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Achieve! - The Newsletter of 
The Steadward Centre
for Personal & Physical Achievement

Achieve!  June 2002, Volume 1, Number 1

In This Issue

Honourary Degree for Dr. Steadward
Dr. Steadward on the Wall of Fame
AOB Satellite Renovations Complete
Water In Motion
Youth Activation
Recipe Corner
FES Rowing
Ontarians with Disabilities Act
New Faces at TSC
2002 Indoor Classic
TSC Campaign
Summer Programs
Selecting the Name "Achieve!"
Research News
Program Summary

Honourary Degree for Dr. Steadward
Dr. Robert D. Steadward, O.C. 
LLD Hon (Belgium) '99, LLD Hon (University of Alberta) '02

Dr. Robert Steadward receiving his Honourary Degree from University of Alberta Chancellor John Ferguson Photo courtesy of Ryan Smith U of A Public Affairs

Wednesday, June 5th, following a formal luncheon at Rutherford House, Lieutenant Governor Lois Hole, along with hundreds of graduands from the Faculties of Physical Education and Recreation, and Pharmacy and Science, and their families and friends, paid tribute to Dr. Robert D. Steadward, O.C., LLD Hon (Belgium). University Chancellor John Ferguson conferred upon The Steadward Centre Founder and CEO the prestigious Honourary Degree of Doctor of Laws at the Jubilee Auditorium which was resplendent with yellow chrysanthemums and convocation robes in colours of the respective Faculties. Following a thunderous applause, Dr. Bob Steadward conveyed a heartfelt message of inspiration to a spellbound audience, many of whom were former students of his famous Anatomy classes. With unmistakable pride, he waxed eloquent on the importance of "preparing yourself for at least one thoroughgoing discombobulation (in life)" and on the profound influence of "fundamental principles and values" which are instilled early in life by family and home. Dr. Steadward's mother, Irene, and his wife, Laura, were joined by his two daughters and other family members, friends and colleagues, for the pomp and ceremony which traditionally accompany the University's acknowledgment of its illustrious alumni. President Fraser summed up his praise of Dr. Steadward by stating that in accepting the University of Alberta's esteemed Honourary Doctor of Laws Degree, he had become a member of the select few who pose a "triple crown threat" by earning no fewer than three degrees from this institution. The staff, clients, students and volunteers at The Steadward Centre are extraordinarily proud of the world wide accomplishments of Dr. Robert D. Steadward who has spent the greater part of his life in devotion to the betterment of humankind. Congratulations, Dr. Steadward!

Dr. Steadward conveyed a heartfelt message of inspiration to a spellbound audience, many of whom were former students of his famous Anatomy class. Dr. Robert Steadward speaking at the June 5, 2002 University of Alberta Convocation Ceremony after receiving his Honourary Degree Photo courtesy of Ryan Smith U of A Public Affairs

Dr. Steadward on the Wall of Fame!

"In the world of sports for athletes with a disability, Bob Steadward has, in the short span of thirty years, become an icon." So began the biographical sketch of Dr. Bob Steadward, one of the outstanding Faculty of Physical Education and Recreation alumni inducted into the University of Alberta Sports Wall of Fame, on May 29, at the Shaw Conference Centre. When Dr. Steadward created the Wall of Fame Dinner, he could little have predicted that twenty years later the crowd of over 800 supporters would include his and Laura's two baby grandchildren. It was a splendid evening of glowing tribute to Bob by President Rod Fraser and Dean Mike Mahon, and capped by his long-time friend and colleague, Darwin Semotiuk. Dr. Steadward was honoured in the Builder category and none could better befit the description as he has laid the foundation upon which athletes and non-athletes with disability everywhere can construct their glorious future. In the words of Dr. Gerry Glassford, former Dean, "our University is proud to add the name of Robert D. (Bob) Steadward to its Sports Wall of Fame."

Austin O'Brien Satellite Renovation is Complete!

Bobby Markewich, AOB Satellite Coordinator

A shortage of space in the training areas of the Austin O'Brien Satellite has been a long-standing issue. This has become more pressing with client membership growth, increased athletic activities, and more students pursuing a healthy lifestyle. 

Programs were relocated to a room at Commonwealth Stadium from February to April, while a renovation of The Leigh McMillan Centre was completed. Some creativity was needed to use the equipment available, but most workout routines were maintained. 

