Spinal Columns - Champlainhealthline.ca

Spinal Columns
February 2013
Suite 104—720 Belfast Rd, Ottawa, ON K1G 0Z5 www.sciontario.org
613-723-1033 or Toll Free 1-888-723-1033 Fax: 613-688-0373
OTTAWA ACCESSIBILITY EXPO
On Wednesday, November 21st, Spinal Cord Injury Ontario (SCI Ontario) held its first Accessibility Expo in Ottawa at the Jim Durrell
Centre. The event brought together thirty exhibitors, each providing products and/or services to people with spinal cord injuries and
other physical disabilities. There was a wide range of organizations, from mobility companies, attendant services and home healthcare,
personal injury firms, accessible travel, home renovations and design, as well as information on RDSP and insurance. Over 70 people
came through the Expo, including Ottawa’s Mayor Jim Watson. It was a great event that brought together members of the
community and healthcare professionals looking for more information on local resources and products.
Chris, Regional Services Coordinator, speaks to
visitors at the SCI Ontario booth
Kristen, an Occupational Therapist,
from The TRAC Group, one of the
thirty exhibitors
Several authors who have written about their
personal experiences with disabilities showcased
their literary works and memoires
2012 CELEBRATION OF PEOPLE
On December 3, 2012, the annual Celebration of People Awards recognized the contributions of three
members of SCI Ontario Ottawa region who have made a difference in the lives of people with disabilities. This event is held in honour of the International Day of People with Disabilities.
Laurie Alphonse, an Ottawa-based social worker was awarded the Citizenship Award, which was
established in memory of Kathy Kerr. Laurie is an active peer support volunteer for the SCI Ontario
Ottawa Office. She assists individuals who have become newly injured by providing them with strategies and tips for adjusting to life with a disability. Before becoming a peer support volunteer, Laurie
also assisted SCI Ontario staff with the facilitation of peer support workshops for its members. Laurie
works with Disabled Women’s Network (DaWN) Canada. Among her many roles
is the Ottawa contact for women in crisis, providing counselling and support to
these women, linking them to housing and financial support
Laurie receives the Citizenship
Award
Liz Winkelaar received the Artistic Excellence Award, which honours contributions to the creative and cultural
life of a community through a chosen artistic field. Before sustaining a spinal cord injury at the age of 18, Liz had
been a dancer, studying ballet, jazz, and disco dancing. While pursuing her Masters’ degree at Carleton
University, Liz became interested in disability art and culture, which led to her involvement in Propeller Dance.
Based in Ottawa, Propeller Dance is the only organization in Ontario with the sole mandate of providing dance
programming to children, youth and adults with and without disabilities.
Liz receives the
Artistic Excellence
award
Randy Romain, who wrote his autobiography, “Facing the Challenge”, was a finalist in the Artistic Excellence
Award category. His book encourages people who are faced with a problem (medical or otherwise) to never
give up and informs readers about what it is like to live with a progressive and debilitating disease.
Congratulations, Laurie, Liz and Randy!
Page 2
Ottawa Region
The Champagne Auction & Dinner, hosted by Spinal Cord Injury Ontario, brings together members of the Ottawa community to raise
funds for programs and services to help people with spinal cord injuries. The event will feature both live and silent auctions, dinner and
a keynote address. It will be an elegant and fun evening, providing support and much-needed resources for those with spinal cord
injuries in Ontario.
Date: Thursday, March 21, 2013
Location: Canada Aviation and Space Museum (11 Aviation Parkway, Ottawa)
Reception: 5:30 p.m.
Dinner: 6:30 p.m.
There are various ways to contribute to the event: as a sponsor, a guest, a volunteer, an auction item donor or you can make a
donation directly to the event. Tickets are $100 each; however there is a sale for SCI Ontario members ONLY: 25% off!
For more information, visit the website: http://support.sciontario.org/Champagne
You can also contact Sarah McKinnon, Community Development Officer at 613-723-1033 ext. 22 or [email protected].
VENTE AUX ENCHÈRES & SOUPER CHAMPAGNE
Soyez des nôtres pour une soirée divertissante et élégante visant à offrir du soutien et des programmes et services dont les
personnes avec des lésions médullaires ont tellement besoin dans la région d’Ottawa. La vente aux enchères du Champagne inclura
le cocktail, le souper et des ventes aux enchères en direct et silencieuses ainsi qu’un discours liminaire.
Date: Jeudi le 21 mars 2013
Location: Musée de l’aviation et de l’espace du Canada (11, promenade de l’aviation, Ottawa)
Cocktail: 17h30
Souper et venter aux enchères en direct: 18h30
Il y a plusieurs façons par laquelle vous pouvez contribuer à cet événement: comme commanditaire, comme invité, comme bénévole,
comme donateur de prix pour le vente aux enchères ou faites un don directement pour l’événement. Les billets individuels sont $100;
les membres de LM Ontario obtient 25% de remise sur le prix des billets.
