Possabilities Vol1 Number 3

When the bell rings for recess at Holly Elementary School, the kids charge for the playground.

All the students pile onto the special equipment, the “saddle” swing, the wide and low-slung teeter-totter and the jungle gym with extra support grips, their screams and laughter fi lling the air.

The “regular” playground on the other side of the sports fi eld sits empty.

“I had no idea the impact this playground

would have, I just thought I was putting in an-other playground,” principal Mary Gibbons says with a note of wonder in her voice, even though she has witnessed the joyously chaotic scene many times before.

The wheelchair accessible playground was offi -cially opened earlier this spring. With the help of child development experts, the equipment was specially designed to enable children with various disabilities to play on it. But the children without disabilities don’t care — everyone plays together.

Gibbons says the playground has become so popular that students take turns using it. Playtime

is limited to one or two grades a day, which are announced over the PA system each morning.

“It’s so popular and so many kids want to go onit,” she says.

A total of $109,094 was raised to design andconstruct the facility. Almost half of the funding for the specialized equipment, $49,976, was pro-vided by the Let’s Play initiative, a partnership ofthe Rick Hansen Foundation and the province.

The Holly Community School Society contrib-uted $7,000 to the project.

Play time is now inclusive

Volume 1, Issue 3

Marisa BabicStaff WriterDisabilities or

no disabilities,

kids are playing

together, thanks

to new inclusive

playground

Abdi Mohumed Gelle and sister Nasteha enjoy the “saddle” swing at the wheelchair accessible playground at Holly Elementary School in Surrey. Brian Howell Photo

see PLAYGROUND, page 4

‘I had no idea the impact this playground would have, I just thought I was putting in another playground’

PA02/ Volume 1, Issue 3 • POSSabilities • thenownewspaper.com

Hi Emin.For some people with developmental disabilities, “Hi” is a big deal. For Emin, Hi means “you see me.” Hi means “I belong in our community.”

So, start with “Hi” and see what happens.

We all have a role to play in the safety of our fellow citizens. By just acknowledging an individual with a developmental disability, you can help that person feel included and safer. So don’t worry about saying the right thing. Just start with “Hi.” It’s a small word with big results.

What do you say when you see someone like Emin?

Please share you inclusion stories at:

www.startwithHi.ca

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Disabled Sailing Association of B.C.

Nothing beats a sense of freedom like relaxing on a sailboat in English Bay while your wheelchair is left on

the shore.“It’s awesome,” says Judy Milinkovic.Devotees such as Milinkovic claim the

pastime offers a sense of liberty and serenity that few sporting pursuits can match.

“For me, it was my tranquil time out there,” Milinkovic says, as she reflects on past pleasures and eagerly anticipates her fourth season with the Disabled Sailing As-sociation of B.C.

“I’m looking forward to it this year.”The Disabled Sailing Association of B.C.

is poised to start its new season, which opens in May and runs through Labour Day.

The association operates eight specially designed Martin 16 sailboats that allow sail-ors with quadriplegia, paraplegia and other physical disabilities to enjoy the leisure ac-tivity. The modifications include a keel stabilized with a 300-pound weight, making the sailboat “virtually unsinkable.”

Program manager Kirk Duncan says ev-eryone is eligible to sail, from the practised to the novice.

“You don’t have to be a qualifi ed sailor to begin with to go out sailing,” he says.

Based at the Jericho Sailing Centre, the DSA-BC hosts between 800 and 1,000 sail-ing trips annually in English Bay. The

association also has affiliated branches in Victoria, Chemainus and Kelowna.

A core group of volunteers, all experi-enced sailors mostly from the Jericho sailing community, give lessons and escort clients on the hour-long cruise. Some people even-tually go solo.

“The volunteers consist of a number of university students,” Duncan said.

“We have a number of sailors who have been with us for quite a few years.”

Besides their nautical skills, the volunteers are amiable and compassionate.

“They’re very friendly,” Milinkovic says. “You meet a lot of great people.”

Sailing with the association can be adapted

to any level of physical disability.Milinkovic requires a lift to transfer her

from her wheelchair to the boat, which she admits was a bit of an unnerving experience the fi rst time.

“I just love the water. The scariest part for me was the lift,” she says.

After that sailing’s a breeze, rain or shine. In fact, windy, choppy conditions make sail-ing more interesting.

“I really like that, when it’s a little bit rough. It doesn’t scare me,” says Milinkovic, who sails with her tiny dog, Teddy.

Four-and-half-pound Teddy, who sits on

the boat railing while his owner holds onto to him, wears his own teeny-tiny life vest.

Quadriplegics can learn to work the con-trols with the use of sip ‘n’ puff technology. Designed by the Tetra Society of North America through the support of the Neil Squire Foundation, the device allows theoperator to activate a switch forward or re-verse with a small sip or gentle puff of air.

With sailing season just around the cor-ner, the sign up list will soon be fi lling up.

“By the middle of the summer, probablythe middle of July, we’re probably booked up for the rest of the year,” Duncan says.

Milinkovic urges those who have neverbeen sailing to give it a try.

“It’s very empowering,” she says.Duncan says the other sailors who share

their experience with him voice similar com-ments.

“They say they’re so free when they’re on the water and their wheelchair is on the shore. The sense of freedom is quite over-whelming, and once they’re on the water once, in most cases the bug gets them andthey come back,” he says.

Any qualms about safety quickly evapo-rate as they realize a pro is at their side.

“So it’s a safe, fun and exhilarating experi-ence.”

Marisa BabicPossabilities Writer

No wheelchair? No problem.Sense of freedom means sailors keep coming back

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Judy Milinkovic, along with her pooch Teddy, is a regular sailor with the Disabled Sailing Association of B.C. Milinkovic urgesthose who have never been sailing to give it a try. “It’s very empowering.” See more photos, pages 12, 13. Sharon Doucette Photo

They say they’re so free when they’re on the water and their wheelchair is on the shore.”

Kirk Duncan

“

thenownewspaper.com • POSSabilities • Volume 1, Issue 3 /PA03

Although it’s located on school property, Gibbons notes the play-ground is intended as a community playground, a facility that was desper-ately needed in the Guildford area neighbourhood which supports Holly Elementary, an inner-city school.

Gibbons notes most of the kids who attend the school live in the nearby apartments and have no yards.

“Very few of our kids live in houses with gardens,” she says.

“We really wanted to create a school playground that was a playground for the community.”

With the support of the Holly Com-munity School Society, Gibbons fought doggedly for years to get the play-ground for her school, until fi nally all the funding came together.

The Surrey school district and oth-ers also contributed funds for the project.

Rick Hansen lauds the play space as a prime example of people working together to make communities more accessible and inclusive for everyone.

