BEGIN:VCALENDAR VERSION:2.0 PRODID:-//Parkinson Society British Columbia - ECPv6.17.5//NONSGML v1.0//EN CALSCALE:GREGORIAN METHOD:PUBLISH X-ORIGINAL-URL:https://parkinson.bc.ca X-WR-CALDESC:Events for Parkinson Society British Columbia REFRESH-INTERVAL;VALUE=DURATION:PT1H X-Robots-Tag:noindex X-PUBLISHED-TTL:PT1H BEGIN:VTIMEZONE TZID:America/Vancouver BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:-0800 TZOFFSETTO:-0700 TZNAME:PDT DTSTART:20250309T100000 END:DAYLIGHT BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:-0700 TZOFFSETTO:-0800 TZNAME:PST DTSTART:20251102T090000 END:STANDARD BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:-0800 TZOFFSETTO:-0700 TZNAME:PDT DTSTART:20260308T100000 END:DAYLIGHT BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:-0700 TZOFFSETTO:-0700 TZNAME:MST DTSTART:20261101T090000 END:STANDARD END:VTIMEZONE BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Vancouver:20260318T110000 DTEND;TZID=America/Vancouver:20260318T120000 DTSTAMP:20260129T164713Z CREATED:20260127T232758Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260129T164713Z UID:990001014-1773831600-1773835200@parkinson.bc.ca SUMMARY:Planning for Future Care: A Carepartner Perspective DESCRIPTION:Planning for Future Care: A Carepartner Perspective \nJoin us for a compassionate and practical webinar for carepartners supporting someone living with Parkinson’s. Planning for future care often raises important questions: When might extra support be needed? What care options are available? What costs should be considered? And how can planning honour your loved one’s preferences\, independence\, and quality of life? This session offers clarity\, reassurance\, and grounded guidance while respecting the individuality and lived experience of the person with Parkinson’s. \nThis session will be led by Paige Farquharson\, Care Planner and Community Outreach Manager with Right at Home. Paige brings both professional expertise and lived experience\, with a background in stroke and spinal cord rehabilitation and personal experience recovering from a spinal cord injury. She understands how care needs can evolve over time and the importance of supporting both the person with Parkinson’s and their carepartner in making care decisions that uphold dignity\, autonomy\, and quality of life. \nTogether\, we’ll explore: \n\nRecognizing when additional support may be helpful\, while honouring individual choices and independence\nUnderstanding different types of care\, including companionship\, personal care\, respite\, and overnight support\nPreparing ahead with key information\, home safety considerations\, and conversations about care preferences and wishes\nCreating flexible care plans that balance safety\, independence\, and quality of life\nCollaborating with care providers and knowing when adjustments may be needed\nSupporting carepartner well-being through stress management\, respite options\, and realistic expectations\nConsidering costs\, funding options\, care pathways\, and thoughtful questions to ask agencies\n\nThis webinar is designed to leave carepartners feeling informed\, supported\, and empowered to navigate care planning alongside their loved one. It also creates a space to feel acknowledged\, validated\, and less alone in the caregiving journey. \nWhether you are just beginning your carepartner role or responding to changing needs\, this session offers compassionate guidance to support planning that is person-centered\, respectful\, and grounded in shared decision-making. \nPlease note: This webinar will be recorded and made available on our Youtube channel after the webinar has concluded. \n\n\n\n\n\nParkinson Society BC appreciates all gifts\, as they allow us to continue to offer programs people with Parkinson’s disease and their carepartners rely on. If you wish\, you can make a donation by entering an amount in the Additional Donation field. URL:https://parkinson.bc.ca/event/planning-for-future-care-a-carepartner-perspective CATEGORIES:Education END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Vancouver:20260417T120000 DTEND;TZID=America/Vancouver:20260417T124000 DTSTAMP:20260413T191631Z CREATED:20260312T184920Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260413T191631Z UID:990001020-1776427200-1776429600@parkinson.bc.ca SUMMARY:Building Self-Advocacy Skills in Healthcare: A Conversation with Dr. Sheila Wijayasinghe DESCRIPTION:Building Self-Advocacy Skills in Healthcare: A Conversation with Dr. Sheila Wijayasinghe \nApril is Parkinson’s Awareness Month\, a powerful time to focus on building the self-advocacy skills needed to navigate healthcare with confidence\, clarity\, and agency. \nJoin us for an engaging conversation with Dr. Sheila Wijayasinghe\, a nationally recognized family physician\, health communicator\, and advocate\, for a practical and empowering conversation about how to advocate\, for yourself or for someone you care about. Learn key