workplace Emergency Planning
In 2008, the BCCPD produced The training content is also trans- Register for this free the research report, Workplace ferable to a broad range of work online course at: Emergency Planning Inclusive of sectors. emergprepcourse.bccpd.bc.ca. People with Disabilities, funded by WorkSafe BC. The findings of E-training Highlights our research highlighted the need • Employers and employees will for more workplace emergency learn about emergency plan- planning in British Columbia that ning and the disability-specific included the needs of workers needs of workers. with disabilities. • Employers will have a tool to We then produced a handbook for educate their workers. employers and workers, Work- • Content includes: place Emergency Planning for ͳͳ Determining staff needs; Workers with Disabilities. We have ͳͳ Assessing worksite hazards distributed over 2,000 handbooks for workers with disabilities; and we are pleased to see continu- ͳͳ Planning for emergency ing interest in this topic. communications; ͳͳ Planning for safe egress; To build on this interest, Work- ͳͳ Personal preparedness of SafeBC provided funding to BCCPD workers. to create an e-learning training module based on the handbook. The free e-training module allows people to work at their own pace. With this newly-launched course, On completion, learners receive a we will be able to reach a larger certificate, as well as download- geographical area, and a broader able resources. For more informa- base of businesses and organiza- tion, visit our website or contact tions across Canada. Karen at [email protected]. T
BC COALITION OF PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES BCCPD.BC.CA TRANSITION MAGAZINE | SUMMER 2013 PAGE 25 PAGE 25
Surrey Demonstrates Inclusive ADVERTISE WITH BCCPD Emergency Planning by Tara Cleave
BC Coalition of People with Dis- They handled 10 scenarios Share information about your business or organization with our abilities (BCCPD) has been working that included situations growing network. It’s a way to in- with the City of Surrey to help us involving people with develop inclusive emergency plan- vest not only in your business, but disabilities very well. ning and response for people with in the dignity and independence of disabilities. Everyone learned a lot from people who live with a disability. responding to these real-life Advertising revenue helps support In 2011, BCCPD delivered presen- scenarios. BCCPD services and programs. tations to the Surrey Emergency Social Services (ESS) Team and to learned a lot from responding to TRANSITION MAGAZINE ESS volunteers. The City of Surrey these real-life scenarios. We have a wide range of ad sizes provided information on C-MIST to We built on these experiences in to choose from, on either black the annual Youth Transition Fair or colour pages, with prices for January 2013, when Surrey and and has presented to the Commu- budgets large and small. nity Living BC (CLBC) Community the BCCPD conducted a two-hour Council (please see page 12 for C-MIST training session for staff You can design the ad or we’ll do it more on the C-MIST model). and ESS volunteers in preparation for you at a reasonable cost. And, for another emergency exercise in you can book one ad or a series. We are also currently talking with May 2013. Our focus for 2013 is The more you book, the more you local community-based organiza- working with ESS staff and volun- save. tions, such as the Surrey Asso- teers, and the C-MIST framework ciation for Community Living to We also offer a 35% discount for to assess the functional needs of not-for-profit organizations. work with them to identify their evacuees. potential role in an ESS disaster response. We hope to work with The City of Surrey is dedicated E-News Advertising to community accessibility and interested community organiza- We are also now offering ad space inclusivity, and to developing strat- tions as much as possible. in our monthly e-newsletter,O ur egies to fulfill the Surrey Parks, Voice. The City of Surrey conducted Recreation and Culture’s mission. a Mock Emergency Exercise in Surrey’s population continues to • Reach our growing list of 2,500+ Cloverdale last year, based on the grow rapidly and become increas- subscribers with options from premise of evacuating over 100 ingly diverse ethnically, culturally monthly to one-time ads. people from their homes. We and socio-economically. We hope • Choose from three ad types to used the C-MIST framework in the to meet this challenge by continu- fit your needs and budget. exercise and used some scenarios ing community partnerships, like on how to support people with our ongoing work with BCCPD. Information and Bookings disabilities. For more information on ESS in For information on advertising with City staff and volunteers led the Surrey, please visit the website: BCCPD, please contact Valerie at Special Needs Unit in this full www.surrey.ca/ess. T 604-875-0188 or transitionads@ scale reception centre exercise gmail.com. conducted by the ESS team. They handled 10 scenarios that included situations involving people with bccpd.bc.ca/advertise.htm disabilities very well. Everyone
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Frequently Asked Questions by Karen Martin
Question: How do I tell the fire should have a plan–and practise department that I need assis- it–on how to evacuate everyone tance during a fire drill, fire, or (including people with disabilities). other emergency? In our building, If people are unable to evacuate, once you exit onto the stair land- building floor wardens should tell ing for the floor, the door locks fire services exactly where people behind you. Other than asking are in the building. You can also people descending the stairs to let contact your local fire depart- the emergency responders know ment yourself and let fire services that you are on the landing waiting know where you live, what your to be evacuated, there is no other disability is and if you will need way to notify responders. This is help evacuating during a fire. This also a problem if it’s a false alarm should be part of your personal because people don’t come up the preparedness planning. stairs to return to the floor be- cause the doors are locked. However, it is important to know that fire services are not trained Answer: Absolutely no one should in lifting and carrying people with be left on a stairwell landing disabilities. during an emergency. It’s unsafe for all concerned. Every building Good question and good luck with your planning! T
Smell gas? Get out, then call: FortisBC’s 24-hour Emergency Line at 1-800-663-9911, or 911.
