February 2009

 
 
INSIDE THIS ISSUE
 
 
 
 
CPAM EVENTS
Stationary Bike Race
Winnipeg - Wellness Institute
Saturday, March 14
Westman Race
Brandon - Town Centre
Saturday, March 21

Retreat Weekend
May 8 - 10

Golf Tournament
Friday, August 21
 
 
 
 
RENEWED YOUR 2009 MEMBERSHIP?

CHECK OUT OUR WEBSITE

www.cerebralpalsy.mb.ca
 
 
 
 
In Memoriam
The members and staff extend sincere sympathy to all who have lost a loved one. Thank you for designating CPAM as the charity of choice to receive In Memoriam gifts. All contributions are truly appreciated and acknowledged. Tax receipts are issued for gifts of $10 or more.
 
 

Inform Newsletter

2008 Stationary Bike Race
 
 
We are celebrating the 20th Anniversary of the Cerebral Palsy STATIONARY BIKE RACE in Winnipeg. Twenty years demonstrates a huge commitment and hard work on behalf of funders, members, staff, board and volunteers. Congratulations.
 
 

All money raised at the Bike Race stays in Manitoba to provide ongoing support and programs to individuals with Cerebral Palsy (CP) through equipment grants, scholarships and advocacy in such areas as education, housing, accessibility, and human rights. In August 2006 the Cerebral Palsy Association (CPAM) established a Research Fund with the Winnipeg Foundation. The object of this fund is to provide financial support towards research into Cerebral Palsy and to fund basic innovative research with the intent of improving the management and/or life circumstances of those affected by CP. The Association transfers a portion of the Winnipeg and Westman Bike Race proceeds to the Research Fund. The fund balance is now over $258,000.

CPAM also uses Bike Race proceeds for the new Personal Support Worker program. The aim of this program is to provide limited financial assistance for the use of the services of a worker to support an adult member in ways which contribute to their physical, social, emotional, or spiritual well being. CPAM is proud of our members and the programs we are able to offer.

The Cerebral Palsy Association looks forward to celebrating with our members, corporate sponsors*, team captains, riders, volunteers and prize donors. Thank you to everyone who contributes to the success of the Stationary Bike Race.

*check the list of our wonderful sponsors on the back page

Our sincere appreciation to Great-West Life for the special anniversary sponsorship.

 
 
NEW!! Trip for 2 will be drawn for riders raising over $1,200.00
Details to follow at a later date.
 
 



Michael & Ryan, cousins and best friends, along with other family and friends enjoy refreshments after the Walk.
CEREBRAL PALSY WALK
Proceeds from the 2007 Walk totaled $4050.00 and funds raised at the 2008 Walk totaled $3756.00. All money raised stays in Manitoba to support individuals and families affected by Cerebral Palsy.

YOU TOO CAN
“WALK FOR CEREBRAL PALSY”

in Flin Flon on September 19, 2009.
Your contribution and donations
are sincerely appreciated.


Thanks Ryan for sending in your article on the Walk and the great picture.

“Cerebral Palsy Walk”
by member Ryan Nelson

My cousin, Michael, organized the second Cerebral Palsy Walk held on September 20, 2008 in Flin Flon, Manitoba. It was a cold, sunny day. Michael pushed me from Hapnot Collegiate to uptown and back, 7.2 kilometers. There were 29 people who came, including family and friends. Laura Schnellert, from the Cerebral Palsy Association, as well as, Pat Silver, my Occupational Therapist, came all the way from Winnipeg.

During the Walk a man in a truck stopped and gave Michael a donation. I feel pretty good about raising over $3700.00 for the CP Association. After the walk we had muffins, juice and water at the school. September 19, 2009 we are having the next Cerebral Palsy Walk.

Thank you Flin Flon and everyone who supported this event.
NEWS FROM THE GOVERNMENT
Registered Disability Saving Plan (RDSP) - An Update


The federal Minister of Finance announced that the deadline for opening an RDSP has been extended to March 2, 2009. The 2009 contribution year will begin March 3, 2009. Manitoba Government stated that they will exempt all of the assets/income from RDSPs when determining eligibility for social assistance. They are also going to allow gifts to people with disabilities, up to $500 a month without any clawbacks to social assistance. The social assistance trust policy is being reviewed to better harmonize it with the treatment of the federal savings plan.

MarketAbilities Campaign

The province has launched an awareness campaign to promote the skills and potential of Manitobans with disabilities. New initiatives are:

Myth-busting multi-media campaign, targeted to employers to create greater awareness that people with disabilities should be considered for jobs based on what they can do.