skills\, language\, and strategies to feel prepared before\, during\, and after medical appointments. \nDrawing on over 20 years of clinical experience and her decade as the resident health expert on CTV’s The Social\, Dr. Wijayasinghe brings a compassionate\, down-to-earth approach to complex healthcare conversations. We will explore how to ask effective questions\, communicate concerns clearly\, understand patient rights\, and navigate power dynamics in healthcare settings\, all while respecting personal autonomy and individual needs. \nGrounded in empathy\, this session is designed to leave participants living with Parkinson’s or supporting someone who is\, to feel informed\, validated and more confident to self-advocate in healthcare settings. \nPlease note: This webinar will be recorded and made available on our Youtube channel after the webinar has concluded. \n\n\n\n\nParkinson Society BC appreciates all gifts\, as they allow us to continue to offer programs people with Parkinson’s disease and their carepartners rely on. If you wish\, you can make a donation by entering an amount in the Additional Donation field. URL:https://parkinson.bc.ca/event/building-self-advocacy-skills-in-healthcare-a-conversation-with-dr-sheila-wijayasinghe CATEGORIES:Education END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Vancouver:20260421T120000 DTEND;TZID=America/Vancouver:20260421T140000 DTSTAMP:20260402T225218Z CREATED:20260318T230040Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260402T225218Z UID:990001041-1776772800-1776780000@parkinson.bc.ca SUMMARY:Annual General Meeting DESCRIPTION:Please Note: Only members can register for this event. \nWe invite you to join us for Parkinson Society British Columbia’s Annual General Meeting (AGM)\, taking place this spring. Held virtually\, the AGM is an exclusive opportunity for members to hear about the Society’s key highlights\, financials\, and achievements from the past year. \nThis year’s member-only meeting will feature an intimate fireside chat with world-renowned neurologist\, Dr. Ray Dorsey. Rather than a formal keynote\, the discussion will be guided by thoughtful questions inspired by his latest book\, The Parkinson’s Plan: A New Path to Prevention and Treatment. \nDo you have a question for Dr. Dorsey? We are accepting question submissions in advance of the event! To submit your question\, please send this email to us! \nThis year\, we will be giving 25 copies of The Parkinson’s Plan: A New Path to Prevention and Treatment to members who attend the AGM! \nIf you are not yet a member\, you can become one for $25/year at www.parkinson.bc.ca/membership. \nFor questions about membership\, please contact:Susan Atkinson\, Office Manager | donations@parkinson.bc.ca | 1-800-668-3330 ext. 263 \n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n About Dr. Ray Dorsey \n \nDr. Ray Dorsey is a neurologist\, researcher\, and public health advocate working to end Parkinson’s disease by addressing its root causes: toxic environmental exposures. He is the founding Director of the Center for the Brain & Environment at Atria Health and Research Institute and serves as Professor of Neurology at the University of Rochester. Dr. Dorsey has testified before Congress\, advised the World Health Organization\, and was recognized by the White House as a “Champion for Change.” He is the co-author of Ending Parkinson’s Disease and the New York Times bestseller\, The Parkinson’s Plan: A New Path to Prevention and Treatment. URL:https://parkinson.bc.ca/event/annualgeneralmeeting CATEGORIES:Education END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Vancouver:20260527T100000 DTEND;TZID=America/Vancouver:20260527T110000 DTSTAMP:20260515T180724Z CREATED:20260316T225716Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260515T180724Z UID:990001039-1779876000-1779879600@parkinson.bc.ca SUMMARY:Holding Space for Yourself in the Carepartner Journey DESCRIPTION:Holding Space for Yourself in the Carepartner Journey \nCaregiving can stir up unexpected emotions: moments of shame\, waves of guilt\, lingering regret. Supporting someone living with Parkinson’s can involve second-guessing decisions\, replaying difficult interactions\, or carrying the quiet pressure to always “do it right.” These experiences are deeply human. Shame can shrink our sense of self\, guilt can persist\, regret can be heavy and acknowledging this can feel vulnerable and uncomfortable. \nJoin us for a compassionate conversation led by Olivia Bauer\, Social Worker at the Movement Disorders Clinic\, Djavad Mowafaghian Centre for Brain Health. Together\, we’ll explore how these emotions show up in the caregiving journey and how cultivating self-compassion\, courage\, and connection can reduce hurts and fears as we move forward with greater presence and peace. This session offers a supportive space to reflect\, share (if you wish)\, and reconnect with your well-being. \nPlease note: This webinar will be recorded