From the front

Playground a huge hit

story continued from page 1Professionals who provide programs and

services for students with disabilities in B.C.’s post-secondary institutions are invited to a symposium spotlighting the latest in their discipline.

The Disability Resource Network of B.C. is hosting its 2010 conference “Pathways to Success: The Power of Inquiry, Connections & Mentorship” at the Hyatt Regency Hotel on May 17 and 18.

Established in 1984 and formerly known as the Adult Special Education Association of B.C., the Disability Resource Network’s mandate is to pave the way for adults with disabilities to fully participate in higher edu-cation and maximize their potential.

This year, the scope of the conference is being expanded. With a view to strengthen-ing the transition process for students, the conference will include representatives from Lower Mainland high schools.

This year’s theme focuses on methods to expand and strengthen agendas, reinforce connections with stakeholders and foster success through mentorship.

Keynote speakers include David Harp, an internationally acclaimed writer and teacher of cognitive psychology and cognitive sci-

ence, and actress Geri Jewell, the fi rst person with a visible disability to perform on na-tional TV. Harp will also offer a special workshop.

In total, there will be 12 workshops to choose from over the two-day conference, which includes lunches and a hospitality suite.

Workshops include the following:❚ Incorporating Social Thinking into Col-

lege Curriculum and the Workplace with

Clare Fuller.❚ Changing the Stigma of Mental Illness

with Chasidy Karpiuk and Megan Mad-docks.

❚ The Art of Cartooning with Chris Ham-ilton.

❚ Making Sense of Psychological Assess-ments with Conrad Bowden and EamonnGill.

❚ The Intersection of Power, Privilege and Disability with Gladys Loewen.

❚ Personal Transformation with Linda Christensen.

The conference kicks off on Monday,May 17 at 8 a.m.

Keynote speaker Ross Laird, an award-winning poet and scholar, will close the conference on Tuesday, May 18 at 4 p.m.

Tickets are $275 with membership, $300 for non-members.

One-day tickets are also available as well as a special rate for retirees.

Visit www.drnbc.org for more detailsabout the conference, to register for the con-ference or sign up for a membership withthe Disability Resource Network of B.C.

– Possabilities

Maximizing potential

Pathways to success is focusDisability Resource Network of B.C. hosts conference May 17 and 18

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Getting into the sledge was easy.Playing sledge hockey was a lot harder

than it looks watching from the sidelines.“It’s really hard. It looks so easy but it’s so

diffi cult,” Avneet Shokar said during a break in play at the Fleetwood Sport and Leisure Complex.

Shokar, 17, and her Grade 12 classmates from Sullivan Heights Secondary School, all able-bodied kids, were at the rec centre to experience what it’s like for a person with a disability to play sports.

Before the students took to the ice, Ross

MacDonald, sport development co-ordina-tor for Sportability, went over the finer points of the game.

In sledge hockey, players are strapped into a narrow two-bladed sledge. Clutching spike-tipped hockey sticks, players use their arms and upper body strength to propel themselves on the ice. They use the slightly curved blade to handle the puck.

MacDonald also gave them tips on how to slip into the sledge.

Besides strength, Shokar says sledge hockey requires a lot of co-ordination and stamina.

“To play this sport you need to be really athletic. I think it’s actually harder than hockey on skates,” she observed.

“I like it though,” she added. “It’s so much fun.”

The game was a part of an adaptive sports program promoted by PE teacher Jeff Vaughan.

Vaughan notes the senior PE curriculum emphasizes participation in an alternative environment, to use educator terminology. Including adaptive sports as part of phys-ed

classes exposes his students to “a humbling alternative environment.”

“We do a number of other fi eld trips that are quite unique,” said Vaughan, who re-cently won an award from the British Columbia Achievement Foundation for his many contributions, including those to wheelchair basketball and Special Olympics basketball.

His strategy seems to be working.Shokar says playing the game has strength-

ened her re spec t for a th le tes w i th disabilities.

“They’re totally capable of doing every-thing that we do, they just do it differently,”she said.

Student Michelle Senior was wiped outafter a couple of shifts on the ice. But shemay have discovered a new spectator sport.

“I’d be more interested in watching it at aprofessional level,” she said.

Under Vaughan’s leadership, the studentsare exposed to other sports, too. Next weekthey’re playing wheelchair basketball.

“I haven’t tried it yet but it really looks likefun,” Shokar said.

Adaptive sports program

Try it – you’ll have whole new respect

Grade 12 student Michelle Senior tries her hand at sledge hockey.


I think (sledge hockey) is actually harder than hockey on skates.”

Avneet Shokar

“Sharon Doucette Photo


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Clubhouses focus on recovery

Employing people who live with a mental health disability for the fi rst time is a lot like uncovering a passion for gardening: you had no idea how rewarding and easy it is to help something grow.

If you knew back then what you know now, that the rhythm of a garden works with natural supports in place like the rain and the sun, you may have started to garden much sooner.

An employee who is welcomed, nurtured and expected to be part of the team will grow into a valuable resource for any work-place. Sadly, among the vast array of disabilities, mental illness is sometimes re-garded as the least understood, much like that exotic plant in your garden you have no idea what to do with.

The fear and uncertainty of hiring a per-son with a psychiatric disability is still common.

The idea most people have, when interact-ing with a person who has a mental health disability is the false assumption that the person will behave irrationally and danger-ously. The truth is that anyone is capable of violence and dangerous behaviour; in the case of a person with a mental illness, medi-

cation, a support system and the opportunity to work are critical to their stability and health. An employer who uses an employ-ment specialist to recruit a worker with a mental health issue has already laid the ground work for success.

Like the sun and rain in the garden, an employment specialist has insider knowl-edge, from the perspective of both parties, of what is needed for success. Specifi cally, the ES knows the strengths, weaknesses and overall suitability of both candidate and em-ployer and thus can help in making a match.

An employment specialist is usually avail-able through a clubhouse, which is known as a model of psychosocial rehabilitation and can exist as an actual place and as an entity without walls.

Wikepedia says a clubhouse is: “A compre-hensive and dynamic model of support and opportunities for people with severe and persistent mental illnesses.” Members of clubhouses participate in a non-clinical en-vironment that focuses on strengths and possibilities, rather than illness.

The New View Society in Port Coquitlam operates a clubhouse that has been serving the community for almost 40 years. In the New View Society employment program, people who live with a mental illness work hard at staying well. They take medication to

manage their illness, they participate in vol-unteer roles and work experience placements both within the clubhouse environment and in the community.

They have families, spouses, children and pets. They love, cry, laugh, experience joy and contentment, have dreams and try to live them.