Access to communications technology, people with severely impaired speech will receive a range of communication devices at a nominal cost to help access education and jobs.

Job readiness, use of the technique called The Stages of Change model to help people ready for work will be piloted over 2 years for 200 people with disabilities through Opportunities for Employment.

Rewarding volunteer benefit, a new benefit for people with disability on social assistance will be provided - $50 a month for volunteering 4 times a month and $100 for volunteering 8 times a month.

Financial support for family caregivers, the social allowance for room and board rate will increase by 28% to $566 from $441 in April 2009. The change recognizes the important contributions families make in providing care and support to their loved ones with disabilities.
CPAM GRANT INFORMATION

Criteria: membership with CPAM for one year or more.

Objective: assist individuals affected by CP to obtain funding for communication, mobility and/or specialized equipment to enhance independence and quality of life.

Process: obtain & complete an application form. Send it with support letters & information to the Grant Committees either in Winnipeg or in Westman c/o CPAM office. Non-equipment requests will also be considered. Contact CPAM at 982-4842 or 1-800-416-6166 for more information.
SCHOLARSHIPS

For information on qualifications & criteria needed to apply for a scholarship call the office.
NEWS FOR BRANDON MEMBERS
HANDI-TRANSIT SERVICES

Did you know…. when you visit Winnipeg you can access the Winnipeg Handi-Transit service - simply contact them at 204-986-2260. Tell them the following:

  • type of mobility device you use (wheelchair, walker, other)
  • attendant information if required
  • address in Winnipeg and how to contact you in Winnipeg.
Wpg. Handi-Transit will verify that you are a client of Brandon Handi-Transit and then you are set to make travel arrangements.
INFORMATION - SERVICES – ANNOUNCEMENTS
 
 
Help for Families!
Individual Relationship Family Therapy

Providing support and counseling to patients of the Rehabilitation Centre for Children & their families; including foster parents and grandparents. These services are free of charge. For more information call – 284-2048.
 
 
 
 
St. Amant Family Care Program
Support Group

For families with an adult at any stage of the residential planning process. Call 256-4301 – ext. # 3203 or 3396.
For information and to apply for services from the Community Support Program (CSP) at St. Amant go to the website at www.stamant.mb.ca or call St. Amant – 256-4301.
 
 
 
 
South Winnipeg Parent Support Group
For parents of children with special needs to share stories, learn about resources, listen to speakers, explore solutions. Join parents at Meadowood United Church, 111 Dakota St. For dates and time contact Rod Lauder, Community Living Wpg. 953-5875.
 
 
 
 
Rehabilitation Centre for Children (RCC) - Family Support Network
Parents of children with disabilities meet at RCC to share their experiences and knowledge, to gain valuable information from speakers, and to learn about supports and resources that will benefit their child. Contact Collette Wilson at 453-9821.
 
 
 
 
CRISIS ACCOMMODATION AND SUPPORTS INITIATIVE - WPG.
Adults with disabilities who have experienced abuse or at risk of abuse and whose needs cannot be met by existing abuse/crisis services can contact: MB. Family Services Crisis Transition Worker
204–945-1335
 
 
 
 
Motivating Sounds Music Therapy
Music programs for children and youth. For more information contact – Tanya Loewen – 943-0848
motivatingsounds@mts.net
 
 
 
 
Massage Therapy for Children with Disabilities
Radiance Massage Therapy
547 St. Mary’s Road – 233-3996
www.magemassage.com
 
 
 
 
Job Available Immediately
A rewarding job with an interesting, bright young man at the U of Wpg. His classes are Tuesday & Thursday PM. He uses a wheelchair and requires physical assistance. He needs help with scribing dictated work & with homework.
Flexible hours – 8:30 – 4:30 – full/part time & evenings/weekend hours available.
Wage – $15.00 an hour – please - only serious applicants. Send resume or questions to Dianne – fergie99@mts.net
Members - know of someone who may be able to help this student? Contact him or his family.
 
 
 
 
Legal Rights, Responsibilities & Entitlements – Adults with Disabilities
This session will provide information on human rights & decision making. It will explore responsibilities that go along with these rights, like marriage, debts, contracts & law. Entitlements to education, training, provincial & federal programs and services will be discussed. Individuals, families & others are welcome.
Presenting is lawyer, Marshall Braunstein
Monday, February 23 from 7-9 PM
120 Maryland St. at Westminster - Cost $10.00
Register at Continuity Care – 779-1679
 
 
 
 
Independent Living Resource Centre
Cabin Fever Social, April 18 – Burton Cummings Community Club – call 947-0194 for information and tickets.
 