and made available on our Youtube channel after the webinar has concluded. \n\n\n\n\nParkinson Society BC appreciates all gifts\, as they allow us to continue to offer programs people with Parkinson’s disease and their carepartners rely on. If you wish\, you can make a donation by entering an amount in the Additional Donation field. URL:https://parkinson.bc.ca/event/holding-space-for-yourself-in-the-carepartner-journey CATEGORIES:Education END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Vancouver:20260624T110000 DTEND;TZID=America/Vancouver:20260624T120000 DTSTAMP:20260409T175931Z CREATED:20260409T175931Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260409T175931Z UID:990001052-1782298800-1782302400@parkinson.bc.ca SUMMARY:Personal Planning & Representation Agreements with Nidus DESCRIPTION:Personal Planning & Representation Agreements with Nidus \nYour choice. Your plan. Your life. \nThis free webinar\, in collaboration with Nidus\, offers a robust overview of personal planning and Representation Agreements. Nidus staff will review the usefulness of personal planning and discuss ways it can benefit you and your loved ones. \nThe presentation will address frequently asked questions\, such as: \n\nWhat is personal planning and how is it different from estate planning?\nWhat if I have a Will and an Enduring Power of Attorney – am I covered?\nWhat is a Representation Agreement and why are there different types?\nWhat if I can’t make any of these documents?\nWhat will happen to me in an emergency if I can’t speak for myself?\nWhat if I don’t have family nearby?\nWhy register my legal documents?\n\nAfter the presentation\, there will be time for a brief Q&A period. \nHave questions for Nidus in advance? Email Nidus at info@nidus.ca or visit: https://nidus.ca/ \nPlease note: This webinar will be recorded and made available on our Youtube channel after the webinar has concluded. \n\n\n\n\nParkinson Society BC appreciates all gifts\, as they allow us to continue to offer programs people with Parkinson’s disease and their carepartners rely on. If you wish\, you can make a donation by entering an amount in the Additional Donation field. URL:https://parkinson.bc.ca/event/personal-planning-representation-agreements-with-nidus CATEGORIES:Education END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Vancouver:20260725T100000 DTEND;TZID=America/Vancouver:20260725T140000 DTSTAMP:20260526T174825Z CREATED:20260526T174141Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260526T174825Z UID:990001067-1784973600-1784988000@parkinson.bc.ca SUMMARY:Communication & Swallow Workshop (Virtual) DESCRIPTION:Communication and Swallowing Workshop: Virtual \nSaturday\, July 25\, 2025\, 10:00am – 2:00pm PT \nJoin us this July for our virtual Communication & Swallowing Workshop\, led by Licensed Speech-Language Pathologist Jasmine Cload. This interactive and participatory session will focus on the communication and swallowing challenges commonly experienced by people living with Parkinson’s disease. Open to individuals currently experiencing communication or swallowing difficulties\, as well as those looking to be proactive in their care. \nIf you are not currently experiencing communication or swallowing challenges\, participating in the workshop may help reduce future stress\, frustration\, and complications related to communication. For those already experiencing difficulties\, the workshop will provide practical\, evidence-based tools to address common concerns such as: \n\nArticulation and volume\nSwallowing of food\, liquid\, pills and salvia\nDrooling and dry mouth\nFacial expression and voice intonation\nWord finding and participating in conversation\n\nRegistered participants will receive a workshop workbook by mail in advance of the session to support participation and continued learning. Carepartners are encouraged to attend alongside their loved one and do not require separate registration if they will be attending on the same device. \nPlease note that space is limited\, registration is required\, and a waitlist will be created once capacity is reached. If you register and are no longer able to attend\, we kindly ask that you notify us as soon as possible so that we may offer your spot to another participant. \nIf you are based on Vancouver Island and would prefer to attend in person\, we will also be offering this workshop in Nanaimo later this year. \nPlease note: This workshop is intended to provide general education and is not a substitute for individual medical advice\, assessment\, or clinical care. URL:https://parkinson.bc.ca/event/communication-swallow-workshop-virtual CATEGORIES:Education END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Vancouver:20261003T090000 DTEND;TZID=America/Vancouver:20261003T163000 DTSTAMP:20260903T161439Z CREATED:20260615T180053Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260903T161439Z UID:990001068-1791018000-1791045000@parkinson.bc.ca SUMMARY:PD