This vested interest in recovery doesn’t come by accident. Alongside the person liv-ing with a mental illness, employment and clubhouse staff work to align themselves to-ward this goal and help members to keep striving for recovery. This is another hall-mark of the clubhouse model.

Just as clubhouse members need to know that they are not their illness and that it can

be managed, employers need to know thatthe most difficult issue they will face em-ploying a person with a mental healthdisability will be building up confidencewithin the worker and dispelling new em-ployee anxiety that comes with starting anew job.

People who live with mental illness needwhat everyone needs: to be included and tobe given feedback on how they are doing.Employers will never fi nd a more dedicatedand hardworking group than workers livingwith a mental illness; they are out-of-the-box thinkers and can bring creative solutionsto any workplace.

One of the phrases used in this article,“people living with a mental illness” meansthat living with an illness is proactive andresponsible as opposed to pretending itdoesn’t exist and ignoring the consequencesof ill health.

Ability is often overshadowed by its polaropposite, disability. Like a gardener whopulls weeds out of an overrun garden to nur-ture plants that grow there, so should we allwork to reveal the true nature of people wholive with a mental illness: capable, resilientand willing to grow.

Donna Bonertz is an employment specialistwith the New View Society.

It’s rewarding to help people grow

Like gardening, it is truly a joy to help a person with a mental illness grow.

Donna BonertzPossabilities Contributor


IF YOU ARE AN EMPLOYER...Job Placement ServicesOver the last 20 years, Kwantlen’s Job PlacementServices for People with Disabilities has successfullyhelped more than 2,000 employers meet theirrecruiting needs. Our goal is to match your jobrequirements with an individual’s demonstrated skillsfor a successful placement.

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Column

EDITOR’S NOTE: Ruth Stanton is a self ad-vocate and is a member of Community Living B.C.’s North Region Community Council. She wrote this article about fi nding her voice and her passion to work with children and as a self-advocate.

Igrew up in Cranbrook and Creston and moved to Prince George about fi ve years ago. I went to school in Cranbrook. High

school was not a great time for me. I am proud that I didn’t quit. I hung in there and graduated, but it was not easy.

I found school to be a lonely place but one thing that got me through the tough times is singing. I love to sing and would spend a lot of my school day in the music room. The music room became my community. One of my fondest memories was singing in the choir.

One year, Frank Mills performed in our town and our choir performed with him. It was Christmastime and so on top of our usual Christmas performance, we also sang at that concert as Frank Mills’ backup. Now that I am fi nished school, I sing in the choir at church.

Another passion of mine is working with children. My dream is to take courses in

Early Childhood Education and work with pre-school age children.

My favourite age group is three- and four-year-olds. So right now, I have been trying to upgrade my courses and get into college. Math is my biggest barrier and I need to

have Grade 10 level math to get into the courses I want.

Sometimes the choices get really over-whelming. When I get overwhelmed by too many options, I have to take time to think and talk to friends. My mom and sisters, I

have three, also help me to think through some things and make some decisions.

I am a member of the North Region Com-munity Council. We work with CommunityLiving B.C. to get the word out about the is-sues that are important to self advocates andfamilies. I am also involved with the Self Ad-vocate Group in Prince George and I love it!I have made some great friends in this group.We are pretty active.

Right now, we are planning an employerappreciation event for businesses and peoplewho hire self advocates in Prince George. Wewant to honour and thank those employersand we also want to raise awareness aboutthe good things that self advocates can do asemployees. We are good workers. Our goal isto fi nd more jobs for people. Our group is being coached by an advisor from Aim-Hi,which is the agency in Prince George wherewe meet.

Other than that, our group meets regu-larly, supports each other through good andbad times. We go to the pub, the mall and allthe places that friends go together. I met one of my best friends in this group. In fact, Iwas a bridesmaid at her wedding a couple ofyears ago.

I have to say that I love living in PrinceGeorge! I came here from the Kootenays andnever went back. Prince George is home tome now and that is fi ne with me.

Self advocates are good workers, great friends

Ruth StantonPossabilities Contributor

Prince George’s Ruth Stanton is raising awareness about self advocates.


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LEISURE FRIEND PROGRAMIf you are looking to become active, but need assistance for you or your child to participate in Spring Programs, join our Leisure Friend Program. Volunteers are matched up to meet the needs of the child.We have both inclusive & specialty programs (swimming, skating & horseback riding) for everybody. For more information please call (604) 946-3288 or email [email protected].

VOLUNTEERS: LOOKING FOR MATURE VOLUNTEERS TO WORK WITH ADULTS WITH DISABILITIESHOW TO GET INVOLVED1. Contact the Programmer for Volunteers, have a volunteer screening form sent to you or download it from the Corporation of

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Charity fundraiser

More kids with challenges will go to sum-mer camp, thanks to staff at Safeway and their customers.

The Sunshine Hills branch of Safeway in North Delta hosted a barbecue this past Sat-urday and raised nearly $1,000 for charity.

At two bucks a pop for a hot dog and three dollars for a smokie, that’s a lot of grilling.

Manager Don McNeill shared grilling du-ties with a couple of department managers and a few volunteers.

“I was tired at the end of the day,” McNeill admitted.

The fundraising campaign will send chil-dren and teens with physical and/or mental disabilities to BC Easter Seals summer camp.

The Easter Seals campaign runs during April and by the third week, which includes the proceeds from the barbecue, staff had

raised $13,000.BC Easter Seals offer three accessible

camps in the province: Camp Shawnigan on Vancouver Island, Camp Squamish north of Vancouver and Camp Winfi eld in the Okan-agan Valley.

Safeway has its own charity foundation and the company has selected a total of four charities to support.

The company also fundraises for breast cancer, prostate cancer and the Special Olympics at different times of the year.

Funds for charity are also raised through $2 customer contributions at the till.

McNeill says staff is deeply indebted to its customers who support the company’s causes so generously.

“The customers are really the ones that make it happen for us,” McNeill said.

“The majority of it is raised through cus-tomer donations at the tills.”

Staffer Kristin Hunt echoed McNeill’s sen-timents.

“We are very passionate about our fund-raising at the Sunshine Hills Safeway and we would like the community to know that when they give $2 at the till, it really can bet-ter someone’s life.”

– Marisa Babic

Thousands raised will help send kids to camp

When they give $2 at the till, it really can better someone’s life.”

Kristin Hunt

“


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Do you have a Disability or Chronic Condition?Are you Unemployed?

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The Semiahmoo House Society is a non-profit organization located in Surrey/White Rock, which exists to provide quality services and

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Rising star violinist

If music provides a window to the soul, audience members at a spring performance by the VSO in Surrey re-ceived a glimpse into a special soul.

Violinist Adrian Anantawan was in the spotlight for the Vancouver Sym-phony Orchestra series concert at the Bell Performing Arts Centre.

