Balance April 2018

balance what it’s all about

ISSN 1916-7709

registration for the BCITS team, all the funds raised will be used to purchase new TIL equipment including voice activated technology, such as Google Home for people needing to ask Google to open a door, turn on the lights or a TV, etc.

BCITS was honoured and excited to learn that the Vancouver staff from global mobile software company, airG, have chosen us as their fundraising charity for 2018! On Wednesday March 7th, they invited us to go to their downtown offices so they could learn more about the TIL services that we offer and how they can support us.

Nancy Lear gave a peer perspective to the staff of around 50. She highlighted some of the technology TIL provides so that she can live independently at home this included an automatic door opener, technology to answer the phone and environmental control systems.

The airG staff team were keen to learn more about how they could help us get involved in fundraising.

April Skold, our Customer Services Assistant, told them they could join us in the Scotia Charity Challenge on the 24th June. April has set up online

Technology for Independent Living (TIL) and Provincial Respiratory Outreach Program (PROP)

April 2018

airG Staff Choose Charity

by Ruth Marzetti |

Brought to you by:

April also gave details of our TIL fundraiser, this year’s “Celebrating IndepenDANCE!”. The TIL event will be held on Tuesday September 25th at Performance Works on Granville Island. The staff at airG learnt that they could raise money for sponsorship of the event, offer to volunteer on the evening, and buy tables for their staff to attend and enjoy the event. airG started as a small Canadian company, a pioneer in the mobile software industry releasing its first mobile application in 2000. Since then the company has expanded its offices to Latin America, the Middle East, and Eastern Europe. To learn more about airG I invite you to look at their website: https://corp.airg.com/ BCITS is looking forward to working with airG in our fundraising efforts this year! l

inside 1 | airG Staff Choose Charity by Ruth Marzetti 2 | “Pathways to Independence” by Ruth Marzetti 2 | A Moral Dilemma by Cathy Grant 3 | Lets’ talk TIL 4 | Connect With Us Online!

4 | Help Us Fulfill Our Vision 5 | 6th Kinsmen Klassic Golf Tournament, by Ruth Marzetti 5 | BC Rehab funding voice activated technology by Ruth Marzetti 6 | Scotia Run Fundraising by April Skold 7 | TIL Technology Showcase Room

by Kevin Choi 7 | The PROP trach vent course by Wendy Lawrence RN BSN

Letter from the Editor If you have a story to feature please contact sboren@stephenboren.com This is the first edition of Balance that has been produced solely by members.

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“Pathways to Independence”

A Moral Dilemma

A BCITS / IFRC series of discussion groups for peers

by Cathy Grant |

by Ruth Marzetti |

One of the things I like to follow on the web is how new technology might change or is changing the lives of people with disabilities. One of the areas of change coming up is with prosthetic limbs. In only a few more years, limbs that can do as much as a regular human hand/arm (including near normal touch sensitivity) are going to be commonly available. These arms are going to be a tremendous boon for people who have lost their limbs at birth or by accident.

BCITS is teaming up with Paul Gauthier from IFRC to develop an exciting peer discussion group, “Pathways to Independence”. This will create an opportunity for peers to meet regularly in Vancouver to discuss issues brought forward by the members of the group.

The first session will focus on introducing the Choice in Supports for Independent Living [CSIL] Program, including an update on upcoming changes to the program; how to enrol; what you need to know as an employer; and any CSIL questions or thoughts the members of the group bring to the discussion.

If there is interest among the members, we will bring in peer guests and speakers from organizations such as the employment standards branch or Translink.

“Pathways to Independence” will regularly bring together peers to share common interest and to support each other. The longer term goal is to identify peer leaders to take the group forward and create a sustainable discussion group for peers.

All PROP and TIL members are welcome to join the group. The first two sessions will be held in the Sunset Community Centre, 6810 Main Street on Monday May 7th at 2:15 -3:15pm and Monday June 4th at 2:15-3:15pm.