Warrior Level 1 + 2 Course (Nanaimo) - Healthcare Professionals DESCRIPTION:PD Warrior is an evidence-based\, neuro-active exercise approach designed to improve function\, quality of life\, and long-term exercise behavior in people with Parkinson’s disease (PD). It was created in Australia by Specialist Neurological Physiotherapist\, Dr. Melissa McConaghy. Parkinson Society BC (PSBC) is excited to offer the PD Warrior Level 1 and Level 2 course bundle\, with Level 2 taking place in-person on Saturday\, October 3 in Nanaimo. The bundle is regularly priced at $749; however\, PSBC will heavily subsidize the course to increase the number of exercise professionals with Parkinson-specific training in the community. Lunch will be provided along with coffee and snacks throughout the day. Please send any dietary restrictions to syu@parkinson.bc.ca. \nWho the Course is For\nThe PD Warrior course is open to all physiotherapists\, occupational therapists\, kinesiologists\, and exercise professionals. New graduates are also welcome. \nLevel 1\nLevel 1 is an online theory course (~15 hours) that is a pre-requisite for the in-person Level 2 workshop. The course will give you the foundation to apply the core concepts of this intensive and neuro-active exercise approach immediately to your sessions and will cover: \n\nThe latest evidence underpinning intensive and neuro-active exercise prescription\nThe pathophysiology of Parkinson’s disease\nHow to tailor exercise effectively for the three different types of Parkinson’s\nThe seven core principles of neuroplasticity and how to implement them effectively\nHow to create an enriched and motivating exercise environment\nHow to empower your clients and create long-term exercise behaviour change\n\nLevel 2\nLevel 2 is an eight-hour\, in-person\, practical course to help consolidate the theory learned in Level 1. It will also offer transferable skills in clinical reasoning and effective coaching that can be used with all clients with Parkinson’s disease. The Level 2 workshop is fast-paced and entirely practical. You will get the opportunity to work with live clients with PD\, and go through assessment and treatment planning\, to ensure you can confidently apply the core concepts of this neuro-active exercise approach immediately. Additionally\, you will have the opportunity to participate and run a PD Warrior circuit class to consolidate your practical skills. You are expected to participate in this practical workshop and should come dressed and prepared to exercise HARD! If you have any injuries or restrictions on exercise\, please advise your trainer on the day of the workshop. As you will be working with live clients\, sensitivity and confidentiality are expected. \nInstructor\nShelly Yu PT\, DPT — PSBC Physiotherapist and Level 5 PD Warrior trainer\nShelly Yu is PSBC’s physiotherapist and leads the Parkinson’s provincial exercise programs as well as education development out-reach throughout BC. She comes from a background of working with the Parkinson’s community in the United Kingdom as a Specialist Neurological Physiotherapist\, where she worked in various clinics\, including spasticity and dystonia\, facial rehab\, hand\, vestibular\, and movement disorder clinics. Shelly is a licensed PD Warrior clinician and a level 5 PD Warrior trainer. Outside of her work with PSBC\, she is the lead physiotherapist at a private neurological rehab clinic and is on the Steering Committee for the Parkinson’s Ready Program through World Parkinson’s Coalition. \nMore Information\nTo learn more about PD Warrior\, please visit: https://pdwarrior.com/ \nDates and Location\nLevel 1 will be completed online\, and access will be provided after registration closes. The Level 2 in-person workshop will be held: \n\nDate: Saturday\, October 3\nTime: 9:00am – 4:30pm PT\nLocation: Bowen Park Clubhouse\, 500 Bowen Road\, Nanaimo\, BC V9R 1Z7 [map]. Parking on site.\nCapacity: 15 registrants\nFees: Parkinson Society BC (PSBC) will heavily subsidize the fees for this course (Level 1 + 2 bundle is normally priced at $749). Fees paid are non-refundable.\n\nBefore September 3 – Early Bird Registration. Cost is $275 and is non-refundable.\nBeginning September 4 until September 18 at 12:00pm PT – Regular Registration. Cost is $325 and is non-refundable.\nAdditional: Lunch will be provided along with coffee and snacks throughout the day.