The following is a list of our planned education events at present. To view full details on an event or event type, click on the title of the event, and the area will expand to reveal further information.
Consider supporting Parkinson Society BC's educational events, exercise programs, and services with an annual membership. Learn more about becoming a member today!
DOPABEATS Drumming with Doug Pickard
Join Doug Pickard, REMO Health Rhythms Facilitator and Rock Steady Boxing Affiliate Owner, as he leads DOPABEATS, a six-week drumming class for people with Parkinson's. Express your feelings with easy-to-follow beats and rhythms, and add drumming to your toolbox of therapies and self-management strategies!
Studies have shown that the rhythmic sound and movement of drumming may help improve motor skills, mood, and cognition in people with Parkinson's. Plus, it's a whole lot of fun! We welcome all people with Parkinson's disease and their carepartners to these classes. Registrants are encouraged to commit to the full series, as each session will build on skills and techniques introduced weekly. No musical experience is necessary.
To learn more about the benefits of drumming for Parkinson's disease, please watch this information session from 2020.
| Session I |
| Dates: |
Wednesdays, February 22, March 1, 8, 15, 22, 29 |
| Time: |
1:00pm - 2:00pm PT |
| Capacity: |
25 |
| Fee: |
Free |
Register
| Session II |
| Dates: |
Wednesdays, April 5, 12, 19, 26, May 3, 10 |
| Time: |
1:00pm - 2:00pm PT |
| Capacity: |
25 |
| Fee: |
Free |
Register
SongShine with Joani
This program harnesses the power of the brain, breath, and emotion to reclaim voices. Joani Bye will engage participants in uplifting sessions of SongShine, a program using singing, breath work, diction, articulation, and creative imagination exercises to strengthen voices affected by Parkinson's or other neurological challenges. SongShine's goal is to help you communicate more easily and clearly, while facilitating a sense of community, camaraderie, and confidence in the process!
Join Joani for immersive, holistic, and fun sessions that will include the following:
- Singing favorite songs
- Relaxation
- Breathing exercises
- Tongue exercises (for articulation and swallowing)
- Linguistic and vocal instruction
- Imagination exercises
We welcome all individuals with Parkinson's to this webinar series, as well as their spouses and/or carepartners, as they may benefit from learning more about the disease to assist in supporting their loved one.
| Winter 2022 Sessions |
| Dates: |
Thursdays, November 17, 24, December 1, 8, & 15 |
| Time: |
10:00am – 11:00am PT |
| Capacity: |
50 |
| Fee: |
Free |
Register
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Please note: Participation in the exercise programs listed below will be done at your own risk within your home. Please ensure you have the space needed to follow the exercises and that there are no obstacles or barriers in your way.
Parkinson Society BC (PSBC), and the instructors of the programs below, will not be held liable for accidents or incidents that may occur in your home. By participating in the exercise programs listed below, you are recognizing that risk of illness and/or injury may be inherent in any movement or exercise class and are participating with the express agreement of, and understanding that the program instructors, and Parkinson Society BC and its directors, officers, employees, partners, and agents are hereby released from any and all claims, costs, liabilities, expenses, or judgements associated with these exercise for Parkinson's programs.
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Dance the Holidays
Dancing begins with our spirit. Come join in as we dance our way through the winter weeks with holiday music and movement that will inspire, guide, and organize body-mind connection to create a joyful practice of mobility, balance, co-ordination, and imaginative playfulness. Using themes of the winter holiday season, we will journey the inherently expressive landscape of movement and gesture as we expand physical possibility.
In this shared challenge, let us embrace an experience of community replacing our physical separation with virtual connection. Everyone is welcome. No experience is needed. Partners and caregivers are welcome to join in. Only one registration per household is necessary.
| Dates: |
Tuesdays, November 15, 22, 29, & December 6, 13 |
| Time: |
11:00am - 12:00pm PT |
| Cost: |
Free |
Register
Rock Steady Boxing with Doug
Are you ready...to Rock Steady? Join Doug Pickard, a Rock Steady Boxing Affiliate Owner, who will lead a six-week fitness boxing class for Parkinson's.
Persons living with Parkinson’s will experience a total workout for both their mind and body as it incorporates cardio, strength, balance, hand-eye coordination, and speed! Common non-motor symptoms such as anxiety and depression may also be alleviated through boxing and exercise.