Natural gas is used safely in homes across B.C. everyday. FortisBC adds an odourant that smells like rotten eggs or sulphur. If there’s a leak, you’ll smell it.
FortisBC uses the FortisBC Energy name and logo under license from Fortis Inc. (13-048.10 04/2013)
BC COALITION OF PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES BCCPD.BC.CA TRANSITION MAGAZINE | SUMMER 2013 PAGE 27
Two Yellow Shirts y| b Jill Stainsby
recently drove into Vancouver The second yellow shirt, for the Ifrom my home in Lillooet. There other event I was attending, is This plastic (yes, plastic) were several things I wanted to anything but bold. It’s a silk Holt shirt was bought mail do and a few events I needed to Renfrew with its label intact and I attend. I also wanted to sell my RV am unclear where I got it. I could order and the colour was which I was able to do. never have afforded it, so I must beyond bold and not at all I had with me two yellow shirts. have found it at a thrift shop. I’ve mixed or diluted with any used it at family events where I They are large, long-sleeved shirts other colour. Sunflower very much like men’s white shirts, want to look good. but they were both designed for In April, BCCPD held a fundraising yellow, corn yellow, Big women. One was to wear to a dinner. I wore the pale yellow shirt Bird yellow, blindingly choir concert, as Patti our much and I felt well dressed. yellow. loved leader had instructed us: Because I had just sold the RV “black on the bottom, one solid (see, the story does start to come colour on top.” This plastic (yes, together), I bought a ticket in the FOLLOW US plastic) shirt was bought mail BCCPD’s raffle’s Grand Prize which order and the colour was be- was an airplane ticket for two any- yond bold and not at all mixed where that WestJet flies. or diluted with any other colour. Sunflower yellow, corn yellow, Big Amazingly, my number was called. Find and follow BCCPD at Bird yellow, blindingly yellow. Out of the–yellow–sometimes www.bccpd.bc.ca/followus.htm. good things happen. I will use the On choir night, I saw that most of tickets to give myself a real holi- You can also sign up for Our the singers had chosen deep red, day, somewhere in the sun, later Voice, the BCCPD e-newsletter deep purple or a lightish green. this year. that will keep you up-to-date My yellow shirt really stood out. on important and interesting I wonder who will go with me, But that is not the important bit. disability news between to where and when. I think I will Transition editions. The important bit is that night, buy another long-sleeved yellow I felt very loved. I was helped to shirt to wear on the jet. It’s a good find my spot, by people who knew sunny life! T I have trouble tracking things like which song is next and with whom am I singing it. People led me or pushed me here and there, smiled at me even when I sang flat, and grinned when I did something silly. I loved it, I loved them, I even felt OK about our mistakes. Making music is always a very bold noisy thing to do. A plastic shirt, the colour of the midday sun is perfect for it.