For more information please contact Ruth Marzetti at 604-326-0175 or Paul Gauthier at 604-777-7576.

BCITS RTs and biomeds will also have details.

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However, are people who have lost a limb the only ones who can benefit from these prosthetics? I have very limited use of my arms I can’t effectively feed or dress myself, nor can I move myself in a manual chair or transfer myself onto a toilet without assistance. I can type very slowly but if I want to get something more than one or two words written in like an hour I need someone else to do the typing. In theory if I had prosthetic limbs I could feed and dress myself, maneuver a manual chair, and possibly even write my own columns. Not to mention a thousand other things I haven’t even thought of yet.

But here’s the rub, in order to get this huge quality of life increase, I first have to remove my current arms. Even though they do not function they are still mine and I have had them for my entire life. I probably wouldn’t replace my limbs with prosthetics but I’m keeping my options open until that choice is actually presented to me.

Whether or not I should have my arms removed isn’t only restricted to the moral dilemmas outlined in this column.

If I did have my limbs removed and gained all that freedom, it would also drastically reduce the amount of care I need and that means reduced costs, potentially a lot less of reduced cost to government. Nowadays governments are always looking to save money. Given how things have worked in the past I could very easily see an expert say “right we’ve done the research and we’re convinced that the best way for you to be supported is limb replacement.

So that is the only option we’re going to fund, for your support.” And this is the moral dilemma, can governments (or health insurance companies in the U.S.) force people to remove damaged limbs to lower support costs and make perceived improvements to quality of life?

I’m interested in getting other people’s feedback on this issue. Would you replace a limb with a prosthetic if it increased your quality of life? What role should government play in that choice? Submit any comments to Balance. l

bc association for individualized technology and supports for people with disabilities

Lets’ talk TIL Technology for Independent Living (TIL) is committed to providing you with the best possible services. There is always room for improvement in regards to assistive technology and your needs. We respect our member-directed model and appreciate your input to improve services.

TIL is reviewing older technology and may transition to new voice activated technology. Biomeds are testing voice activated devices which can help with tasks like opening automatic doors or switching on a bipap machine.

A biomedical technologist will be contacting you by phone to complete an assessment to learn about your technology needs and day to day goals. We will be updating your contact details, reviewing your current equipment and discussing options for new technologies.

We will be asking you questions such as: • Do you have access to older equipment that can be returned to TIL’s

equipment pool?

• If so, would you consider returning the equipment so that we could prepare it for use with another member?

• If you are keeping it, would it be for backup purposes?

• If you could get one device or service from TIL that would drastically improve your quality of life, what would it be?

Let us know so we can better understand the needs within the community.

During this review process we will be reaching out to many members in the community in due course. If you prefer an earlier assessment of your TIL services, contact us by phone at 604-326-0175 or use our contact form on this website to send an email.

As a member, your input is of the utmost importance. The TIL program is here for you. So whether it’s about our day to day operations or the future of the program, we would love to hear from you!

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help us fulfill our vision Connect with us online!

Twitter, LinkedIn, Facebook Social media is a powerful tool in today’s world for connecting people and organizations, and spreading news and ideas.

At BCITS, we believe in maximizing people’s quality of life as much as possible through technology, so we are excited bytoruth marzetti announce that PROP and TIL are now on Twitter, LinkedIn and It is with sadness that we say fareFacebook. well to Nancy Lear who has worked tirelessly as our Network Support We want to connect with our curFacilitator for the past two years. rent clients, future clients, profesShe has honoured the long tradisionals and organizations that tion of BCITS’ peer history through support people with disabilities creating the video “A History and independent living. of PROP and TIL through a Peer Lens” (https://www.youtube.com/ We will be posting PROP and TIL watch?v=ZEg_i_0TxlQ) and creating content on our website www. the “History of the Iron Lung” which bcits.org and on the following is available in the history section of social media accounts: our website.