Rock Steady Boxing a fitness program dedicated to supporting people with Parkinson’s. In an RSB class, exercises are largely adapted from boxing drills. Boxers condition for optimal agility, speed, muscular endurance, accuracy, hand-eye coordination, footwork and overall strength. Exercises vary in purpose and form, but share one common trait: they are rigorous and intended to extend the perceived capabilities of the participant.
No previous boxing experience is required. All you’ll need is:
• a water bottle to drink from
• set of dumbbells (or water bottles filled with water)
• a short wooden dowel (a broomstick will do!)
Besides some basic boxing drills, Doug incorporates balance exercises, vocal exercises, strength training, and lots of stretching.
| Dates: |
Tuesdays, Jan 3, 10, 17, 24, 31, Feb 7 |
| Time: |
12:25pm – 1:25pm |
| Capacity: |
500 |
| Fees: |
Free |
Register
Debriefing the Caregiver Role
Parkinson Society British Columbia (PSBC) understands that Parkinson's disease (PD) affects more than just the individual diagnosed. It impacts the lives of families, friends, and carepartners.
When a loved one passes away, it is one of life's most difficult experiences. You may find yourself struggling with many intense and frightening emotions leaving you feeling isolated or alone. Connecting with others at this time guides the grieving process.
To help you through this journey and find that you are not alone, we invite you to join us on Thursday, December 15 for an online group session to learn and share experiences about loss and grief. Parkinson Society BC (PSBC) offers this workshop to those who have recently lost a loved one with Parkinson’s disease within the last two years. This session will be led by Elaine Book, Social Worker at the Pacific Parkinson's Research Centre, and Courtney Doherty, Clinical Counsellor at PSBC.
Please note that the webinar access link and teleconference numbers will be sent via email 24 hours before the session to those who register.
| Date: |
Thursday, December 15 |
| Time: |
10:00am – 11:30am PT |
| Capacity: |
25 |
| Cost: |
Free |
For those unavailable to join this session, Parkinson Society BC also offers a professionally facilitated Bereavement Support Group open to anyone who is dealing with the challenges of loss and grief. The group meets every second Wednesday at 1:00pm. Click here to learn more and register.
Register
For more information, please contact Alana Dhillon at:
604-662-3240 or 1-800-668-3330 | adhillon@parkinson.bc.ca
Parkinson's Support Groups
Young Onset Parkinson's Disease (YOPD) Support Group
Parkinson Society British Columbia is offering an online YOPD support group. This group is meant for individuals diagnosed with Parkinson's under the age of 60.
A valid internet connection will be required to participate. Meeting on Zoom.
2nd Tuesday of each month
7:00 pm – 8:30 pm PT
Register
New Diagnosis Support Group
Parkinson Society British Columbia is offering an online support group for those newly diagnosed with Parkinson's disease who wish to get connected with the Parkinson's community and find community while adjusting to their diagnosis.
A valid internet connection will be required to participate. Meeting on Zoom.
1st Tuesday of each month
1:30 pm –3:00 pm PT
Register Now
Parkinson's Disease Support Group
In an effort to practice social distancing during the COVID-19 outbreak, many support groups have cancelled meetings until further notice. As a substitute, we have started a new weekly online support group for the Parkinson’s community to help stay connected and support each other during this time.
A valid internet connection will be required to participate. Meeting on Zoom.
1st Friday of each month
9:00 am – 10:30 am PT
Register Now
Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) Support Group
Parkinson Society British Columbia is offering an online support group for those who have had Deep Brain Stimulation surgery. Members can expect a safe space to support each other and engage through sharing their experiences, feelings, coping strategies and knowledge about Parkinson’s and DBS.
A valid internet connection will be required to participate. Meeting on Zoom.
3rd Tuesday of each month
7:00 pm - 8:00 pm PT
Register Now
Caregiving & Bereavement Support Groups
Early to Mid-Stage Parkinson's Carepartner Support Group
This monthly online support group is geared for individuals caring for someone with early to mid-stage Parkinson's disease. Whether you are a spouse, partner, adult child, or friend, Parkinson Society British Columbia invites you to join our growing online community of support.
A valid internet connection will be required to participate. Meeting on Zoom.
3rd Wednesday of each month
9:00 am – 10:30 am PT
Register Now
Advanced Parkinson's Carepartner Support Group
This new monthly online support group is designed for individuals caring for someone with advanced Parkinson's disease, which can be characterized by complex medical needs and/or changes in cognition that require help in almost all areas of daily life.
Whether you are a spouse, partner, adult child, or friend, Parkinson Society British Columbia invites you to join our growing online community fostering connection with others who share similar experiences.