The 26-year-old soloist, who recently completed his master’s in music at Yale University, was drawn to the violin in part because of how it allows him to express himself through music.

“There’s an entire love of just being able to create something so expressive out of what you would consider very primitive tools sometimes,” he said from his home in Toronto.

“All you need to do to make music sometimes is just beat your finger on your desk. What we do with the violin, for instance, doesn’t seem that compli-cated. All you need is a bow, some strings and a wooden box to project the sound.”

However, for Anantawan, some extra tools are necessary: He was born with-out his right hand.

In addition to the bow, strings and

wooden box, he has a special Fiberglas cast that wraps around his right arm and attaches to a tong that extends un-derneath where his palm would be. Attached to that is an aluminum, spat-ula-shaped piece that fi ts into the tong and attaches to the bow.

And with those tools – plus a talent nurtured through more than 15 years of music education and practise – An-antawan creates magic.

His performance in Surrey was part of the Vancouver 2010 Cultural Olym-piad, timed with the Paralympic Games.

Anantawan is no stranger to the spotlight. He’s soloed with orchestras from Toronto to New Hampshire and performed at venues such as the Can-a d a Cu l t u r a l S h owc a s e a t t h e Paralympic Games in Athens in 2004 and the White House in 2006 (in front

of former fi rst lady Laura Bush in a cer-emony launching a U.S. culturalprogram).

He’s also won numerous awards andscholarships, including to the NationalArts Centre Young Artist Program andto the Perlman School of Music, wherehe studied in the summers of 2006 and2007 under Itzhak Perlman.

Anantawan is an active member andspokesperson for the organization’sCHAMP (Child Amputee) program.War Amps has helped him with his vari-ous prostheses (government fundingdoesn’t cover recreational limbs) andAnantawan said he’s been very lucky tohave the organization’s support networkas well. And he’s become an important part of that support network.

But Anantawan is also careful toclarify he doesn’t define himself assomeone with a disability: It limitswhat you see and what you think, andhe’s not someone who lives constrainedby limits.

“I defi nitely think that at least from acareer vantage point, having a disabil-ity, it shows people how much incommon we are, ironically enough,rather than how different we are. WhenI practise, or think about music, mydisability is the last thing on my mind.”

Hannah ScissonsPossabilities Contributor

Who needs both hands to make sweet music?

Adrian Anantawan was born without his right hand and uses a specially-made prosthesis to hold the bow.

When I practise, or think about my music, my disability is thelast thing on my mind.”

Adrian Anantawan

“


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WELCOME! We offer a variety of programs and support for individuals with disabilities to get involved and take part in an active and healthy lifestyle.In partnership with Surrey Association for Community Living.

SUMMER DAY CAMP STAFF SUPPORT For children with special needs (6-12yrs)We offer one-to-one staff support for children with special needs to participate in Surrey Parks, Recreation & Culture summer day camps. There is no additional fee for this service.

Children who receive support typically meet the following criteria:• Extra support is required in school; • Additional support or assistance is required at home for

basic care; • A physical, developmental and/or learning disability exists

that affects the safety of the participant in a program; • The participant is currently associated with a support

agency.

Step 1: Register in a Surrey Parks, Recreation & Culture summer day camp as per the leisure guide and ensure that the day camp:• Runs Monday through Friday (5 days) from 9:00am-3:00pm.• Requests will be taken for a maximum of two weeks.

Step 2: Register for one-to-one support:4209441 M-F Jul 5-9 9:00am-3:00pm4209442 M-F Jul 12-16 9:00am-3:00pm4209443 M-F Jul 19-23 9:00am-3:00pm4209444 M-F Jul 26-30 9:00am-3:00pm4209445 Tu-F Aug 3-6 9:00am-3:00pm4209446 M-F Aug 9-13 9:00am-3:00pm4209447 M-F Aug 16-20 9:00am-3:00pm

*Please be aware that support is available beginning July 5th and ending August 20th.

FAMILIES WITH SUPPORT WORKERSIf you are providing your own support worker for your child, please ensure that the program coordinators are informed prior to the first day of registration. If you are unsure whom to contact at the facility, feel free to contact Outreach & Support Services at 604-598-5864.

SUMMER FUN DAY CAMPS FOR YOUTH WITH SPECIAL NEEDS (12-18YRS)This fun and exciting program is designed for youth with special needs. Daily outings and activities may include: water slides, beach/picnics, Lower Mainland attractions, swimming and more. Weekly schedules will be mailed to participants. Our staff are caring and dedicated professionals who have their first aid certification and extensive experience working with youth with special needs. Participants must bring lunch, sunscreen, and swimwear daily.

5 day session $121.25 *4 day session $97.004209533 M-F Jul 5-9 9:00am-3:00pm4209534 M-F Jul 12-16 9:00am-3:00pm4209535 M-F Jul 19-23 9:00am-3:00pm4209536 M-F Jul 26-30 9:00am-3:00pm4209537 *Tu-F Aug 3-6 9:00am-3:00pm4209538 M-F Aug 10-14 9:00am-3:00pm4209539 M-F Aug 17-21 9:00am-3:00pmDrop off and pick up location. Chuck Bailey 13458-107A Avenue.

2010 SPIRIT LEADERSHIP PROGRAM Would you like to spend 5 days in Whistler and/or Penticton? Are you between 15 and 25 years old? Then volunteer in the exciting SPIRIT LEADERSHIP 2010 program! Meet new friends and work with people of various abilities! Our qualified staff will coach you in gaining valuable leadership skills so you have an awesome experience assisting youth with special needs throughout their vacation. Each session costs includes transportation, food and lodging. Program participation by new volunteers is dependent on the City of Surrey volunteer screening process. Attendance at Summer Orientation is Mandatory(Dates: June 28 and June 29 6-9pm).

REGISTER TODAY! PLACEMENTS FILL QUICKLY!Each 5-day session costs $161.75 and includes transportation, food and lodging. Penticton 4209631 Jul 12-16 M-FPenticton 4209632 Jul 19-23 M-FWhistler 4209633 Aug 9-13 M-FWhistler 4209634 Aug 23-27 M-F

CAMP ELPHINSTONESPIRIT Volunteers who are 18+ can attend Camp Elphinstone on the Sunshine Coast to help support participants with special needs. In partnership wtih Semiahmoo House Society. This camp is free to attend.4211654 Jun 21-26 M-Sat

SPIRIT VOLUNTEER PROGRAM Need a volunteer? Want to Volunteer? Catch the SPIRIT! SPIRIT (Support Participation and Inclusion ~ Reach out, Involve and Transform!) embodies the desire to strengthen community and increase involvement and participation. It enables more members of our community with special needs to participate in Surrey Parks, Recreation & Culture activities to improve their health and wellness, education, and/or personal development with the support of a volunteer.