 
 
 
Special Needs Social Events for All Ages
Fort Rouge Leisure Centre – 625 Osborne St.
Hawaiian Luau, Mar. 21 – $5.00 – 6:30 – 9:30 P.M.
Attendants free.
 
 
 
 
Building Contractor
Services provided are landscaping, snow removal, new builds, renovations. There is a special interest in barrier-free design. They can widen doorways, make ramps or more in-depth projects like accessible bathrooms and kitchen. Contact: Blue Jay Family Works – Josh Klassen –226-0552
Bluejayfamilyworks@gmail.com
 
 
Please send us your email address. MOVING? Please advise CPAM of your new postal address.
Health Issues in Cerebral Palsy – Nutrition

Health problems frequently result from movement difficulties. Changes in muscle control and activity affect nearly all functional systems of the body. One of the systems that is likely to be affected is nutrition.

For the person diagnosed with Cerebral Palsy (CP), difficulties with control of muscles involved in chewing and swallowing may make optimal nutrition intake difficult. If an individual chokes when eating, that person learns to eat certain types of food and that may reduce food intake. Also, if significant time is needed to eat, intake may also be reduced and limited by a time schedule; a person may tire during meals and not complete the meal. The energy needs of a person with spastic, athetoid, or mixed forms of CP may be greater than expected, since more energy may be required to control movements. Without adequate nourishment (the energy and nutrients that a variety of foods provides), growth and weight gain may be slowed. Skin breakdown may occur from poor nutrition. Once skin breakdown occurs, good nutrition is necessary for proper healing.

Sometimes the change in routine that is needed to maintain nutritional adequacy may not be well received. An individual may use nutritional intake as a means to gain some control. It is important to make certain that the changes to diet are truly needed and that they are accepted by the individual. Members concerned about their diet and nutritional needs should request a Feeding, Swallowing and Nutrition Assessment. Consult with your doctor or the Occupational Therapist and Physiotherapist working with you and request their assistance in arranging an appointment for an assessment with a Nutritionist or Dietician.
Barrier-Free Coalition

Every day 170,000 Manitobans face barriers that limit many basic life activities that others take for granted. The Coalition is calling upon the Government of Manitoba to enact strong and effective legislation that requires the removal of existing barriers to full accessibility, as well as prevents the creation of new ones. Nine basic principles have been proposed. The Cerebral Palsy Association supports this call for legislation and has representation on this Coalition. If you want to support the call for legislation and receive more information contact – Barrier-Free Manitoba

Email: barrierfreemanitoba@shaw.ca
Share Your Stories

Sincere thanks to everyone for their newsletter contributions and for your valuable comments and suggestions. Production of the newsletter is made possible from your membership fees and donations of money as well as volunteer time. Members are invited to share their stories and experiences for publication in the newsletter. If you would like to tell your story and need assistance please contact the office. Suggestions for articles are also welcomed. Don’t forget to include pictures.
New Board Members

Introducing two new Board members and welcome to both of you.

Jodie Ogibowski comes to the Board bringing knowledge in accounting. Jodie was also an acquaintance of a boy diagnosed with Cerebral Palsy. This young fellow has passed away but Jodie remembers him fondly and in his memory has made a commitment to assist CPAM in providing support to our members.

Al Bryski comes to the Board bringing experience as an educator. Al has worked with children and young adults with Cerebral Palsy in the school system. He too has made a commitment to CPAM and to the individuals and families affected by Cerebral Palsy.

All Board members are truly valued and CPAM appreciates your dedication and support. If you have an interest in joining the Board or serving on a committee please contact the office at 982-4842.
The Abilities Garden – Nurturing the Seeds of Inclusion

With Spring not to far off members might want to inquire about the Abilities Garden programs available at the Assiniboine Park. The Abilities Garden came into being in 2006 and it is a space available to all. The energy of the garden grows bridges, spins webs, shares stories and magically eliminates the barriers both real and perceived by society. This simple garden has become a precinct of activities ranging from the pure and practical aspects of horticulture to the stages and backdrops for many art activities and social gatherings. Nurturing the Seeds of Inclusion is a collaborative project, rooted at the Assiniboine Park Conservatory, in partnership with the Graffiti Gallery, the ELJB Foundation and the Society for Manitobans with Disabilities (SMD).

Call to ask for information on the following programs:
Abilities Arts Festival, Elders and Three Sisters Garden, Early 21st Century Garden


Programs are offered June through September 2009.
Contact the Assinboine Conservatory through the City of Winnipeg
dial 311 Citizen Inquiry Services or email 311@Winnipeg.ca
Cerebral Palsy Association Member Retreat Weekend

What is a member Retreat weekend?