BCCPD.BC.CA BC COALITION OF PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES PAGE 28 TRANSITION MAGAZINE | SUMMER 2013
Subscribe
Committee Has Wide Community Involvement Get all that Transition has to offer, 4 times each The BCCPD coordinates the Emergency Preparedness year. Choose to receive for People with Disabilities Committee (EPPDC) which Transition in print, by has been hard at work since 2006. The EPPDC develops email or read us online. partnerships with many community sectors to improve emergency programs and services for people with dis- Please add me to your mailing list. abilities. I am enclosing my $15 annual subscription fee. Our goal is to work together to educate emergency managers and responders in inclusive approaches that will support people with disabili- ties throughout BC. We welcome new members to the committee. Name The EPPDC is made up of disability organizations, individuals with disabili- ______ties, and emergency management sector representatives.
Current members of the committee are: the BCCPD, Cerebral Palsy Asso- Organization ciation of BC, Neil Squire Society, Voice of the Cerebral Palsied of Greater Vancouver, Positive Living BC, Vancouver Coastal Health Emergency ______Management, Western Institute for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing, City of ______Surrey Accessibility and Inclusion Program, Lions Bay Emergency Social Services, MVT (HandyDART), Richmond Society for Community Living, Free Address to Be Rehab Consulting, Burnaby Mental Wellness, and March of Dimes Canada. T ______
A Guide to User-Friendly Trails City/Prov ______Go beyond the parking lot and pick up your copy of “A Guide to User-Friendly Trails” featuring easy-to-use walking, hiking Postal Code ______and wheeling trails in Greater Victoria, BC. Features: Phone ______• Trails suitable to individuals of diverse ages, levels of mobility and endurance. • Trail profiles and maps to enable users to determine which parks and amenities to visit. Email ______Pick up your copy at Capital Regional District Offices, West Shore Parks & Recreation and municipal halls in the Westshore area. ______Download it at www.westshorerecreation.ca/userfriendlytrails Please check one: I’d like to receive Transition in the following format: ❒❒ PDF (by email) ❒❒ I’ll read it online ❒❒ Paper (by mail) Please make cheques payable to BCCPD and send to Transition, c/o BCCPD, 204-456 W. Broadway, Vancouver, BC V5Y 1R3.
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BC COALITION OF PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES BCCPD.BC.CA TRANSITION MAGAZINE | SUMMER 2013 P AGE 29 PAGE 29
Planned Giving own beautiful art You’ve always been by PJ artman there for others. It’s part With devices supplied through the of who you are. Now, Equipment and Assistive Technology you can continue to give Initiative, Kelowna Artist PJ Artman is making amazing art. Two pieces he beyond your lifetime. generously donated to a recent BCCPD fundraiser were some of the he BCCPD has a Planned Tax Savings most bid-upon items. TGiving program. Planned You can realize significant tax Giving is the opportunity to When you see his paintings, it’s hard savings with Planned Giving. to believe PJ has a visual impairment. think ahead about causes or For example, stocks, bonds organizations that you may He uses varied styles and subjects in and mutual funds that you may his work. want to financially support be- have in a trust can be trans- yond your lifetime. ferred in your will to a charity “I love life and art, and being cre- You can take the time now to and a tax receipt will be issued. ative keeps me in tune with the world because art is my therapy for what gather information and leave A bequest from your estate of instructions in your will. ails me. I am a legaly blind artist, but cash or RRSPs will reduce the I never let little things like that stand By planning ahead, you can taxes that your estate will be in my way. Every day, I just march research charities, or have required to pay. forward into a new bright and creative someone research charities for Other ways of donating give day where I feel safe, happy and free.” you, that fit your values. You twofold value: by naming the won’t feel rushed or pressured BCCPD as the beneficiary in See PJ’s work at to make a decision and you a life insurance policy, you do pjartmanstudio.com can ensure that your money is not incur any costs now and a spent in the way you want. tax receipt is issued when the Benefits estate is settled. There are many benefits to To Learn More Planned Giving. By writing Our donors are important to down your wishes, you will us and we’ll work with you to have increased peace of mind be recognized in the way that and control over your finances. you’d prefer. Through Planned Giving, you If you would like more infor- can provide a significant future mation about Planned Giving, donation without reducing your please contact Nicole at the income today. BCCPD at [email protected] A gift in your will to a registered or 604-875-0188. She will send Canadian charity is tax-deduct- you BCCPD Planned Giving in- ible. formation for you to review with And, your Planned Gift helps your financial planner or lawyer, T the BCCPD to be here in the family and friends. future for those who need us.