An Edmonton Lotteries Board grant, submitted by Tom Soloym (Austin O'Brien High School Vice-Principal), funded the renovation. The new Centre features a larger room and new equipment. Some time and experimentation was necessary to get equipment into position and to create new routines, but the Centre is again fully operational. 

A Re-Opening Ceremony was held June 26 from 9:00 am to 12:00 noon.

Program Profile: Water in Motion

Will Gill, Manager, Fitness & Lifestyle Programs 

Water in Motion provides a unique and fun forum for exercise. The water-based exercise program is also an alternative for those with bone or joint conditions that might be aggravated by high impact exercise.

Water In Motion runs once a week for a six week term. First held in the spring of 2001, it has become one of the Centre's most successful short term programs. Due to its popularity, it has been included in each of our programming terms. 

Instructor to client ratios are kept low in order to provide a safe learning and activity environment. Activity is set in a more personalized nature than most group programs, as each participant's ability level is taken into consideration. 

The current edition of The Steadward Centre's Fitness & Lifestyle Program Guide has details about the next session of Water In Motion. Program dates are also available in this newsletter (see Program Summary) and on the website at www.steadwardcentre.org. 

For more information on this or any programs offered by The Steadward Centre, please contact Will Gill at 492-9236 or by email at programs@steadwardcentre.org.

Youth Activation - Innovative Program for Kids

Will Gill, Manager, Fitness & Lifestyle Programs

Over the past three years, since its inception, Youth Activation has become a mainstay of The Steadward Centre's programming. Youth Activation is a twice-weekly, eight week activity program designed for youths with a physical disability. 

Originally named Youth Stretch & Tone, the program was first intended to provide a structured exercise environment in which youths with disability could benefit from additional physical activity. Sport and recreation components were added in the second year to increase the variety of activities and experiences. This led to the development of a partnership between The Steadward Centre and SportAbility Alberta (formerly Alberta CP Sports) during the third year of the program.

Current goals of the program are to increase the participants' health and fitness and to provide a positive sport experience. It is hoped that more opportunities for physical education and competitive sport for people with disability will be opened by learning the foundation of different sports. 

Exercise sessions take place at The Steadward Centre's University of Alberta location. Each participant receives a personalized exercise plan based on their goals, current ability and fitness. Fitness testing is conducted at the start and end of the program, to identify areas that could benefit from additional attention and measure improvement. 

Sport sessions include team and individual sports to provide exposure to a variety of activities. Instruction is given to each participant to improve their sport skills with special attention given to technique.

The next Youth Activation programs will run from September 30 to December 12, 2002 and January 6 to March 20, 2003. Please contact Will Gill for more information or a registration package at 492-9236 or programs@steadwardcentre.org.

"Full Meal Deal" Recipe Corner

Jean Weeks, Secretary/Receptionist

We will try to feature recipes of lighter fare in each issue. These are from Jean's kitchen.

SALAD DRESSING

1 cup Mayonnaise (light) 
1/2 cup Light Sour Cream 
1/2 teaspoon Sugar or Splenda 
1 tablespoon Vinegar 
Salt & Pepper to taste

Whisk together and pour over cucumber and onion slices, broccoli, cauliflower etc...

EASY COMPANY CHICKEN

12 pieces of chicken (breasts, thighs or assorted) 
dash of garlic powder 
1 jar apricot jam (9 oz.) 
1/2 cup water 
1 bottle Russian dressing (8 oz) 
2 pkg. onion soup mix

Preheat oven to 350 F. Grease baking dish. Wash chicken pieces. Dry on paper towel and place a single layer in greased casserole dish. Mix all other ingredients together in a bowl then pour over chicken pieces. Cover with foil or lid and bake for 1 1/4 to 1 3/4 hours. Uncover and bake for 15-20 minutes more. Serves 6-8. Serve with rice. 

NOTE: This makes a lot of sauce, so you won't need to increase the recipe for more chicken.