Pour acheter des billets ou pour obtenir de plus amples renseignments, visitez: http://support.sciontario.org/Champagne ou
contactez Sarah McKinnon, agente du développement communautaire au 613-723-1033 poste 22 ou
[email protected].
Upcoming Events — Peer Connections, Information Sessions
Peer Connection: What a Personal Injury
Lawyer can do for you!
What? Find out what a personal injury lawyer can do
for you.
When? Wednesday February 27th, 2013
6:00-7:30pm
Where? Sandy Hill Community Centre, Games Room
250 Somerset East
Food & Drink will be provided and you’ll be entered
for a chance to win a Door Prize
Contact: Madelyn Scanlan, Peer Support Coordinator
Phone: 613-723-1033 ext 32
Email: [email protected]
Patient Education Sessions
Where? The Rehabilitation Centre, Ward B
Lounge, 505 Smyth Road
February 14th at 2pm: Save Your Skin!
February 21st at 11am:
Community Resources and Leisure
February 28th at 2pm: SCIO Tips & Tricks
March 7th at 11am: Your Eating Habits and
Where They Might Take You
March 14th at 2pm: Relationships
March 21st at 11am: Intimacy
Peer Connection: Planes, Trains, Automobiles and Cruises
What? Presentation from Access Holiday on
accessible travel
When? Wednesday March 13th, 2013
6:00-7:30pm
Where? The Rehabilitation Centre, Conference
Room A, 505 Smyth Road
Contact: Madelyn Scanlan,
Peer Support Coordinator
Phone: 613-723-1033 ext 32
Email: [email protected]
Page 3
Ottawa Region
TAXI COUPON PROGRAM
The Taxi Coupon Program allows registered Para Transpo customer to take discounted taxi service as an
alternative to Para Transpo. You can book your trip at your convenience, with participating Ottawa taxi
companies including Blue Line and West Way, and save 40% off the regular taxi fare. The cost is $24 for a
coupon book worth $40 in taxi fares. An eligible customer can buy up to four coupon books each month.
You can order coupons by phone (613-842-3670) or by mail: Para Transpo Taxi Coupon Program
1500 St. Laurent Blvd., Ottawa, ON, K1G 0Z8
To book your Taxi trip call any participating taxi company directly and tell them that you are using the Taxi Coupon Program. For a
list of participating taxi companies and for additional information call 613-842-3670
or visit: http://www.octranspo1.com/community-events/taxi_coupon .
PROGRAMME DE COUPON DE TAXI
Le Programme de coupon de taxi permet aux usagers inscrits au service Para Transpo de prendre des taxis à tarif réduit comme
solution de rechange au service Para Transpo. Les participants à ce programme peuvent réserver une course en taxi au moment qui
leur convient auprès des compagnies de taxi d’Ottawa participantes, dont Blue Line Taxi et West Way Taxi, et économiser 40 % sur le
tarif de taxi régulier. Un carnet de coupons coûte 24 $ et donne droit à des courses en taxi d'une valeur de 40 $. Les usagers
admissibles peuvent acheter quatre carnets de coupons par mois au maximum.
Il est possible de commander des carnets de coupons par téléphone en composant le 613-842-3670 ou par courrier à l’adresse
suivante: Programme de coupon de taxi Para Transpo
1500, boul. St-Laurent, Ottawa (Ontario) K1G 0Z8
Pour effectuer une réservation, il suffit d'appeler directement n'importe quelle compagnie de taxi d'Ottawa participante et d'indiquer
que l'on participe au Programme de coupon de taxi. Pour avoir une liste de compagnies de taxi participantes ou d’autres
renseignements, veuillez téléphoner au 613-842-3670 ou consultez le site Web:
http://www.octranspo1.com/community-events/taxi_coupon.
CHANGES TO BENEFITS FOR LOW INCOME CANADIANS
For people on the Ontario Disability Support Program (ODSP), the Community Start-Up and Maintenance Benefit has come to an end
as of January 1st. This Benefit provided eligible persons with funds to assist with furniture purchases, moving expenses, and the like.
As well, the Province of Ontario will reduce what are called discretionary benefits to municipalities; some one-time funding has been
provided to assist municipalities in developing their Community Homelessness Prevention Initiative plans. These are used to fund a
variety of social services. If these changes impact you and you would like assistance with sharing your views with your Member of
Provincial Parliament, please contact Nathan Hauch at [email protected].
