Spinal Cord Injury Alberta

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Spinal Cord Injury Alberta Look for our virtual Facebook Groups to learn more. Spinal Cord Injury Alberta, formerly (Canadian Paraplegic Association (Alberta)) was founded in 1961.

SCI Alberta is a charity, non-profit that offers free consultations, referrals and support to clients and their social networks to achieve independence and full community participation. About Us

Since 1945, the Canadian Paraplegic Association has been helping Canadians with spinal cord injuries and other physical disabilities. Started by a core group of WWII veterans in Ontario, the association h

as expanded to include offices in almost every province. Since then, it has been a leader in offering support, direct service, information and advocacy to Albertans with spinal cord injuries and other physical disabilities. Our Mission

To assist persons with spinal cord injuries and other physical disabilities to achieve independence, self-reliance and full community participation. Whether it be assisting a newly spinal cord injured child or adult, lobbying for better public transportation, or helping to create a more inclusive community, SCI Alberta embraces the approach that there is more than one way. Vision

Albertans with spinal cord injury and other physical disabilities will enjoy optimal physical, spiritual, economic and emotional well-being within fully accessible and welcoming communities free of physical, attitudinal and systemic barriers. This broad vision is shared in many respects with our partner organizations and agencies. Within this context, SCI Alberta strives to deliver the following visionary outcomes:

Albertans with SCI and their families will be aware of and have access to SCI Alberta services and supports

Clients and their families will adjust more successfully to the personal effects of injury and disability

Clients will achieve increased independence, self-reliance and community participation. Barriers to independence and inclusion will be reduced for people with SCI and other physical disabilities in Alberta communities

SCI Alberta will be a stable and sustainable organization. Disclaimer: The views expressed, comments made and material posted by users of this Page (excluding content posted by Spinal Cord Injury Alberta) do not represent the views of the Spinal Cord Injury Alberta and remain the beliefs/opinions and the responsibility of the party posting the information.

⛏️Come and give dry tool climbing a try on September 13th with ClimbYEG from 10:30am-12:30pm for $20/person 🤩(9735 Grier...
25/08/2025

⛏️Come and give dry tool climbing a try on September 13th with ClimbYEG from 10:30am-12:30pm for $20/person 🤩

(9735 Grierson Hill NW, Edmonton, AB T5H 3V5)

✨There are limited spots available, RVSP and buy your tickets here: https://www.canadahelps.org/en/charities/spinal-cord-injury-alberta/events/adaptive-dry-tool-climbing-with-climbyeg/

‼️Or reach out to kendra.erhardt@sci-ab.ca if you have any questions! Limited spaces are available, so don’t delay!

No Experience Necessary!

Ready to challenge yourself with something different? Come experience Climb YEG and dry tool climbing. Join us at Canada’s ONLY outdoor dry tooling and sport climbing facility. Whether you’re training for alpine adventures or just looking to try something new, this one of a kind program lets you explore the sport at your own pace. Dry tooling uses specialized ice tools and crampons on wooden walls and holds, building confidence and developing new skills in an outdoor environment. All required gear and instruction is provided as part of this program.

What to Bring:

-Outdoor active clothing
– Close-toed shoes
-Water bottle
– Thin five-finger gloves (optional)

A new support program is coming for Albertans with disabilities. Starting in July 2026, the Alberta government will intr...
20/08/2025

A new support program is coming for Albertans with disabilities. Starting in July 2026, the Alberta government will introduce the Alberta Disability Assistance Program (ADAP). This new program is being developed alongside the current Assured Income for the Severely Handicapped (AISH) program—not to replace it, but to provide another option for people who may want to work or increase their income while still receiving support. It is stated that the ADAP is designed to be more flexible, allowing people to earn more money before benefits are reduced, and making it easier to stay employed without losing access to important health or personal supports.

It is noted that the ADAP will have a single application process that considers both programs at the same time. When you apply, the government will look at your situation to determine whether AISH or ADAP is the better fit for you. If you’re already receiving AISH, nothing will change right away. You’ll stay on AISH unless it’s clear that ADAP would better support your needs. It is expressed that the ADAP is expected to help people who have a disability and are able—or want—to work, but still need extra support to live independently and securely.