LIGHT 'N FRUITY STRAWBERRY PIE 

1 pkg. Jell-O Light Strawberry Jelly Powder 
2 cups ice cubes 
2/3 cup boiling water 
1 prepared Graham wafer pie shell 
1 cup diced fresh or frozen strawberries, (thawed) 
1 tub (1L) Cool Whip Topping (light)

Dissolve jelly powder in boiling water. Add ice cubes and stir until jelly starts to thicken. Remove any unmelted ice. Blend jelly into whipped topping. Fold in diced strawberries. Spoon into crust. Chill 6 hours. Garnish if desired with additional topping and strawberries.

(For Raspberry Pie, use Jell-O Raspberry Jelly Powder and fresh or frozen raspberries.)

FES Rowing Study Update & Subject Recruitment

Dries Hettinga, Visiting Student 

A few years ago here at The Steadward Centre a completely new type of exercise for persons with SCI has been developed. With the aid of FES, persons with SCI are now able to row on an adapted rowing ergometer. This enables you to work out with your arms and legs. This so called hybrid exercise is of importance for reducing risk factors for cardiovascular diseases, diabetes mellitus, obesity and prevention of osteoporosis. All these diseases are more common in the SCI population than in the able-bodied population, which makes an active lifestyle even more important for a spinal cord injured individual than it is already for an able-bodied individual.

To examine the effects of FES-rowing on risk factors for cardiovascular diseases, a new study has recently been started. Dr. Garry Wheeler, Justin Jeon and Dries Hettinga will monitor lipid profiles (e.g., cholesterol, free fatty acids) before and after a 12 week FES-rowing program. It is well known that exercise beneficially influences the lipid profile. Hopefully we will find the same results in FES-rowing exercise for persons with spinal cord injury. 

First studies regarding FES-rowing show that FES-rowing is as much or even a better type of exercise to improve cardiovascular fitness than traditional hybrid exercise (a combination of arm cranking and FES leg cycling). Oxygen consumption is higher during FES-rowing than during traditional hybrid exercise and rowing is a more functional movement. So this all indicates that FES-rowing might be an excellent type of exercise for persons with Spinal Cord Injury. 

We have started the study with the first group of participants, but are planning to have a second group started as soon as possible. We still have some places available for this group, so if you have a Spinal Cord Injury (T4-T11, at least 1 year post injury) and are interested in trying this new type of exercise, please contact Dr. Garry Wheeler or Dries Hettinga at 492-8339 or DM.Hettinga@student.unimaas.nl

Ontario Will be the Envy of Disabled Persons

Percy Wickman 

While surfing the Internet a few evenings ago I came across a press release issued by the Ontario government trumpeting the introduction of the Ontarians with Disabilities Act. 

Without a doubt it is the most far reaching legislation ever introduced by any provincial government. 

If fully implemented, Ontario will become the envy of disabled persons across the country. 

Ontario is committing to do whatever is necessary to ensure that persons with disabilities can achieve full participation in society. 

And to demonstrate that this government bill is not just a piece of fluff it calls for a maximum fine of $5,000 for anyone illegally parking in a designated handicapped stall. 

More importantly this proposed legislation would require the province, municipal governments and a good portion of the public sector to plan for the removal of barriers to provide greater accessibility for persons with disabilities. 

A significant component of the act calls for the creation of a body including disabled persons to oversee the implementation of the legislation. As well, all municipalities of more than 10,000 people would be expected to establish accessible advisory committees. 

The initial step in Ontario's plan to promote full integration within the mainstream of society for person with disabilities was contained in the province's most recent budget, which included millions of dollars worth of new funding to enhance services for this segment of Ontario's population. 

Ontario is establishing itself as the province that will not be looked upon in awe as the leader in improving the lifestyles of disabled persons.

Alberta could claim this fame in the early '70s. Just about the time Peter Lougheed was elected premier, Alberta's disabled community was organizing to achieve their rightful place in society. 

And it was done with a great deal of success. In a matter of a few years we saw the implementation of such programs as the assured income for the severely handicapped, aids to daily living, home adaptation grants as well as numerous other services, programs and protective legislation. 

It was also during a period of time that I traveled across the country in the hopes of encouraging disabled persons in other provinces to follow our lead. And everywhere I traveled I encountered amazement at how much had been achieved in Alberta in such a short period of time. 

Simply put, the Lougheed government not only listened to us, but they followed through with concrete action. 

Sadly, when it comes to persons with disabilities, our present government is no longer a leader in fact it seems to have difficulty even keeping pace with other provinces. 

