Do you have an opinion about the impact of canine friendship on the lives of people with disabilities/chronic health conditions? A new research project called “The Role of Dogs” is seeking input from people with disabilities living with service dogs OR PET DOGS as well as non-dog owners.

This study is being conducted by a research group at the School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, Davis. If you have questions, contact Mariko Yamamoto, PhD at maryamamoto@ucdavis.edu.

To participate in the anonymous survey you must be 18 years or older and either:
1) a person with a disability OTHER than visual or hearing disabilities, or
2) a family member of service dog partners

For this study, service dogs are defined as “dogs that have received specific training to assist their partners with disabilities other than visual or hearing disabilities.”

Survey for people with disabilities:
http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/RQYZNHC

Survey for caregivers/family members of service dog partners:
http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/RMQJ6PV

Kindly share this information with others who may be interested in participating.

Mark your calendars: the City of Vancouver’s 6th annual celebration of International Day of Persons with Disabilities is Monday, December 3 at the Roundhouse Community Centre (Pacific @ Davie).

FREE entry, 1-7pm, everyone welcome. Come celebrate the achievements of people with disabilities! Enjoy live performances, food, art displays, door prizes, and much more. For more information see http://vancouverdisabilitiesday.ca/ or call (604) 873.7799

The BCCPD, a leader in the field of emergency preparedness for people with disabilities, received an Award of Excellence for its commitment to ensuring the needs of people with disabilities are included in emergency planning and response. The award was presented to the Emergency Preparedness Committee and Chairperson Karen Martin at the 25^th Annual Emergency Preparedness Conference held at the Sheraton Wall Centre in Vancouver November 6^th-8^th  2012. This recognition by the emergency management sector in British Columbia highlighted the BCCPD’s significant contribution to education, training and collaboration in the field. The BCCPD has provided training to hundreds of individuals and organizations across Canada.

BCCPD also operates SITE (Strategic Inclusive Training for Emergencies). Through SITE, we assist businesses, government departments and community organizations to develop customized emergency preparedness plans. We offer half-day and full-day workshops and give a 20% discount to non-profit organizations. For full details on the SITE program, please visit: www.bccpd.bc.ca/ourwork/ep/site.htm

The BCCPD also had an exhibit table at the conference, which gave committee members the opportunity to talk with many delegates, from all over BC and other provinces, about our work in emergency preparedness.