One of the biggest changes is how ADAP handles income and health benefits. Under ADAP, you may be able to earn more income from work before your monthly benefit is reduced. Even if your income grows and your monthly payment ends, you will still keep access to health, dental, and personal supports until age 65. This is meant to help people ease into employment without suddenly losing the supports they rely on.

The Alberta government wants your input. From now until September 12, 2025, you can help shape the future of ADAP by sharing your thoughts. You can complete a survey online at (https://your.alberta.ca/adap/surveys/public), send in feedback to (adapengagement@gov.ab.ca), or join a telephone town hall. Your feedback is important to make sure the program works for real people with real needs. To learn more or get involved, visit: https://www.alberta.ca/alberta-disability-assistance-program-engagement

19/08/2025

Amazing news for Praxis SCI Incubate alumnus NanoTess whose NanoSALV Catalytic - a novel wound care matrix used to increase the speed of healing wounds - is now covered under the Alberta Drug Benefit List . Individuals in with a valid prescription for NanoSALV Catalytic (priced for its 15g unit only - PIN/DIN is 00000999688) are now eligible for its reimbursement under the following programs:
• Non-Group Coverage
• Coverage for Seniors
• Alberta Human Services
• Palliative Coverage
• Child and Family Services
• Alberta Child Health Benefit
• Children and Youth Services
• Income Support
• Alberta Adult Health Benefit (AAHB)

Through Alberta's public drug programs, eligible individuals can now access with reimbursement support.

For a map of pharmacies carrying NanoSALV Catalytic, please visit: https://nanotess.com/pages/purchase-nanosalv

Check out this cool research opportunity at the University of Alberta! They are investigating robot assisted neural mech...
19/08/2025

Check out this cool research opportunity at the University of Alberta! They are investigating robot assisted neural mechanisms underlying arm function in individuals with cervical spinal cord injuries. See the poster for details!

Thank you to Pipella Law, a long-time supporter and a Presenting Sponsor of our Living Beyond Limits Peer Conference! Yo...
16/08/2025

Thank you to Pipella Law, a long-time supporter and a Presenting Sponsor of our Living Beyond Limits Peer Conference!

Your ongoing support helps make events like this possible. Connecting individuals with spinal cord injuries, families, caregivers, and community partners to share stories, insights, and experiences.
We couldn’t do it without you!

We are going to miss you Farewell and Thank You – Spinal Cord Injury AlbertaFive years ago, I was simply looking for a ...
13/08/2025

We are going to miss you

Farewell and Thank You – Spinal Cord Injury Alberta

Five years ago, I was simply looking for a job. I had no idea that what I was really about to find was a purpose, a community, and an experience that would change my life. It’s funny how sometimes, the job you never knew you needed has a way of finding you.

When I started as a Peer Coordinator at Spinal Cord Injury Alberta, I thought I understood my own spinal cord injury journey. But I quickly realized I had only been scratching the surface. What unfolded over these past five years was a deep dive into not only my own growth and healing, but also into a vibrant, resilient, and awe-inspiring community that welcomed me with open arms.

This organization—and more importantly, the people in and around it—have shaped me in ways I could never have imagined. I’ve grown professionally, yes, but more than that, I’ve grown as a person. I’ve become a better husband, a more capable father, and a more confident version of myself. The strength, vulnerability, and tenacity I’ve witnessed in this community have given me the courage to face life’s biggest challenges head-on.

Ironically, it’s this very confidence and support that now make it possible for me and my family to take on our next big adventure: a move to Australia. It’s not a step we take lightly, and it wouldn’t have been possible without the foundation built during my time here. My coworkers, mentors, and the countless peers I’ve had the privilege to support and learn from—you have left a permanent mark on my heart. You’ve been my teammates in every sense of the word, helping me climb mountains I once thought impossible.

To the greater spinal cord injury community—whether you’re a peer navigating your own path or part of the amazing organizations that work tirelessly behind the scenes—I just want to say: thank you. It has been an absolute pleasure working with all of you. Keep pushing forward, keep supporting one another, and keep living your best lives. The work you’re doing matters—deeply—and I’ll be cheering you on from across the ocean.