After that initial 10-year burst of tremendous improvements in programs for persons with disabilities, we seem to have come to a virtual standstill. 

It is a rarity to see references to the disabled in any recent throne speeches or budgets. A few years ago the Premier's Council on the Status of Persons with Disabilities was created by former premier Don Getty in conjunction with the Rick Hansen Man in Motion World Marathon, but disabled persons are now looking beyond that. 

They want improvements in accessibility, transportation, housing and numerous other services. 

It is unthinkable that in this day and age the Canadian Paraplegic Association has to mount an aggressive campaign in the hopes of getting appropriate facilities in the recently renovated Commonwealth Stadium. 

It is now time for Premier Klein to take the bull by the horns and provide leadership in this sadly lacking area. Disabled persons throughout the province deserve better. It is no secret that our province seems intent on creating a more favourable tax haven than Ontario. 

Hopefully Klein will follow that province's lead and create comparable or superior legislation that will be a fresh welcome for persons with disabilities.

______________
Originally printed in The Edmonton Sun, December 6, 2001. Reprinted with the author's permission.

Percy Wickman has been both a City of Edmonton Alderman and M.L.A. for Edmonton Whitemud/Rutherford. He is a well-known advocate for disability issues.

New Faces at TSC

Over the past several months, several changes have been made to The Steadward Centre's staff and student roster. No doubt many have noticed the new faces and it is a pleasure to introduce them here.

Sandy Jacobson has joined the Centre as Campaign Administrator and has been hired to assist with the Capital Campaign to raise funds for a new Centre (see TSC Capital Campaign). Sandy comes to us from the Department of Agricultural, Food and Nutritional Science in the Faculty of Agriculture, Forestry and Home Economics. Born and raised in Edmonton, Sandy is married to John Jacobson, the Executive Director of Athletics Alberta, and has an eight year old son, Jesse. Athletics is very much a part of Sandy's life. Sandy is a world-class marathon runner and recently competed in the IAAF 2001 World Track & Field Championships in Edmonton this past summer. She can frequently be spotted running the trails in the river valley … but you'll be hard pressed to keep up with her.

Breanne Clifford is the new Co-ordinator of the St. Joseph Satellite Centre. Born and raised an Edmontonian, she is a recent graduate of the Faculty of Physical Education & Recreation with a concentration in adapted physical activity. Her interests include outdoor pursuits, spending many summers camping and enjoying Canada's backyard. She enjoys many sports at the recreational level, such as swimming, biking gymnastics, and curling. In her spare time, she can usually be found with friends and family, but also enjoys listening to music, doing art projects, or taking her two dogs for a walk. 

Here from The Netherlands, Dries Hettinga, is doing his Masters in Human Movement Sciences at the University of Maastricht, The Netherlands and the European Masters in Adapted Physical Activity at the Catholic University of Leuven, Belgium. Dries came to Edmonton three months ago to do research at the Centre on the topic of Functional Electrical Stimulation assisted rowing for persons with a Spinal Cord Injury (see FES Rowing Study Update & Subject Recruitment). He has already purchased a mountain bike and is looking forward to seeing Alberta.

2002 Indoor Classic

MLA Edmonton Glenora Drew Hutton served as the Honourary Race Marshall for the 2002 Indoor Classic at West Edmonton Mall. He spoke to participants before the start of the event, as seen in the picture to the left. 

Following the event, a draw was held where over $700.00 worth of prizes was awarded to lucky participants. The event benefited from the generousity of over 25 local companies and organizations. 

Watch for next year's edition of the Indoor Classic to be held on March 2, 2003.

TSC Capital Campaign

Sandy Jacobson, Campaign Assistant

The Steadward Centre is embarking upon a public sector-directed campaign for $13 million, for a new Centre facility, with an additional $20 million for an Operating/Endowment Fund so that programs and services can operate in perpetuity. 

Identified as a "Centre of Excellence" within the University of Alberta, the Centre has reached its capacity, both in terms of space and staff. With 500 clients making over 20,000 visits per year, including our satellite centres, The Steadward Centre is only able to reach a fraction of those who could benefit from our programs and services. 

The new facility will allow us to expand our range of traditional fitness and lifestyle programs to include new programs that cover the full continuum of needs for people with disabilities from transition through to full community re-integration. With increased space and additional qualified staff, the Centre will also broaden its current scope of work to include those with mental health conditions, developmental disabilities and impairments related to aging. 