Farewell to Nancy Lear

InTwitter: addition to giving one-on-one peer support, Nancy consistently Technologyforliving@PROP_TIL attended peer events; gave talks to groups; helped with fundraising; LinkedIn: attended networkingfor events; wrote The BC Association Individualblogs and, posted on social media. ized Technology and Supports for She participated in and judged People with Disabilities (BCITS)the Simon Cox Design Competition and helped BCIT students create practiFacebook: cal, well-designed items. www.facebook.com/BCITS/ We will miss her smiling face in our office, butwelcome she has promised Please help us into theto continue to be involved in our work online community by following through volunteering. will hold us! We look forward toWe connectl her to it. ing with you!

BCITS, proud home of PROP and TIL, is a registered non-profit and charitable organization. The funds to operate these programs come from the Ministry of Health, through the Vancouver Coastal Health region. We are very grateful for this generous support.

However, this funding does not cover all the costs to provide equipment to TIL clients. For example, a special telephone for a person with a high level disability can cost as much as $1,000 and an automatic door opener can cost $3,000.

We provide many devices like these to adults–at no cost–to fulfill our vision of people living in the community as independently as possible.

You can help us continue this work through your donation. Any contribution, large or small, will be gratefully accepted. 100% of your donation will go toward equipment and assistive devices.

Charitable Registration Number 807477070RR0001

I would like to support TIL’s equipment program. o I have enclosed a cheque for $ ______. o I will make a donation by credit card through CanadaHelps.org.

[Donate in minutes by clicking on the DONATE button on our home page at www.bcits.org.] o I would like to donate directly by VISA. I will call you at 604-326-0175.

Please be sure to fill in all your contact details, so we can send your tax receipt (for donations of $10 or more).

NAME ___________________________________________________________ ADDRESS ________________________________________________________ CITY & PROVINCE ___________________________ POSTAL CODE _________ PHONE _____________________________ EMAIL ____________________________________________ Please return form to: BCITS, #103-366 E. Kent Ave S., Vancouver, BC V5X 4N6

thank you for your support bc association for individualized technology and supports for people with disabilities

6th Kinsmen Klassic Golf Tournament, Opening Doors to Independence

by Ruth Marzetti |

This year marks the sixth year for the Kinsmen Klassic Golf Tournament, they have enlisted the support of John Meneghello as the Chair of their Golf Committee, John brings years of golf tournament experience with him and is making some exciting changes to the event.

This year the tournament will be held at Redwood Golf Course in Langley on July 12th . Bringing the tournament forward to July 12th will hopefully ensure a glorious sunny day. After the 10:00am registration, the event will kick off with a tailgate party from 10:30am until noon followed by a Best Ball Texas Scramble -Shot Gun Start at noon. Dinner will be served in the evening and prizes for the day’s activities will be awarded along with a silent auction, live auction and wine draw by MC of the evening.

The Kinsmen have a strong relationship with BCITS, over the past six years through their Golf Tournament the Kinsmen Foundation has raised funds for our Open Doors to Independence Program as well as donated to countless individuals with disabilities who are in need of equipment and live in communities throughout the province of BC. The Foundation is a small, committed team of fundraisers who have worked tirelessly for our membership and people with disabilities.

Nancy Lear from BCITS has been invited to speak at the Golf Tournament this year. Please encourage your friends and family to sign up, the day promises to hold a lot of fun for golfers as well contributing directly to our membership. If you are unable to attend but would like

BC Rehab donates $25,000 to help BCITS with voice activated devices.