CHANGEMENTS AUX PRESTATIONS EN ONTARIO
La Prestation pour l’établissement d’un nouveau domicile et le maintien dans la collectivité, qui s’adresse aux bénéficiaires du
Programme ontarien du soutien aux personnes handicapées (POSPH), a pris fin le 1er janvier. Grâce à cette prestation, les personnes
admissibles ont reçu des fonds leur permettant d’acheter des meubles, de payer les frais de déménagement, et cetera. En outre, la
province de l’Ontario réduira les prestations offertes aux municipalités, que l’on appelle discrétionnaires, et leur a versé plutôt un
financement ponctuel pour aider ces municipalités à concevoir leurs plans dans le cadre de l’Initiative de la prévention de l’itinérance
dans les collectivités. Ces prestations discrétionnaires servent à financer divers services sociaux. Si ces changements vous concernent
et que vous avez besoin d’aide à faire part de vos opinions avec votre député provincial, veuillez contacter Nathan Hauch par courriel
à [email protected].
ACCESS 2 ENTERTAINMENT
The Access 2 Entertainment (A2E) program was launched in 2004 to help businesses provide customer service to customers with
disabilities. The A2E Card provides people with disabilities either free admission or a significant discount for their support person at
member movie theatres and attractions across Canada. A support person is an individual who accompanies a person with a disability
to provide those services that are not provided by attraction employees. People with a permanent disability who require a support
person are eligible for the card.
For a complete list of entertainment venues across Canada and additional information on the program visit Access 2 Entertainment’s
new website: http://www.access2card.ca/.
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Ottawa Region
COMMUNITY HEALTH ASSESSMENT
SCI Ontario has recently begun to use a new assessment tool to help us
gather comprehensive information and enable us to continue to deliver
better quality service. Known as the Community Health Assessment (CHA),
this instrument has been developed by an organization known as interRAI,
a collaborative network of researchers in over thirty countries committed
to improving care for persons who have a disability or are medically complex. Outside of SCI Ontario, there are a number of other community
service organizations that are using the CHA to gain a more accurate picture of the support and services required by clients.
SCI Ontario will be conducting this assessment with all of our current and
future clients. By choosing to participate in the CHA, clients will benefit
from:




Not having to repeat health histories
Service gaps being identified early
Equitable, consistent access to health services
L’évaluation de la santé
en milieu communautaire
L’Évaluation de la santé en milieu communautaire (SMC
interRAI) est un outil complet et normalisé qui sert à
décrire vos besoins en matière de soutien. Elle est
effectuée par un évaluateur formé par Lésions
médullaires Ontario qui vous posera une série de questions. En choisissant de participer à L’Évaluation de la
santé en milieu communautaire, vous bénéficierez:
 De ne pas être obligé de répéter vos antécédents
médicaux
 De l’identification des lacunes de service dès le début
 D’un accès équitable et continu aux services de santé
 Des services planifiés et orientés de façon appropriée
par vos fournisseurs de services de santé
Contactez LM Ontario (613-723-1033) pour plus de
renseignments sur l’évaluation.
Appropriate planning and service navigation from a range of
healthcare providers.
With client consent, this assessment will be shared with other health
service providers using a secure, electronic system known as the Integrated Assessment Record. If you would like more information about the CHA,
please feel free to contact the SCIO office in Ottawa.
Ottawa Regional Staff
Angela Clair
Bilingual Regional Services
Coordinator
[email protected]
x 33
BOOKING AN ACCESSIBLE HOTEL WORKSHOP
Chris Bourne
Regional Services Coordinator
[email protected]
The Spinal Cord Connection Resource Centre is presenting a workshop on booking an
accessible hotel room. Hotel staff at the Delta Chelsea Hotel in downtown Toronto and SCI
Ontario peers will lead an interactive session on booking an accessible hotel room.
Join Delta Chelsea Hotel staff and SCI Ontario peers to learn what, when and how to ask
about:
Accessible room—bed, bath and shower, door, flooring, equipment rental
Madelyn Scanlan
Peer Support Coordinator
[email protected]
x32
Sarah McKinnon
Community Development Officer
[email protected]
x22
Nathan Hauch
Regional Solutions Alliance
Coordinator
[email protected]
x37
Rules for attendants and service dogs
The workshop will be broadcasted over Adobe Connect. Anyone can join the workshop by
webconference at this link: http://meet78813759.adobeconnect.com/hotel/ . Participants can
log in as a guest, watch online and text in questions in real time.
Date: Thursday, February 14th, 2013 Time: 1:00-1:45 pm—Info Session
1:45-2:15 pm—Interactive Tour
2:15-3:00 pm—Q&A
x 34
TAKE ADVANTAGE OF SECOND CAREER
The Second Career strategy launched by the Ontario Ministry of Training, Colleges and Universities pays for the training or education
that Ontarians require to get a better job. The program can provide support up to $28 000 to candidates who qualify to pay for:
tuition, living expenses, help caring for dependents, travel, transportation, disability supports, books, other living and training costs
etc. In order to find out if you qualify for Second Career or any other government funding, all candidates must visit a Employment
Ontario assessment centre for an assessment interview.
For more information visit: http://www.secondcareerontario.com/web/second_career/
We will soon be changing this newsletter to an electronic format so send us your email addresses.
Please call Amanda at 613-723-1033 (888-723-1033) ext. 0 or email [email protected].