Researchers at the University of British Columbia are interested in talking to patients and/or their family members from diverse economic, cultural, and linguistic backgrounds about their views on making important and/or difficult healthcare decisions.

You may be eligible to take part in the study if you are an adult who has a physical disability and/or chronic health condition and have engaged in complex decision-making about your own healthcare, or has been a surrogate decision maker on behalf of a loved one.

The study will involve one 45-60 minute (longer if interpreters are used) in-person interview at a time and location that is convenient for you.  You will receive a $15 gift card in appreciation of your time and participation.

This research study is funded by the Canadian Institute of Health Research (CIHR), and has received approval from UBC’s Behavioural Research Ethics Board.

If you would like more information about this research study and/or to arrange to participate in the research, please contact the project research assistant, Kim Taylor: taylorka@exchange.ubc.ca.  You may also contact the Principal Investigator, Dr Anita Ho: anita.ho@ubc.ca

BCCPD received a request for participants in a new photography project:

I am looking for 1 –2 models to pose nude for a photography project. This is a riff on the ‘I’d Rather Go Naked Than Wear Fur’ PETA advertisements. This project aims to reduce the stigma associated with living with a disability. The models must be on disability assistance or living with a serious disability of any sort. These will be casual sitting or standing poses and you will be photographed wearing just your disability bus pass. In respecting your privacy, the name/ year of birth on the pass can be altered. If you do not have one, it will be provided.

I will need to meet with you first to discuss the project and again for the photo shoot. The pictures will be taken outside at a chosen quiet bus stop at about 6:30 am on a Sunday in April/May. The models will be shot on separate days. I will need only 20 minutes with each model where we will shoot prearranged poses. The model will be unclothed for only 15 seconds at a time. This cycle of being unclothed, then clothed, will happen about five times to get different shots. If you do not have a long coat to wear in between shots, one can be provided.

I currently have 2 models and I am seeking a couple more. These photographs will be enlarged to 6’ x 3’ and shown at various disability-related art exhibitions. A small honorarium will be provided. I have received funding for this project from the DTES Small Arts Grant.

I am directing this shoot. Photography is provided by gracephotography.ca

Please contact Tina at rathernaked@gmail.com if you are interested in being part of this project or if you have any questions!

If you were unable to attend the recent forum (held February 21st in Richmond, BC), inFocus: Bringing People with Disabilities Into the Picture, you can now read two reviews published by ImpactBC’s Patient Voices Network. “Health care access for people living with disabilities” was written by Patient Voices Network Program Manager, Peter Toppings. The second post, “inFocus awareness forum: a patient’s perspective” was written by Debbie, a Patient Voices Network representative from Port Moody, BC. Thank you to Peter and Debbie for their thought-provoking comments!

For more information about the project, inFocus: Bringing People with Disabilities Into the Picture, visit DAWN-RAFH Canada’s website.