The new Centre will be a provincial resource, ensuring access to all Albertans with disabilities. The Edmonton-based facility will remain the focus of our operation, while programs and services are delivered to people across Alberta through satellite centres and community partners. Such partners will include allied disability groups and centres, injury prevention specialists, rehabilitation specialists and other service providers. 

Our new 90,000 square foot facility will feature some of the following areas:

• Dedicated fitness area for resistance and aerobic training. 

• Multi-use activity areas. 

• Educational space - seminar room, lecture theatre, classrooms.

• Counseling area - group and individual.

• Fully-equipped lab for exercise-related research. 

• Gymnasium.

• Swimming pool. 

• Examining/treatment rooms. 

• Conference centre/multimedia. 

• Resource library space. 

• Accessible residential component. 

• Meeting rooms. 

• Client/staff lounges. 

• Food preparation and service area. 

Look for more exciting news as we keep you posted on the progress of our Capital Campaign.

Summer Programs

Will Gill, Manager, Fitness & Lifestyle Programs 

Activity Outdoors

Join us for some fun in the sun! Take your exercise program outdoors. Activity Outdoors will incorporate the foundation for a solid exercise program, but all the activity is outside. The program will include basic strengthening and flexibility exercises while using the beautiful U of A campus trails for endurance activity.

"… using the beautiful U of A Campus trails for endurance activities"

Come Have a Ball

Try a new and effective form of exercise for balance and strengthening the core muscles, abdominals and lower back, with our exercise ball class. This four week group exercise class will provide instruction and a chance to practice the skills needed to work out on an exercise ball in a safe environment. Please refer to the chart in this newsletter (see Program Summary) or the current issue of TSC Program Guide for the dates of these and other TSC programs. The Guide is available at any of the TSC locations, or on-line at www.steadwardcentre.org

Naming the Newsletter

Achieve! was selected as the new name for The Steadward Centre Newsletter. "Achieve!" embodies the new name and mission of the Centre and the spirit represented by the logo. We hope you enjoy this issue and welcome your comments and suggestions for future issues.

achieve: v.t. Accomplish, carry out; acquire; reach (an end). Oxford English Dictionary.

TSC Research News & Updates

Dr. Garry Wheeler, Manager of Research and Counseling

The Centre is currently engaged in a number of research projects of interest to the clients. Dries Hettinga, a student from Leuven University in Belgium, is doing a study on the effects of FES rowing. Please see the article entitled FES Rowing Study Update & Subject Recruitment for more information. 

We will be starting a study of beliefs and attitudes of persons with disability towards engaging in regular daily exercise. This will involve intake interviews with new clients at the Centre, followed by the completion of some simple forms designed to assess beliefs about the pros and cons of exercise; attitudes towards exercise; level of intention (motivation) and current exercise behaviour. After six months, we will measure these factors again to see what impact engaging in regular exercise has on beliefs and attitudes. Some clients have already helped in this study, answering some questions for another student, Leighann Halland. 

We are also embarking on an interesting study on the effects of heading a soccer ball in children. This study will take place mainly in the community. Some of you may have seen news items in which some researchers suggest that heading a soccer ball may cause cognitive damage - particularly in elite players and/or players who head the ball hard and often. The impact of a soccer ball on the head, even when met at moderate speed, is greater than that during a check in hockey or crash tackle in football. 

Finally, a note on the MS study. We have completed a manuscript on the importance of physical activity in persons with MS, and hope to share a brief abstract with study participants in the near future. Discussions on the data on costs of care have been held with the Calgary group and it is hoped to get a report on this soon. Unfortunately, problems in several areas such as data analysis have significantly delayed the results of this project.

Upcoming Program Summary

For information on these or any TSC programs, call 492-9236, send an e-mail to programs@steadwardcentre.org or check our web site at www.steadwardcentre.org

Achieve!, the newsletter of The Steadward Centre, is published twice each year. 

The Newsletter is available in alternative format and on the Centre's website. Please phone 492-7091 to inquire about the format required.

Contributions and suggestions are welcomed from individuals and organizations associated with The Steadward Centre. 

Please e-mail contributions to info@steadwardcentre.org or fax to 492-7161.

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