Ted Hobbs died suddenly and peacefully on February 20, 2013, after a brief illness.

Ted was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease at the age of 45. He was in the process of completing his Masters Degree and the diagnosis didn’t stop him. He became involved with the BC Parkinson’s Disease Association (BCPDA), including counselling others who were newly diagnosed and representing the Association on CBC’s Morningside program.

In 1989, Ted was hired by the BCCPD, first as the Coordinator of Coalition Enterprises, then as a disability rights advocate with Advocacy Access. Ted delivered workshops and helped develop many of BCCPD’s advocacy manuals and resources.

He was very proud of his advocacy work and grateful to both the Parkinson’s Association and BCCPD for allowing him to serve the community. He once told his wife, Karen, about a client who said, “I have Parkinson’s. You have no idea what I am going through.” Ted decided not to correct the man and said, “Why don’t you tell me about it.” Ted felt his job was not to share his difficulties, but to allow the client to tell their story.

Ted is survived by his wife Karen, his children Clayton and Julie, their mother Leah, Ted’s mother Edna, his brother Robert and sister Mary Lou. Ted has two nieces, one nephew and two great nieces.

BCCPD received a request from a research firm called Phoenix. They are conducting a study for Human Resources and Skills Development Canada (HRSDC) and are looking for participants:

RESEARCH PARTICIPANTS NEEDED

Are you a person with a disability or the immediate family member of a person with a disability?

The Government of Canada is conducting a study about government programs for persons with disabilities and issues related to saving for the future. If you or your immediate family member with a disability is in receipt of the federal Disability Tax Credit, you might be eligible for the study.

As a participant in this study, you will be asked to participate in:

1) a 2 hour focus group or
2) a 40 minute telephone interview.

In appreciation for your time, you will receive a $75 cash honorarium.

To volunteer for this study, please call: 1-866-770-4649 and leave a message with your name and telephone number. Someone will call you back to confirm your eligibility for the research.

This study is being conducted on behalf of the Government of Canada by Phoenix SPI, an independent Canadian research firm.

Personal information will be treated in complete confidence. 

The following information is from an announcement distributed by Jeffrey Baergen, Community Engagement Coordinator, Union Gospel Mission.

Elections BC has approved the use of prescription containers (a bottle, box or puffer) to serve as one of the acceptable forms of ID for voting in the upcoming May election.
The rules for identification at the polls are stringent. Every voter needs to produce TWO pieces of ID. Both documents need to contain the voters name and at least one of the documents must also contain the voter’s residential address. Some examples of the types of documents authorized include:

• A voter card (mailed to recipients who have registered in advance. Any form of Government issued ID (BCDL, BCID, Passport, etc.)
• A prescription pill bottle, box or inhaler
• LifeSkills Centre Card
• Pigeon Park Savings Bank Card
• Utilities bill (BC hydro, Rogers Cable, etc.)
• Vancouver School Board or other educational institute report/student cards
• Hospital bracelets

Permanent address: At the polls, “attesters” from housing organizations (SRO’s/shelters etc.) can sign an “attestation” on behalf of an individual without a permanent address.

Acceptable ID will available free of charge at the LifeSkills Centre (412 E. Cordova) between 10:00 am and 4:00 pm on: May 8, 9, 10, 11, 2013

Advance Polls at Union Gospel Mission
May 8, 9, 10 and 11 from 8:00 am to 8:00 pm at Maurice McElrae Place, 361 Heatley (Heatley and Hastings)

Voting Place on election day – May 14, 2013: Carnegie Community Centre (401 Main St.)

For more information, contact Peter Walton, District Electoral Officer, Vancouver-Mount Pleasant Electoral District. Phone 604-660-2662; email peter.walton@elections.bc.ca

For general information about voting in the BC election, including a video on voting for people with disabilities, visit the Elections BC website.