BC Paraplegic Association

Description

Since 1957 the BC Paraplegic Association BCPA has been a vital link to the community and successful independent living for thousands of people with spinal cord injuries and other physical disabilities There are over 5000 people living in BC who have a permanent spinal cord injury that affects every aspect of their lives Over 200000 British Columbians also have a disability that affects their mobility

BCPA services help people overcome the challenge of living with a physical disability BCPA programs support education and job search strategies BCPA advocacy removes barriers to participation

BCPA helps people with physical disabilities achieve goals regain independence and move forward with their livesimproving the quality of life of all British Columbians

Our Vision
A World Without Barriers

Mission Statement
To assist people with spinal cord injuries and other physical disabilities to achieve independence selfreliance and full community participation

History

BCPA IN ACTION
Celebrating Achievement Rebuilding lives

BCPA has a rich history of growth and success in creating opportunities for people with spinal cord injuries and other physical disabilities to rebuild their lives and careers in their home communities We celebrate 50 years of breaking down barriers

1957
The British Columbia Division of the Canadian Paraplegic Association BCPA is born 40 new spinal cord injuries per year are recorded an annual statistic that has grown steadily over the past 5 decades to an average of 150 per year

1958
The Womens Auxiliary is formed and for over twenty years raises funds to provide bursaries scholarships emergency loans and other assistance to BCPA members

1959
Stan Stronge is hired as the first employee of the BC Paraplegic Association BCPA and later that year secures our first job placement the first of thousands to come

1960
Active in the formation of BCPA Doug Mowat accepts the role of Executive Director Our organization flourished under his innovative strong leadership extending over 3 decades

1962
Our first regional information and referral service is started in Victoria and run by longtime volunteer Walter Thomson Today BCPA serves all areas of our province with offices in eight communities

1965
Through BCPAs consultation with Vancouver Parks and Recreation all community centre facilities provide at minimum partial accessibility to enable people with physical disabilities to participate

1967
The BC Wheelchair Sports amp Recreation Association is started through the support of BCPA staff members and volunteers and in 1971 becomes the Canadian Wheelchair Sports Association BC Division

1968
BCPAs safe driving roadeo and car rally events are held to demonstrate that people using hand controls were safe and responsible drivers As a result of our car safety demonstrations special speed restrictions are removed

1970
One of our longest standing and beneficial partnerships is with the Kinsmen Rehab Foundation and the Association of Kinsmen Clubs In addition to generous contributions to BCPA operationally club members rallied to keep people with spinal cord injuries at home in their communities by helping with renovations

1972
The Lions Paraplegic Lodge opens a pioneering partnership between BCPA and the Vancouver South Lions Club creating transitional housing for people with spinal cord injuries as a stepping stone between rehabilitation and the community

1973
BCPA advocates for elimination of stairs in public buildings The City of Vancouver introduces building bylaws with accessible code amidst protest from builders and architects

1975
The first Acute Spinal Cord Injury Unit is established with the support of BCPAproviding excellence in medical treatment that has earned BC widespread respect and recognition

The BC Paraplegic Foundation is established with a donation of 1100 Since then it has contributed over 9 million to supporting individuals with physical disabilities

1976
The BC Coalition of Persons with Disabilities is initiated with encouragement and participation from BCPA and its members

BCPA expands communitybased service to the South Okanagan North Okanagan and Kootenays areas Within the next few years an office is opened in Prince George and rehab staff positions are dedicated to serve the Fraser Valley North Shore North and South Vancouver Island

1978
BCPA Director Lloyd Chamberlayne starts the Lloyds Loan Program hand controlled equipped vehicles This program evolved into the Paratrans service that provided affordable rental of equipped cars and vans for over 25 years

1979
Accessible standards for building bylaws are expanded throughout the province

1980
The Stan Stronge Pool opens at Pearson Hospital It was the first fully accessible and equipped swimming pool open to all persons with physical disabilities from the hospital and the community

1981
The International Year of the Disabled chaired provincially by BCPA Executive Director Doug Mowat The committee produced recommendations for provincial and municipal initiatives aimed at increasing opportunities for community inclusion People with disabilities are incorporated into the Provincial Human Rights Code

1982
BCPA and GF Strong partner on the Living Independently Forever LIFE project which provides financial assistance for people with spinal cord injuries to renovate their homes upon discharge from rehab

1983
Vancouver Taxi puts three liftequipped vans into circulationa result of BCPAs efforts to change legislation involving tax licenses

1985
Creekview opens near Granville Island in Vancouver Creekview was the worlds first integrated selfmanaged housing project with shared support services for high quadraplegics

1986
BCPA plays a consultative role in the planning of Expo 86 in Vancouver which showcases to the world accessibility and hightech innovations for people with disabilities

1987
Rick Hansen completes his Man in Motion World Tour BCPA and the BC Paraplegic Foundation were among the Tours first supporters

1988
The Spinal Cord Injury Prevention Program is established as a joint project between BCPA and University Hospital Shaughnessy Site

1989
Development begins on the Stanley Noble Stronge Housing Cooperative led by BCPA in collaboration with George Pearson Centre residents and many community partners

1990
Working with BC Transit BCPA is instrumental in the development of the accessible bus programfirst established in BCs Lower Mainland and the first of its kind in Canada

1992
BCPA hosts an International Spinal Cord Injury Symposium bringing together researchers from around the globe

1994
The Spinal Cord Injury Unit moves from Shaughnessy to Vancouver General Hospital BCPA was very active on the planning committee to ensure a smooth transition

1996
BCPA is a partner and cochair of the BC Neurotrauma Initiative spearheaded by the Rick Hansen Foundation for funding solutions to support rehabilitation research and injury prevention

1997
The Paraplegics amp Quadriplegics with Pressure Ulcers Program is established at Vancouver General Hospital developed by VGH Vancouver Coastal Health the BC Rehab Society and BCPA

1998
BCPA and GF Strong begin a partnership in education outreach initiatives to deliver spinal cord injury information to individuals and health providers

1999
Lions Millennium Place opens and BCPA accepts stewardship of the Technology for Independent Living TIL program formerly operated by Kinsmen Rehab Foundation

2001
The Provincial Respiratory Outreach Program moves from George Pearson Centre to the community under management of BCPA Our peer program is established and quickly gains momentum illustrating the irreplaceable value and power of peer support

2003
In partnership with Muscular Dystrophy and the Spina Bifida amp Hydrocephalus Associations BCPA helps establish the Bridges to the Future program helping youth with disabilities transition from adolescence to adulthood

2005
BCPA publishes Coming into Focus the results of an indepth research study that provides a snapshot of services for people with spinal cord injuries touching on everything from employment to social activities from income to health care

2006
BCPA dedicates a full time position Community Capacity Coordinator to lead advocacy and increase ability of the community to allow for full participation The BC Association for Individualized Technology and Supports for People with Disabilities BCITS is formed to operate adaptive technology and respiratory services nurtured by BCPA