Get Started & Get Connected - To obtain a volunteer application, volunteer request form or for more information, contact Outreach & Support Services at 604-598-5864.

YOUR PLACE A free social recreation program for adults with special needs. Program runs on Wednesdays from 6:30-8:30 at the North Surrey Recreation Centre. Activities include crafts, game nights, movie nights, visiting local attractions and more! Support Staff are recommended to attend if support is required. For more information contact Outreach & Support Services at 604-598-5864.

HOLIDAY OPTIONS Is an opportunity for youth to go on a 5 day vacation with supports to Whistler or Penticton. To obtain more information, please contact the Surrey Association for Community Living at (604) 574-7481.

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Summer programs are offered in partnership with Surrey Association for Community Living (SACL), The Centre for Child Development (CCD).

COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT SERVICESOUTREACH AND SUPPORT SERVICES

111 - 10277 – City ParkwaySurrey, BC, V3T 4C3

www.outreach.surrey.ca [email protected]

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S ailing for people with physical dis-abilities got its start in Canada in 1999, when Sam Sullivan used a British-made Sunbird dinghy to

launch the first few sails at the Jericho Sailing Centre in English Bay.

The original Sunbird had been presented to Rick Hansen by Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher during Expo ’86.

The gift marked the end of Hansen’s Man in Motion world tour.

Today, the Disabled Sailing Association of BC operates eight specially designed Martin 16 sailboats and hosts up to 1,000 sailing trips a year at Jericho.

To cap off the sailing season, the associa-tion and its partners will host a regatta.

Mobility Cup 2010 is open to anyone with a significant physical disability, with places available for novice and experienced racers.

The event is set for Sept. 13-17.Disabled Association of BC and The Royal

Vancouver Yacht Club will host five days of sailing on English Bay, using the adaptive Martin 16 sloop.

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Freedom of the sail

Sailors say there’s nothing like the sense of freedom that you feel out on the water.

MobilityCup 2010 is open to anyonewith a sig-nificantphysicaldisability, with places available for novice and experi-encedracers.

Sailors John McRoberts, left, Tim Dempsey, centre, and Brent Foote, right, prepare to take to the water at the Royal


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Inclusion in the workplace

Don’t overlook benefits of hiring disabled workersChildcare Canada is urging other non-

profi ts to look at deploying workers with a disability from Delta Community Living So-ciety (DCLS), after their special experience of hiring Paul Schmand this year.

“We were looking for ways to strengthen our relationships with other community or-ganizations and to give back to the greater community, so when DCLS approached us last year with a job proposal to hire Paul, we

knew we couldn’t pass up this opportunity,” says Childcare Canada’s executive director Dan Bue.

“The most important factor in our hiring decision was Paul’s demonstration of char-acter,” adds Bue. “We have seen how much Paul appreciates this opportunity and the enthusiasm he brings to his assigned tasks at Childcare Canada.”

Paul, whose father Tony Schmand founded DCLS in the 1960s, has cerebral palsy.

Until now, Paul, age 57, has never had paid employment, but has held various volunteer

positions with other organizations, includ-ing with the Burns Bog Conservation Society, where he gained experience folding and stuffi ng mailing appeals.

Paul was hired on as an employee of Childcare Canada in January and, with the assistance of his job coach, works four shifts of 3.5 hours every two months to assist with the appeal mail-out sent to more than 1,500 people across Canada.

“It’s been a fantastic partnership for us,” says Bue.

“Like most non-profits, we need to do many mailings, so why not give this task to someone who enjoys this type of work?

“I prefer to think of disabilities as special abilities,” adds Bue.

“In reality, we all have limitations and strengths, we wouldn’t be human if we didn’t. We need to fi nd ways to play to our strengths.”

The benefi ts of this partnership are mu-tual, according to Paul.

“I really enjoy working at Childcare and working with people from different coun-tries. The people are nice and it’s a very calm and quiet environment.”

“Paul has grown so much as a result of his work with Childcare Canada,” says Paul’s

support worker Kathie Garduno, solutionsemployment services co-ordinator at DCLS.“Working for his own money and being partof the team has given Paul a great sense ofpride and confi dence.”

– Possabilities

We all have limitations and strengths, we wouldn’t be human if we didn’t. We need to fi nd ways to play to our strengths.”

Dan Bue

“

Paul Schmand is a huge asset at Childcare Canada. He has cerebral palsy.


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Sports

All that cheery talk about how the Olym-pics and Paralympics were going to leave a lasting legacy appears to be more than just hype.

SportAbility, a volunteer-driven organiza-tion that provides sporting opportunities for athletes with disabilities, is reporting a surge of interest in sports.

Ross MacDonald, sport development co-ordinator, says there’s no doubt the Paralympics have raised the profi le of ath-letes with disabilities.

“Everybody was caught up in the Olym-pics and Paralympics,” MacDonald said in a recent interview. “There’s a lot more aware-ness.”

SportAbility’s offi ce hasn’t been deluged with calls about their programs.

Macdonald says it’s been more of “a trickle effect.” But there’s definitely been a rise in the number of calls from people wanting to learn more about the various programs of-

fered by SportAbility.“It’s not a mass flood of people but I’m

optimistic about the benefits of the Para-lympics and what it’s going to do in the future,” he said.

Founded in 1976, SportAbility’s original focus was to support various Child Develop-ment Centres and rehabilitation centres. Over the years, it has grown enormously and SportAbility now has a presence nationally and internationally. Part of its mandate is to raise awareness about its sports programs among school kids, and help boost partici-pation.

According to a 2009 Active Healthy Kids Report by Active Healthy Kids Canada, only three per cent of Canadians with a disability are involved in organized sport compared to 31 per cent of able-bodied Canadians.

MacDonald concedes that resources, in terms of funds and volunteers, limit the availability of SportAbility’s programs. The agency receives $70,000 per year from the province toward its operating budget.

“It’s quite diffi cult to offer a program in every single region or municipality in B.C.”

Some parents of kids with disabilities sim-ply don’t know the special sports programs exist.

With publicity generated by the Paralym-pics, he’s hoping a lot more people will take up sports.

“To get the word out is always our goal.”For more information about SportAbility

and its programs, visit www.sportability.ca.

Paralympics sparks huge interest in athletics

Under a blue sky and cheered on by friends and family, Tim, a Victoria man, car-ried the Olympic torch in front of excited crowds lining a street in Tsawwassen.

His run, which happened on Feb. 9, lasted for 500 metres and he says it was “a bit nerve-wracking and one of the most exciting experiences of my life.”