With heartfelt gratitude -Terry

☀️Our annual SCI-AB BBQ is coming up on Sunday, August 24th from 11-2pm at Emily Murphy Park Site #1. ✨There will be fo...
12/08/2025

☀️Our annual SCI-AB BBQ is coming up on Sunday, August 24th from 11-2pm at Emily Murphy Park Site #1. ✨There will be food, snacks, beverages, music, entertainment, adaptive try-it opportunities, outdoor lawn games, and more! We will also have an arts and crafts table with activities! ☺️Come out and enjoy an afternoon of summertime fun with your loved ones! ✨We will have an Action Track Chair to try, an awesome lunch grilled up by Red Plaid Developments, and a caricature artist until 12:30pm. 😎Tickets are FREE and family and friends are welcome as well! ✨Reserve your tickets here (or by using the link in bio): https://www.canadahelps.org/en/charities/spinal-cord-injury-alberta/events/yeg-summer-bbq-afternoon/

✨ Lots of great peer events coming up this week in Edmonton! Be sure to RVSP if planning to attend! ☺️
11/08/2025

✨ Lots of great peer events coming up this week in Edmonton! Be sure to RVSP if planning to attend! ☺️

🎉 Registration is OPEN for the 2025 Peer Conference! 🎉We’re excited to welcome you back in person for Spinal Cord Injury...
01/08/2025

🎉 Registration is OPEN for the 2025 Peer Conference! 🎉

We’re excited to welcome you back in person for Spinal Cord Injury Alberta’s Peer Conference presented by Pipella Law and No Limits Collective on Thursday, September 18th at TELUS Spark in Calgary!

This year’s theme, Living Beyond Limits, is a celebration of resilience, independence, and the power of community within the spinal cord injury and disability world. Whether you’re living with an SCI or other physical disability, a caregiver, family member, healthcare professional, or community partner, you’re invited!

✨ What to expect:
Inspiring speakers including Dr. Ian Rigby, Ricardo Baldini, and Adam Arsenault.

A full vendor showcase featuring innovative products, services, and supports from over 25 organizations. Engaging panel discussions focused on accessibility, inclusion, and living beyond limits. Complimentary lunch, refreshments, and access to explore TELUS Spark before or after the event.

🕙 Event runs from 10:00 AM to 3:15 PM
🎟️ Early bird registration is just $25

Spots are limited and filling up quickly—don’t miss out!
https://revenue-can.keela.co/peer-conference-individual1

✨In collaboration with we will be starting a pickleball group for people with physical disabilities beginning on Wednes...
31/07/2025

✨In collaboration with we will be starting a pickleball group for people with physical disabilities beginning on Wednesday, August 6th in the main gym at the Glenrose in Edmonton. ✨Friends & family are also welcome. Open to all ages, abilities, levels of experience, and mobility aids. Can play in manual or power wheelchair, using other mobility aids, or using sports wheelchairs available at the gym. 🏓Pickleball paddles also available or can bring your own. Have fun, socialize, get physically active, learn to play pickleball, and learn and practice wheelchair skills through pickleball games. 🙌Contact info: WheelchairPickleballEdmonton@outlook.com

🏊Explore various Edmonton swimming pools with peers who have spinal cord injuries and other physical disabilities. ✨Open...
29/07/2025

🏊Explore various Edmonton swimming pools with peers who have spinal cord injuries and other physical disabilities. ✨Open to family and friends as well. Float around and get active in water, learn from peers, adjust to be in water safely with changes to physical abilities, and gain confidence. 🙌

✨Arrive early to get ready and in pool by start time✨

ACCESSIBILITY & ASSISTANCE
‼️Lifeguards assist with getting in and out of pool using ramps or lifts. Peer support requesting assistance and sharing strategies for floating and moving in water. ‼️Must bring your own support person if need assistance in changeroom or 1:1 in the water (alternatively could arrive and leave in swimwear). ✨Edmonton Recreation Centres are free with leisure access pass, and support person admission is free. ✨



✨ Contact Tristan.Kowal@sci-ab.ca to RSVP, for pool accessibility questions, or to explore options for addressing barriers. 💪✨

Address

11010 101 Street NW #400

T5H4B9

Telephone

+17804246312

Website

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