It’s a weekend away from it all where you can relax as a family, relax with other adults and their attendants, meet new friends or catch up with old ones, take a break from cooking and your daily schedules.



Visiting the horses at the Retreat Weekend.
WHERE? Camp Arnes located on Lake Winnipeg north of Gimli.

WHEN? Friday, May 8 to Sunday, May 10 (Mother’s Day Weekend)

CHECK IN TIME - Friday evening between 6:30 & 8:30

CHECK OUT TIME - Sunday after lunch between 1:30 & 2:00

COST – all participants are required to pay a portion of the fee that the Camp charges for the weekend event. This includes attendants. Members need to discuss the cost and expenses with their worker. CPAM will pay the balance charged per person by the Camp. Registration fees include meals and rooms. It also covers bus transportation for those who do not have a vehicle to get to the Camp.

TRANSPORTATION – participants are responsible for their own transportation to and from camp. The Association will charter a bus for members who do not have their own transportation but seats are limited – 6 wheelchair spaces, 6 seats for attendants. Seats are reserved on a first to register basis.

ACCOMMODATIONS – members stay in rooms (motel style) and need to bring their usual personal items along with towels for swimming. You may need to share accommodations depending on attendance numbers and room availability.

MEALS – all meals are provided in the dining hall across the grounds from the accommodations. There will be pizza available Friday evening at 9:00. Meals are cafeteria (buffet) style. Special diets are considered and the camp staff need to know your requests ahead of time. Members can bring their own snacks for their room and to share with others at the Saturday evening party.

WASHROOMS – most rooms have their own bathrooms but not all are accessible. There are accessible bathrooms in other areas of the Camp that our members can use.

ATTENDANTS/WORKERS – adults with disabilities are responsible for finding and arranging their own attendant care in advance, if required.

ACTIVITIES – the pool has limited swim hours for our group and is difficult to access for those who use wheelchairs. Pool times will be known closer to the actual Retreat. There are other adventures like exploring the Camp’s nature center, going to see the horses or playing cards and board games. There is a party on the Saturday evening with music, snacks and sometimes prizes. You can spend your time as you wish or take part in the planned activities.

OTHER NOTES – no smoking, no alcohol, and please show respect to each other and to all property. Information will be mailed to current members. Call the office with your questions.
Letters...we get great letters!

One family wrote about the Retreat Weekend saying “thank you for giving us the opportunity to escape the busy city and to spend a calm relaxing weekend at Camp Arnes. This was our 4th time and every year we enjoy it so much. We enjoyed swimming and the hot tub, jumping on the trampoline, communicating with other families, good meals, and of course the lake and nature.

Another family also enjoyed the Retreat Weekend and said “thank you for believing in and providing dollars to enable members to attend the Retreat Weekend. My family looks forward to this weekend all year long as it is our yearly vacation. Without your financial support we would not be able to afford to attend. We have a wonderful time and it is so special in many ways – especially a break from cooking.
CODY ZANKOWSKI “LOVE OF SPORT” GOLF TOURNAMENT

Cody was a happy teenage boy who was always smiling and laughing despite the difficulties often faced living with Cerebral Palsy. With great sadness Cody passed away in June 2007 at the young age of 15. To honour the life he lived and to celebrate the time spent with his family and friends Cody’s dad, Cal, has initiated plans for a golf tournament.

Please support the Cerebral Palsy Association by entering the first

“LOVE OF SPORT” GOLF TOURNAMENT on Friday, August 21, 2009
Kingswood Golf and Country Club in LaSalle, MB.


Registration is $150.00 per person and includes lunch, dinner, cart, 18 holes, registration package and much, much, more!!

Proceeds from this tournament will be designated to

Cerebral Palsy Association, Children’s Hospital, St. Amant Centre and a scholarship for a student in a massage therapy program.

For more information on how to register, or become a sponsor, or to donate a prize please contact DONNA SPENCE – 979-9804 or dbspence@shaw.ca.
 
 
BIKE RACE SPONSORS

Please support the following sponsors and join CPAM in saying “thanks

Lead Sponsor
Great-West Life

Silver Sponsors
Wellness Institute
Manitoba Lotteries Corporation
Investors Group
Arctic Glacier
Ernst & Young
McDonald’s Restaurants

Bronze Sponsors
BW Imaging
D’Arcy & Deacon LLP
Continental Travel Group
Taylor McCaffrey LLP
Freedom Concepts Inc.
Deloitte
Genumark
Nott Autocorp
VIA Rail Canada
KPMG
Winnipeg Blue Bombers

Media Sponsors
Winnipeg Free Press
102.3 Clear fm
Global Winnipeg