\n\n\n\n\n Please note: Registration closes at September 18 at 12:00pm PT. URL:https://parkinson.bc.ca/event/pd-warrior-nanaimo LOCATION:Bowen Park Clubhouse\, 500 Bowen Road\, Nanaimo\, British Columbia\, V9R 1Z7\, Canada CATEGORIES:Education END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Vancouver:20261114T100000 DTEND;TZID=America/Vancouver:20261114T143000 DTSTAMP:20260918T161414Z CREATED:20260918T160019Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260918T161414Z UID:990001101-1794650400-1794666600@parkinson.bc.ca SUMMARY:Communication & Swallow Workshop - Nanaimo DESCRIPTION:Communication & Swallow Workshop: Nanaimo\, BC\nNovember 14\, 10:00am-2:30pm PT (check-in opens at 9:30am) \nJoin us this November for our Communication & Swallow Workshop in Nanaimo\, led by Licenced Speech-Language Pathologist Jasmine Cload. This interactive and participatory session will focus on the communication and swallowing challenges commonly experienced by people living with Parkinson’s disease. \nOpen to individuals currently experiencing communication or swallowing difficulties\, as well as those looking to be proactive in their care. \nIf you are not currently experiencing communication or swallowing challenges\, participating in the workshop may help reduce future stress\, frustration\, and complications related to communication. For those experiencing difficulties\, the workshop will provide practical\, evidence-based tools to address common concerns such as: \n\nArticulation and volume\nSwallowing of food\, liquid\, pills and salvia\nDrooling and dry mouth\nFacial expression and voice intonation\nWord finding and participating in conversation\n\nRegistered participants will receive a workshop workbook on the day to support participation and continued learning. A catered lunch will be provided. Carepartners are welcome to attend with their loved ones. \nPlease note that space is limited\, registration is required\, and a waitlist will be created once capacity is reached. If you register and are no longer able to attend\, we kindly ask that you notify us as soon as possible so that we may offer your spot to another participant. \nPlease note: This workshop is intended to provide general education and is not a substitute for individual medical advice\, assessment\, or clinical care. \nRegistration closes October 30 at 12:00pm PT. URL:https://parkinson.bc.ca/event/communication-and-swallow-workshop-nanaimo LOCATION:Best Western Dorchester Hotel Nanaimo\, 70 Church St\, Nanaimo\, BC\, V9R 5H4\, Canada CATEGORIES:Education END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Vancouver:20261127T100000 DTEND;TZID=America/Vancouver:20261127T110000 DTSTAMP:20260916T162948Z CREATED:20260916T162834Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260916T162948Z UID:990001100-1795773600-1795777200@parkinson.bc.ca SUMMARY:Understanding MAiD: An Informed Conversation with Dr. Daws DESCRIPTION:Understanding MAiD: An Informed Conversation with Dr. Daws\nFriday 27th November 2026\n10am – 11am \nConversations about Medical Assistance in Dying (MAiD) can bring up many questions\, emotions\, and uncertainties\, particularly when living with a progressive condition such as Parkinson’s. This session offers a compassionate and informative space to learn more about MAiD and consider questions around future planning\, quality of life\, and personal wishes for care. \nJoin Dr. Tanja Daws for an overview of MAiD in Canada\, including what MAiD is\, who may be eligible\, how the assessment process works\, and what individuals can expect if they choose to explore MAiD as an option. Dr. Daws will discuss considerations that may be particularly relevant to people living with Parkinson’s and their families\, including changes that may occur as the disease progresses and the importance of having conversations about future care and personal values. \nThe goal of this presentation is not to encourage or discourage any particular choice\, but to provide clear\, trusted information so participants can better understand their options and make informed decisions about their own care. We hope participants will leave feeling more informed and less uncertain\, and with greater confidence in having conversations with their healthcare providers\, care partners\, and loved ones. \nThere will be an opportunity to ask questions in a safe\, respectful\, and supportive environment\, recognizing that everyone’s experiences\, values\, and wishes around end-of-life care are unique. If you have a question you would like the speaker to address during the session\, you are welcome to submit it in advance by emailing info@parkinson.bc.ca \nAbout the Speaker: \nDr. Tanja Daws is a family physician and MAiD provider from the Comox Valley on Vancouver Island. She has been involved in MAiD work for over a decade. She is a founding member of the Canadian Association of MAiD Assessors and Providers (CAMAP)\, a member of its Emeritus Council\, and helped develop and continues to teach the National MAiD Curriculum. She is also a Clinical Instructor at UBC and a member of the Dying With Dignity Physician Advisory Council. \n\n\n\n\n\nParkinson Society BC appreciates all gifts\, as they allow us to continue to offer programs people with Parkinson’s disease and their carepartners rely on. If you wish\, you can make a donation by entering an amount in the Additional Donation field. URL:https://parkinson.bc.ca/event/understanding-maid-an-informed-conversation-with-dr-daws CATEGORIES:Education END:VEVENT END:VCALENDAR