Tim is an interesting, motivated and posi-tive person. He has lived independently for more than 12 years, with support from his family and Community Living B.C. He has two part-time jobs: one at Safeway and one at Sears in its café kitchen.

He’s a Special Olympian and has partici-pated in events for field hockey, curling, swimming and softball. He is also an avid sailor, regularly helping his father with maintenance of the boat and participating in annual family trips.

Tim was one of 12 people chosen to be a torchbearer by secret ballot from the 210 Safeway stores across Canada, and the only staff person from the Island.

Tim has worked for Safeway for eight years as a service clerk, bagging groceries, helping people to their cars and “doing

whatever else they need me to do.” He is well-liked and respected by his col-

leagues, who say Tim is punctual, positive and always sees the best in everyone.

His father, Roger, was understandably pleased Tim had the opportunity to run in the torch relay.

“He has had a lot of challenges to over-come through the years, and has found a place and people that appreciate him. He feels honoured and I feel proud to be his fa-ther.”

Tim displays his Olympic tuque, mitts and torch in his living-room, which overlooks the Strait of Juan de Fuca. The torch is singed, and still smells a little of the fuel that kept it lit for Tim’s run. His warm-up suit that was given to him for the run is safely put away, but his experience will stay with him.

“I am proud that I had this new adven-ture. I had a chance to carry the torch and meet some of the other torchbearers,” says Tim.

If they could be asked, those other torch-bearers would probably say they felt proud to meet Tim, too.

– Possabilities

Tim ‘proud’ of adventurePeople

I’m optimistic about the benefi ts of the Paralympics and what it’s going to do in the future.”

Ross MacDonald

“



Hey Parents Is your child the next Taylor Swift,

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LOOKING FOR KIDSAGE 7 – 18 YEARS to be contestants in the 5th annual BC Junior Talent Search. OPEN AUDITIONS will be held at Central City Shopping Centre on Saturday, May 8 and Saturday, May 15. Semi-finalists will be showcased at the Rodeo Days event at Clover Square Village on Friday, May 21 and

then compete in the semi-finals at the Cloverdale Rodeo & Country Fair on Saturday, May 22. The finals will take place at the Central City Shopping Centre on Saturday, May 29 where we will announce the winner of the

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First, he got to carry the torch in the Para-lympic torch relay. Then he won an award for his good works.

John Cumberbirch, a volunteer sports of-fi cial, has received SportAbility’s President’s Award for 2010.

Cumberbirch, a physiotherapist with the Centre for Child Development in Surrey, has volunteered for more than 20 years with SportAbility/Cerebral Palsy Sports Associa-tion of B.C. as a classifi er.

He learned about the award soon after he ran in the Paralympic torch relay, one of the highlights of his life, making the accolade doubly satisfying.

“That was two huge soul hugs both at once,” Cumberbirch said in an interview with Possabilities.

SportAbility, an agency committed to pro-viding sports and recreation opportunities to athletes of all ages with physical disabili-ties, hosted its awards gala in Richmond on March 31.

Cumberbirch’s job and volunteer duties compliment one another.

At the Centre for Child Development, he works primarily as a consultant to the Sur-rey and Delta school districts where he

provides in-school therapy support.He speaks poetically about his job.“I have the blessing of working with fami-

lies and kids with special needs,” he says.As a consultant, he advises school staff

and works with them to resolve issues in or-der to facilitate inclusion and provide abetter learning environment for studentswith disabilities.

“I listen to the concerns and we put our heads together and try to problem solve,” hesays.

As a classifi er, Cumberbirch brings his vastexpertise to the sports of football 7-A side,boccia, athletics and cycling. A classifi er as-sesses and rates degrees of disability, acomplex process. The objective is to create alevel playing fi eld for the competitors.

Cumberbirch has worked nationally and internationally as a classifi er.

One athlete who he has worked with in the past has gone on to compete in the Para-lympics.

“That’s pretty neat,” he says.Although he’s proud of his award, he

speaks generously about his associates atSportAbility and his colleagues at work.

“As honouring as it was, and I don’t di-minish what I have been doing, there’s lotsof people where I work who contribute greatly.”

SportAbility President’s Award

A big honour for a bigger heart

John Cumberbirch is the recipient of SportAbility’s President’s Award for 2010.



0504

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Surrey

Our History in Photographs

Welcome to the story of our great city.As B.C.’s fastest growing city and the community with the fastest growing immigrant population in Canada, the face of Surrey has changed dramatically over the years. Our city’s story is fi lled with tales of strength, challenges, hardships, successes, unprecedented growth, strong family ties and dedication to a sense of community.

This book is a phenomenal way to showcase everypart of our city’s diverse past, showing residents at work, at home and at play at different times of Surrey’s history. While there are written histories of our city, this book is sure to fi ll a gap – the photosyou will see in the following pages truly speak for themselves and I believe they speak volumes to our rich and vibrant history. Surrey residents have always shown a dedication to their community and this book is a perfect way to honour those who were – and are still – proud to call Surrey home.Indeed, the future lives in Surrey. But let us not forget the past, for it’s the hard work of those beforeus that has paved the way for us as a city. Our storycontinues to be written and as your mayor, I, along with city council, look to the future with excitement and optimism for what lies ahead for Surrey. But sometimes a quick look behind us reminds us of where we came from and where we need to go.

Thank you, for your interest in your community’s history. And if you or your family have contributedphotos to this book, thank you for helping us tellSurrey’s story.

Dianne WattsMayor of Surrey

M A Y O R ’ S M E S S A G E

In August 2009, the Surrey Now newspaper

called on its readers to send in their old photos

of life in our city up to 1990. We had such an

overwhelming response that we expanded our

plans to collect a local history of Surrey in

photographs that were taken from before the

turn of the 20th century through the 1990s.

When the time came to produce this book, we

had more than 1,000 photos to choose from.

This enthusiasm for our city’s history inspired

us and reaffi rmed our decision to publish this

beautiful book.

We believe the true history of Surrey is

captured in people’s unique photos. And we

believe the book you are holding now is proof

of that. As you fl ip through this book’s pages,

think about the stories that our city holds

and think of all the people that have called

Surrey home throughout its rich and vibrant

history. As you peruse through the hundreds of

historical photos, look for faces and names that

you might recognize. Share these photos with

your friends and family.

We at the Surrey Now are proud of our city,

proud of our history and proud of this book.

But most of all, we are proud of the dedicated

people – past and present – who have worked

hard to build our community into what it is

today. It is to those people whom we dedicate

this book.Thank you, and enjoy your read.