A valid internet connection will be required to participate. Meeting on Zoom.
4th Thursday of each month
1:00 pm – 3:30 pm PT
Register Now
Bereavement Support Group
When a loved one passes away, it is one of life's most difficult experiences. Rebuilding your life after the loss of a loved one is a journey of healing that requires a combination of love, support, and time. It may bring hope and comfort to connect with others who are experiencing similar challenges, and who can relate to your confusion and pain.
The professionally facilitated Bereavement Support Group, is offered by Parkinson Society BC by Zoom, and is open to anyone who is dealing with the challenges of loss and grief. The group will meet every second week on Wednesdays at 1:00pm.
A valid internet connection will be required to participate. Meeting on Zoom.
2nd Wednesday of each month
1:00 pm – 2:30 pm PT
Register Now
REGISTRATION
New Diagnosis Workshop Series
Have you been diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease (PD) in the past three years? Join us for our virtual New Diagnosis Workshop Series this February over Zoom.
Movement disorder specialists, Dr. Jonathan Squires, Dr. Tara Rastin, and Michelle McCarthy (neuro-physiotherapist), Elaine Book (social worker), Rosa Jafari (occupational therapist), Allison Haas (speech language pathologist) from the Djavad Mowafaghian Centre for Brain Health at the University of British Columbia will lend their expert knowledge to better help newly diagnosed individuals understand their diagnosis. Talks on important PD topics are presented weekly on differing days with a 10-minute question and answer (Q and A) session following each presentation.
Following the final talk in the series, we will offer a panel Q and A with all speakers to respond to any final questions from attendees. Attendees are encouraged to consider questions ahead of time and bring them to the relevant session for the presenter(s) to answer. Alternatively, questions by those registered can be emailed to Alana Dhillon, the workshop moderator, at adhillon@parkinson.bc.ca so she can ask the question on the attendee’s behalf if that is preferred.
Please note that only one registration is required to attend all sessions in this series. This series is free for participants.
While this workshop is intended for individuals newly diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease in the last three years, anyone who feels they will benefit from the information presented is welcome to attend. Please see full session descriptions and dates below.
Part 1: Parkinson’s Disease: Etiology, Diagnosis, and Symptoms | Dr. Jonathan Squires, Movement Disorder Specialist
In the first session of our New Diagnosis Series, Dr. Squires joins us to discuss what Parkinson’s disease is, with a focus on motor symptoms that may present for diagnosed individuals. Epidemiology, causes of PD, and how a PD diagnosis is made will also be discussed. A 10-minute question and answer session will follow the talk.
| Date: |
Tuesday, February 7 |
| Time: |
12:00pm – 1:00pm PT |
Part 2: PD Management and Treatment: Medications, Alternative and Advanced PD Therapies, Non-Motor Symptoms Treatment | Dr. Tara Rastin, Movement Disorder Specialist
Dr. Rastin discusses treatment options available for persons living with Parkinson’s. This discussion includes information relevant to a range of common questions including: When do I start treatment/medications? Is it beneficial to delay starting medications? Who is suitable for advanced treatments? Is cannabis a beneficial alternative form of therapy? A 10-minute question and answer session will follow the talk.
| Date: |
Wednesday, February 8 |
| Time: |
12:00pm – 1:00pm PT |
Part 3: Living Well with Parkinson’s Disease | Michelle McCarthy, Neuro Physiotherapist
Neuro-physiotherapist, Michelle McCarthy, discusses tips on exercise and staying active to help slow the progression of Parkinson’s symptoms. A 10-minute question and answer session will follow the talk.
| Date: |
Tuesday, February 14 |
| Time: |
12:00pm – 1:00pm PT |
Part 4: How Can a Social Worker, SLP, and OT help?
In this presentation, a range of challenges that persons living with Parkinson’s may experience such as stress, mobility, speech, and ability to carry out activities of daily living, will be discussed by the presenters. The role a social worker, OT, and SLP play on the healthcare team to provide care and support for people living with Parkinson’s will be highlighted.
| Date: |
Thursday, February 23 |
| Time: |
1:00pm – 1:50pm PT & Final Panel Q&A from 1:50pm - 2:20pm PT |
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Register
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For more information or to send in your questions ahead of time please contact Alana Dhillon, Education & Support Services Coordinator:
1-800-668-3330 ext. 245 | adhillon@parkinson.bc.ca
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The following list includes upcoming events, resources, and programs from other organizations, which may be of interest to our community.