BCCPD.BC.CA BC COALITION OF PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES PAGE 30 TRANSITION MAGAZINE | SUMMER 2013
The Speech-Language Pathologist makes use of the horse’s movement to stimulate the physiologic systems that support speech and language– especially effective breathing.
ing motor demand. Because the benefits are gained under natural circumstances, they are more eas- ily transferred into the rider’s daily life.” It is easy to understand why PTs and OTs would be involved with this therapy, but why SLPs? The Speech-Language Pathologist The Power of Hippotherapy makes use of the horse’s move- ment to stimulate the physiologic o many readers, hippotherapy postural strength and endurance, systems that support speech and Tis probably an unfamiliar term. addressing weight bearing and language–especially effective While Therapeutic Riding encom- motor planning. Patients respond breathing. When combined with passes a range of horse-human enthusiastically to this enjoyable other speech-language interven- therapy programs, hippotherapy experience in a natural setting.” tions, SLPs can improve commu- has developed as a distinct disci- Physiotherapists (PTs), Occu- nication disorders and functional pline that has wonderful benefits pational Therapists (OTs), and communications. for children and adults with dis- Speech-Language Pathologists Hippotherapy, like therapeutic abilities. (SLPs) are among those who prac- riding, takes a team approach. In According to the American Hippo- tise hippotherapy. this partnership, the rider focuses therapy Association, hippotherapy Danielle Champagne, an Occu- mainly on the horse, leading him is “a physical, occupational and pational Therapist with the Les or using long lines to ensure the speech-language therapy treat- Amies de Joey says, “I find that the desired combination of even pace, ment strategy that utilizes equine horse allows me to obtain [from energy and direction. But any old movement as part of an integrated my riders] levels of motor intensity horse won’t do! A trained horse intervention program to achieve less easily achieved using more partner with appropriate tempera- functional outcomes. The horse conventional occupational therapy ment is important for the success provides a dynamic base of sup- techniques. On the horse, the of this therapy. port, making it an excellent tool rider’s central nervous system is Excerpted from “Hippos in the for increasing trunk strength and more strongly stimulated, obliging Barn?” Reprinted with permission. control, balance, building overall it to adapt to this more challeng- CanTRA Caller, January 2013. Contact: [email protected] . T
BC COALITION OF PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES BCCPD.BC.CA We’re Here To Help With CPP Disability
Were you previously working and now have a disability? Do you need help to apply for CPP Disability or appeal a denial of benefits?
How Can BCCPD Help? BC Coalition of People with Disabilities is an expert in Canada Pension Plan Disability (CPP-D) advocacy. We provide: • in person, one-to-one assistance • assistance by phone • free self-help publications on what CPP is, how to apply and how to appeal a denial (available in English, Traditional Chinese and Punjabi)
What do I need to know about CPP-D? CPP-D has several advantages over provincial disability benefits. And, recipients may receive provincial (PWD/PPMB) disability benefits in addition to CPP-D in the form of a top-up, if their CPP-D benefits fall below the provincial minimum.
Please contact us to learn more. CPP-D Advocacy Program Telephone: 604-872-1278 | Toll-Free: 1-800-663-1278 Website: www.bccpd.bc.ca Online Program information: OurWork/Advocacy Access Online Self-help CPP resources: Library/Money & Income Supports
n Funded through the generosity of the Law Foundation of BC BC Coalion of People with Disabilies Suite 204, 456 West Broadway, Vancouver BC V5Y 1R3 (604) 875-0188 • fax (604) 875-9227 • y (604) 875-8835 [email protected] • www.bccpd.bc.ca
Thank You for Making Our 35th Anniversary a Smashing Success!
There are so many people and organizations to thank for BCCPD’s sold out 35th Anniversary Celebration, April 4. We’d like to single out these amazing and generous supporters for a huge thank you.
A huge thank-you for your donation of 2 round-trip tickets to any WestJet destination for our raffle.
GoldEvent Sponsor SilverEvent Sponsor BronzeEvent Sponsor
Advanced Mobility Products Ltd.
Thank you to the Province of BC for their continuing support.