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Spina Bifida and Hydrocephalus Association of Northern Alberta |
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The SBHANA was proud to host the 30 Year Anniversary National Spina Bifida & Hydrocephalus Conference from October 7-9, 2011 at the Fantasyland Hotel in Edmonton, AB
The conference, which took place from October 7-9, was a huge success! We had 271 individuals register for the conference, 190 were from Alberta. Of the 271 registered participants, 85 of them were children who participated in our Family Camp. 90 conference registrants were individuals with spina bifida, and the remainder were family members or medical professionals directly involved in the treatment of spina bifida and hydrocephalus. We feel that the positive results of the conference will continue to echo through the spina bifida community and last much longer than just the duration of the conference.
Participants from across Canada gained valuable knowledge about spina bifida and hydrocephalus at the Dream. Live. Inspire. 30th Anniversary National Conference. Specific areas of knowledge include: neurological advances, bowel and bladder management, pain management, advocacy, adapted sports and recreation, post-secondary transitioning, parent/child relationships, partnerships with professionals and physical accessibility of home design. Delegates who attended will share this new information with members of their own chapter associations and clinics across Canada, thus widely disseminating the information that was presented. Ample time and opportunities were presented to delegates so that they could make connections with one another and potentially even form lasting friendships. Participants commented on their evaluations about how important it was that they made new friends and gained connections to other chapters and speakers across Canada.
Surveys were completed by participants of the conference and we would like to share the following (small subset of) answers to the question: “What will you take away from this conference?” · A broader perspective. Possible solutions/ideas to share with the school as a result of discussion with others that shared the same difficulties but with new ideas to implement. · I have learned to do a better job of record keeping. To Keep up with the advocating, never give up. · I have hope for better quality of life · I 'm just re-inspired, that is a positive thing! I needed an attitude adjustment. Forgot how much potential I really do have! Thank you · Inspiring me on the importance of support for all of us and education of Spina Bifida · Inspiration: The possibilities exceed limitations · That life is full of possibilities and hope · The ability to see what is possible · That I have a better understanding about Spina Bifida and how I can live day to day and how to live with Spina Bifida · Meeting new people with Spina Bifida and making connections · Different way of thinking - acceptance and encouragement
SPEAKER NOTES Some of our speakers have graciously provided us with the notes from their sessions so that we could share them with everyone. If there is a session that you particularly wanted information from but the notes are not below, please contact the office and we will try our best to get some information to you. Brock Masters—Positive Attitude is Everything Cindy Smith—Accessibility in the Home Darcie Kiddoo—The Neurogenic Bladder David Erickson—Independence and Young Adulthood Margaret Conquest– Mastering the Art of Possibility Mia Fairley—Empowerment for Parents Petrina Pelletier—Executive Functioning Roxanne Ulanicki & Donna Bulger—Advocacy
THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS This conference would not have been possible without the generous support of our funders. We are so grateful to the following companies, organizations and individuals for choosing to invest in our event. Conference Partners The Spina Bifida & Hydrocephalus Association of Southern Alberta Platinum Sponsors The City of Edmonton—Saturday Evening Banquet The Estate of Thelma Amy Brown—Subsidy Program Alberta Culture & Community Spirit (Community Initiatives Program) Gold Sponsors SickKids Foundation—Family Camp SCI Solutions Fund (administered by the Alberta Paraplegic Association) Castledowns Lions Club Silver Sponsors VitaPath Genetics—Speakers PSAV Presentation Services Office for Disability Services Bronze Sponsors Carbon Steel Buildings CGI Coloplast Congdon’s Aids to Daily Living Continental Self Storage Delish Custom Cakes & Designs Hollister The Body Shop Friends of the Conference Ibex Payroll |
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Spina Bifida & Hydrocephalus National Conference 30th Anniversary of the Spina Bifida & Hydrocephalus Associations of Canada and Alberta |
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