The Kinsmen Foundation of B.C. was founded in 1952 to aide those afflicted by polio and have tirelessly helped the disabled ever since. to donate to this worthwhile event, please go to the website: http://www.kinsmenfoundationofbc.ca/news-2/kin-klassic-charity-golf-tournament BCITS is grateful to the funds donated by the Kinsmen, and for their recent significant donation for our Opening Doors to Independence program. We wish them all the best for a successful tournament on the 12th July! l

BC Rehab funding voice activated technology

by Ruth Marzetti |

BCITS has a long term partnership with BC Rehab , their mission is to assist individuals whose lives are affected by a physical disability. The BC Rehab Foundation has gener-

ously supported BCITS in funding the automatic doors for people who want to live more independently at home. This year is the third year that BC Rehab has supported TIL members so they can have a door installed in their homes.

Recently BC Rehab Foundation has approved a grant for BCITS to kick start the purchase of voice activated technology which our biomedical technicians will install in the homes of people living independently in the community. The BC Rehab grant will be used to purchase Google Home or Amazon Alexa so that people living at home with disabilities are able to switch on lights, turn on music, a TV or a computer and open their doors simply buy asking Google or Alexa.

If you would like to learn more about the technology and how it can help you live independently please contact our TIL team: 604 326 0175 and speak to Wayne Pogue.

To learn more about the BC Rehab Foundation and the work they do visit their website: http://www.bcrehab.com/

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balance Balance is published three times a year by the BC Association for Individualized Technology and Supports for People with Disabilities (BCITS).

Content BCITS staff and clients Coordinator Seka Bojbasa Editor | Designer Stephen Boren BCITS does not research, endorse or guarantee any of the products or services within the magazine. We strongly recommend investigating products and companies before purchasing or using them.

We are pleased to have content from Balance reprinted in other publications. Contact us with your request and please cite BCITS, Balance and the edition date when reprinting.

BCITS is the home of Technology for Independent Living (TIL) and the Provincial Respiratory Outreach Program (PROP).

Mailing Address #103-366 E. Kent Ave South, Vancouver, BC V5X 4N6 TIL Phone 604-326-0175 PROP Phone 1-866-326-1245 Fax 604-326-0176 Email info@bcits.org Web www.bcits.org TIL is funded by the Province of British Columbia Ministry of Health, BC Rehab Foundation (Automatic Door Program) and community fundraising. PROP is funded by the Province of British Columbia Ministry of Health through Vancouver Coastal Health.

Publications Mail Agreement No. 41682526

TIL Technology Showcase Room

Scotia Run Fundraising

by April Skold |

Excited to be part of the team We are off to the races with the 2018 Scotiabank Charity Challenge. Last year’s team members looked like they had a lot of fun fundraising and moving through the course. Join us this year by spreading the word, sponsoring a team member or by walking, running or rolling with us on June 24th.

I am by no means a runner, and most often not even a walker. As I run from the bus I realize my training has begun. With all those added endorphins pitching in I might drink less coffee. My family will tackle the 5K, in our first long walk ever.

The BCITS TIL Team may not be the fastest, but we could be the biggest team or raise the most funds. Most of all, we will be there for the many clients in many communities all over the province.

Through the support of our friends, family, clients, colleagues and partners we expect this year to be amazing. Never be afraid to put in some hard work; roll up your sleeves and sweat!

Join us in raising funds for TIL and help people live as well and as independently as possible.

by Kevin Choi |

We all have seen movies featuring the so called “Smart Home”. Those homes feel very much like a dream home of the future where everything just works magically together so the owner never has to lift another finger. Actually, that future is very near. Already, many of us have a number of internet enabled devices which connect to our home via wi-fi and perform “smart” things.

by Wendy Lawrence RN BSN |

To fundraise and Run/Walk/Roll register at www.vancouverhalf.com

PROP clients, at whatever stage in their “membership” at PROP, have access to the training.

Charity Pin Code - 5K code: 18BCITS5K Ways to contact us to sponsor a TIL Team member or to donate to TIL to help us meet our goal.