Gary HollickPublisher

P U B L I S H E R ’ S M E S S A G E

PAYMENT METHOD❑ Check ❑ Moneyorder ❑ Visa ❑ Mastercard ❑ AmexTO ORDER WITH A CREDIT CARD CALL:604-572-0064

credit card number expiration date

name

address

city

daytime phone

signature for credit card orders only

province postal code

MAIL TO:The NOW Newspaper#201 - 7889 132nd St.Surrey, BC V3W 4N2

❑ PICKED UP at the NOW Newspaper$31.45 per book ($29.95 plus $1.50 gst)

❑ SHIPPED to the address you provide below.$39.05 per book shipped within BC.($29.95 plus $1.50 gst plus $7.60 shipping & handling)

QUANTITY ORDERED

TOTAL

Order Yours Today!Drop into our offi ce and pick up your copy after

February 10th or order your copy now.

•SurreyOur History in Photographs

Special! 2010 Hard Cover EditionNOW HERE!

Featuring photographs of Surrey past.

Net proceeds to“Right To Play”

Business

Drive – and a suit – may snag that loan

You’re all set to start your own business. You have a winning concept and you’ve done your homework. Now all you need is a loan.

Securing financing for a new venture is often the toughest part.

But convincing a loan offi cer that you’d be a good risk is vital to making your dream become a reality.

“They want to see if the business is going to be fi nancially viable,” says Randy Clyne, a business consultant and a member of the Abilities Business Cooperative.

The co-op offers a range of products and services to businesses and individuals within the Metro Vancouver region. Most of its

members are self-employed people with dis-abilities.

Clyne has been a business consultant for a number of years, and says that overcoming obstacles when starting a new business are basically the same for disabled people as for anybody else.

Since the purpose of fi nancial institutions is to turn a profit, loan seekers must con-vince lenders that the proposed venture will be a success and that the loan will be repaid.

A solid business plan and a polished pre-sentation are essential.

“It’s all got to do with credibility, so pre-sentation is important,” he says.

“Without presentation and a good plan you’re not going to get the loan.”

That’s not to say that people with disabili-

ties never face discrimination.But it’s tricky territory.Clyne notes the Canadian Charter of

Rights and Freedoms and other legislation prohibits discrimination.

Deeply ingrained societal attitudes about people with disabilities, on the other hand, may be a different matter and difficult to gauge.

He says the disadvantages for disabled people are more likely to stem from a lack of business history, which means that they have to work harder to make their case.

As part of a consultation, Clyne takes his clients through a multi-step process.

First impressions count for a lot, so that means you have to look polished, too — neatly groomed and garbed. Suits for both

sexes are a safe bet, or at least a jacket and tiefor men.

“That’s really important. Impressions are 50 per cent of getting something done.”

For some though, drafting a strong busi-ness plan proves to a taxing experience, aprocess that’s a lot more complicated thanthey ever imagined and they simply aban-don their plans.

Besides financing, ambition is vital tomaking the venture work.

“Drive is really an important thing. Theyhave to have drive and the vision to make itwork,” Clyne says.

And fi nally, building a better mousetrap still multiplies your chances of success.

“There certainly are opportunities forpeople who have a good idea.”

Business leaders and educators in the Tri-Cities area have teamed up to launch a website aimed at spotlighting an often over-looked talent pool.

The Tri-Cities Chamber of Commerce, Douglas College and Polaris Employment Services have launched the new website to help local businesses hire people with dis-

abilities. Through the Tri-Cities 10 X 10 Challenge, the three partners have been ad-vocating the business case for hiring people with disabilities in the Tri-Cities are since the fall of 2008.

The website was designed to encourage business people to view the hiring of people with disabilities as a business opportunity.

An innovative style switcher gives users the ability to view (or listen to) the site in different modes, depending on their needs.

The website was developed by Dave Zille and his team at Dazil Internet Services.

“The vast majority of existing websites do not consider accessibility for individuals who may be vision impaired, deaf or hard of

hearing, or have cognitive or mobility im-pairments,” Zille said.

“Good design is what many think of whenthey think of web development, however, ac-cessibility is often overlooked and is just asimportant as design.”

Visit www.tricities10X10challenge.com.– Possabilities

New website helps business hire people with disabilities



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TECH ALERT!

At Bernhausen Automotive, customers have been telling owner Satya Bernhausen that reasonable costs and specialized service are important to them right now. “Being innovative with our solution for our customers’ problems is key. We specialize in diesel truck repair and over the past year, we’ve noticed people are looking to make their money go further and fuel economy is a big concern. Being a small business allows us to adapt and change to meet our customers needs.” says Bernhausen.

Case in point - Bernhausen’s new SCT power programmers. This recent technology allows the technician to program the vehicle’s computer. This allows for overriding factory settings and truly customizing how the truck runs. Through SCT’s innovative custom tuning ability Bernhausen Automotive can increase the fuel economy and horse power of diesel trucks.

“Although we specialize in the Ford powerstroke diesel, which is one of the most complex diesel engines on the road, we can custom tune any vehicle.” This specialized product allows Bernhausen to customize each vehicle differently from the next. The average diesel truck owner has

specific needs and demands for their truck. Often, they turn to the many after-market modifications and SCT programmers give technicians the ability to make these modifications work in sync with the rest of the vehicle.

Bernhausen is also Langley’s authorized dealer of BD power performance products.

When customers started asking for these products by name, Bernhausen realized that no one in Langley was serving this demand. “People are holding on to their trucks longer due to the recession. With BD power, it gives us one more way to upgrade performance, so keeping their trucks becomes a better option than buying a new one.” says Bernhausen. “For all the diesels on the road that are just coming off of warranty, we have the diagnostic equipment to service them as well as the ability to overhaul and do rebuilds for all late model engines. We aim to improve the performance and durability of their engine, so they don’t need to keep coming back.”

Honest service and a personal touch is also what keeps customers loyal.

Customers work directly with the mechanic to establish what needs to be done and if it can be kept within their budget.Satya Bernhausen

OWNERDave Dias

SERVICE MANAGERBarry Vanfeggelen

HEAD TECHNICIANKaya Bernhausen

TECHNICIAN

RVS TRUCKS CARS FLEET DIESEL/GAS ENGINES TRANSMISSIONS DIFFERENTIALS COOLING SYSTEMS BRAKES

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Urban Forest

Some people enjoy a stroll in the woods, but in South Surrey’s Sunnyside Urban For-est, visitors can also go for a roll.

One of the jewels in Surrey’s extensive parks system, Sunnyside Acres includes a feature not found in most heavily-wooded natural parkland – an all-access trail capable of accommodating visitors in wheelchairs.

“It’s a unique feature of the forest and it’s designed to enhance the public’s participa-tion in the forest,” said Ron Meadley, president of Sunnyside Acres Heritage Soci-ety. “By providing this special trail, which is defined as being obstacle-free, we have a number of wheelchair participants and other members of the community who come in and they are very pleased to be able to see the forest.”

The Wally Ross Trail is a one-kilometre loop of obstacle-free path that is accessed through the parking lot off 24th Avenue west of 148th Street. The trail was built in 1997 at a cost of $27,000, paid for through fundrais-ing and a donation by the TD Bank’s Friends of the Environment program. Surrey’s parks department built the trail and has main-tained it ever since.

Before work began, planners consulted with members of the community on the best way to approach the project.

“We wanted everybody in the community to have access to the forest and that included people who don’t get around easily,” recalled Roy Strang, a founding member of the SAHS.

“When we were planning this, we talked with a woman who was blind and people in wheelchairs – one that was motorized and one that was hand operated.

“We talked to them about the obstacles they faced and what sorts of features they would like. We applied all of their ideas to

the fi nal design of the trail.”The project encompassed building a num-

ber of ramps and bridges as well as fi lling in small pits where tree roots had broken through the surface.

The surfaces on the trail’s bridges are cov-ered with a metal grating to provide

improved traction to wheelchairs.Thirteen years later, the popular route re-

quires constant attention by Surrey parks crews, especially after heavy winter storms. There are no stumps on the trail and fallen tree debris is cleared after every storm. Gaps between tree roots are fi lled in as they ap-

pear and special attention is taken to repairpotholes on the trail as well as ridges that may develop on the approaches to bridges and ramps.

The result is a unique park experience thatcan be enjoyed by people of all abilities.

“The Wally Ross Trail is extensively used, not only by wheelchair participants but alsoby other members of the community, par-ticularly joggers and moms with strollers,”Meadley said.

“It’s actually one of the main parts of thetrail system in the forest and because of its length, it’s very popular with people whowant to make a quick run in the forest.”

Wooded trail was designed for all abilities

The Wally Ross Trail in Sunnyside Urban Forest was specifically designed to be accessible to everyone, including people in wheel-chairs, and is constantly maintained to be obstacle-free. Because of this, the one-kilometre trail has become a popular spot.

Michael BoothPossabilities Contributor

Obstacle-free path proves to be a unique park experience in South Surrey

When we were planning this . . . we applied all of their ideas to the fi nal design of the trail.”

Roy Strang

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For a FREE consultation call: 604.228.4357604.228.4357www.nursenextdoor.com

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Over 150,000 Treatments

Given Across Canada!For many years, the Canadian Decompression and Pain Centres (CDPC) have been successfully treating chronic low back and neck pain using a uniquely developed treatment protocol call Neuro-Decompression. In 2006, the tech-nology used at CDPC won the Australian Design Award in the “Medical and Scientifi c” category. This revolutionary treatment procedure has consistently achieved great results at CDPC locations throughout Canada. Results are usu-ally long lasting. Referrals come from surgeons, medical doctors and other health care professionals across the country, but referral is not required (you can contact us directly). Neuro-Decompression is a three-phased system that was developed by CDPC doctors.

How Does It Work?The three phases at CDPC include Neuro-Decompression, Oxygen Enhance-ment and a unique Neuro-Nutrition phase. The full procedure is performed simutaneously during a patient’s treatment.The three phases combined create a unique treatment procedure off ered only at the Canadian Decompression and Pain Centers. All three stages are integral to the system to ensure that the patient’s recovery is quick, successful and long term. Many patients feel immediate relief from pain, but the goal of the treatment program is to eliminate pain long term, not temporarily, and to restore and improve the patient’s quality of life.

I read the ad in the paper - I thought this would be fantastic! I am completely off all medication and feel like a 20 year old. Thank you for giving me my quality of life back! The staff are the friendliest, nicest, most compassionate people I have ever met in a clinical environment!

- Denise B., Calgary

My experience at CDPC was honesty… professionalism… love. Every member of the staff showed love and respect as they cared for me. I appreciate all they have done to give me contin-ued quality of life! I want others to have this treatment.

- Iona B., Toronto

When I fi rst came to CDPC I couldn’t walk. I had not been to work for many months. After about 4 treatments I could feel it working… it’s the best money I’ve ever spent. I got my life back without pain, it’s worth it. Just do it. It works.

- Russ C., Calgary

To anyone out there… if you are in need of back surgery… do yourself a favour and check out decompression! I can’t stress it enough… IT WORKS! They are great, wonderful people who care about your well-being.

- Andrea S., Victoria

I always had back problems for 10 years and everyday got worse. But in Sept 2009 I saw CDPC and started treatment. I felt better after the fi rst treatments, and now after fi ve treatments, I feel a good improvement. It is less painful, I sleep better at night, and most improvement is that I can walk easier with no pain.

- Johanne T., Vancouver

I have had 6 sessions with CDPC. The pain (which I have endured for the previous 15 years) has almost completely dissipated. As well, my posture has noticeably straightened. I anticipate a complete and lasting pain-free existence once the balance of treatments has been complete.

- Michael P., Vancouver

I have had a lot of problems with my lower back and with my sciatic nerve… I heard about CDPC and made an appoint-ment… I progressed from severe pain to very little pain over the treatment program! I would recommend this treatment to

anyone having lower back problems.- Kenneth R., Edmonton

I will be forever grateful… the pain was excruciating and de-bilitating… I used to tell my friends and family that if I could cut off my leg I would… And then a miracle happened. I made an appointment for a consultation . The rest is history!!! I have not had a painkiller in weeks: I am actually looking forward to being able to dance again.

- Rhona K., Calgary

What Are People Saying About the Treatment?

CDPC will be hosting a charity event in August 2010!

Contact us for details…

You may qualify for a research study: • 18 to 65 years old • experience chronic neck and low back pain• have tried at least 2 medications prescribed by your doctor to prevent painCertain patients will be seen by doctor and receive study care with costs partially or fully subsidized.

Conditions Treated:

• Disc bulge or Herniation• Spinal Stenosis• Sciatica• Neck Pain• Radiculopathy

(pinched nerve)• Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

• Osteoarthritis• Fibromyalgia• Degenerative

disc disease• Scoliosis

FREE CONSULTATIONSSouth Surrey 1663 128th St. 604.541.8480Burnaby 9600 Cameron St. 604.421.2372

Victoria 1825 Fort St. 250.592.7246Edmonton 11044 51st Ave - unit 301 780.433.0555

Locations coming soon to Sackatchewan!

South Calgary 1600 90th Ave - Unit A306 403.452.9977North Calgary 2675 36th St NE - Unit 515 403.452.5600

Winnipeg 1200 Waverley St. - Unit 9 204.951.6887

www.cdpc.info (To fi nd out more, see our Q&A section on our website) 0410

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Canada’s Largest Chronic Pain Center


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Documents

Possabilities Vol1 Number 3