Website: http://bcits.org/news/, Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BCITS/ and Twitter https://twitter.com/PROP_ TIL. Please ask our RTs and Biomeds for details when they visit you or email us at til@bcits.org. l

bc association for individualized technology and supports for people with disabilities

These actions can be successfully completed by simply using voice commands! If you are interested to see these scenarios in action: we have set up a TIL Technology Showcase Room at the offices of BCITS for demonstration purposes. Here are some of the examples you will be able to check out at the TIL Technology Showcase Room.

3. Nest Thermostats – Users are able to fully adjust a thermostat.

4. Door openers –Automatic door openers that have been installed by a TIL technician can be operated via voice command.

We invite anyone to come down and test our smart devices in TIL’s Technology Showcase Room. Our biomeds will be more than happy to teach you how to use smart devices and answer any questions you may have. Come on down! You can find us at 366 East Kent Ave South Vancouver, British Columbia V5X4N6! l

The PROP trach vent course

Please help us reach beat our fundraising goal. Thanks for your support!

Charity Pin Code - Half-Marathon code: 18BCITS21K

from Netflix, YouTube, Hulu, and Google Play Store on their TV.

1. Philips Hue Lighting – Users Perhaps you want the lights to are able to turn lights on or off automatically turn on when you get throughout the home, dim the home? Maybe you need to adjust lights, and program pre-sets. the thermostat remotely if you forgot to turn off the heat after leaving 2. Google Chromecast – Users are the house? Or you want to remotely able to access video content

The PROP trach vent course has been a staple of the PROP services for many years.

Note: you can make your own team or join ours after you have signed up.

Skip the “Promo Code field” say “YES” to the Scotiabank Charity Challenge and use your “Charity Code” after you Join our BCITS TIL Team from the bottom of the screen and start fundraising too. Look for BCITS.

turn on the fan on a hot day to cool the house before you return?

Training is offered to all PROP clients, their family members and personal care givers at no cost. On occasion we have requests from various health care agencies to teach their employees. For those individuals the agency is billed at a modest fee. The course is hosted at the PROP office once a month on the last Monday & Tuesday (with few exceptions) for two full days. The course will run with a minimum of 5 students and a maximum of 12 students.

For some clients, one or two key caregivers are trained and then these individuals become the educators for other caregivers employed by that client. PROP calls this training the trainer. This means that a client

has the option to train future new caregivers on his/her own, with a focus specific to that client’s unique style and needs. All of the course information is shared openly. Each student is provided with a course manual and all the instructional videos are available to the public on the BCITS website or YouTube (www. bcits.org) There are times when the PROP team of Respiratory Therapists and Registered nurse can “take the show on the road” and travel to your community. These arrangements require some coordination so whenever possible advanced planning makes for a better experience. Sometimes one client will host the event and several clients living in the same community can participate.

The course provides general information to support caregivers in providing safe care using consistent techniques and home processing of reusable supplies. The topics covered are:

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The Respiratory System

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Independent breathing

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Manual bagging

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Emergency preparedness

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Tracheostomy Care

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Humidification

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Suction equipment

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Tracheostomy suctioning

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Ventilators; breathing circuits; circuit cleaning and changes; How to safely remove water from the circuit.

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Alarms conditions and Trouble shooting

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Emergency precautions

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Yes, I Accept Your Invitation to Join BCITS

The BC Association for Individualized Technology and Supports for People Please Check One with Disabilities (BCITS) Home of Provincial Respiratory Outreach Program ❏❏Membership for Registered (PROP) & Technology for Independent Living (TIL) bcits Clients Please mail

completed form to BCITS (the Name: _________________________________________________________ cost of postage constitutes your membership fee) Address: _______________________________________________________ ❏❏Non-client Membership Please mail completed form along City/Prov: __________________________ Postal Code: _________________ with $20 annual membership fee payable to BCITS. Telephone: _____________________ Email: ___________________________

Please mail this form along with any applicable membership fees to BCITS: #103-366 E. Kent Ave S., Vancouver, BC V5X 4N6. Thank you.

bc association for individualized technology and supports for people with disabilities