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!
Moving Forward, Together will foster an educational and inspirational space for enriching the connection between people with Parkinson's, carepartners, friends, and healthcare professionals. The return of this much-anticipated event in-person will feature prominent local and national presenters who will speak to topics related to the treatment and management of Parkinson's and its associated challenges.
The conference will include two morning plenaries and afternoon breakout sessions which aim to offer a diversified itinerary for all attendees. In 2022, we will also offer a stream specifically for healthcare professionals to expand their knowledge of Parkinson's disease.
Looking for more detailed info on the event? Visit our Moving Forward, Together homepage.
| Date: |
Saturday, October 15, 2022 |
| Time: |
9:00am – 4:00pm (registration opens at 8:00am) |
| Location: |
Radisson Hotel Vancouver Airport
8181 Cambie Rd., Richmond, BC V6X 3X9 [map] |
| Agenda: |
View the conference agenda (includes information on topics and speakers) |
| Fees: |
Late Riser (effective September 15th)
Member – Individual: $50; Couple: $80
Non-Member – Individual: $70; Couple: $110
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Register
September Symposium Series
Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a complex and diverse condition. To assist in expanding your knowledge of PD, Parkinson Society British Columbia will be hosting three webinars in this symposium series, featuring talks from various experts.
Please note, separate registration is required for each talk in the series.
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Women and Parkinson’s
Dr. Michelle Fullard, Movement Disorder Specialist
1:00pm - 2:00pm PT on Friday, September 9
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Sexual Wellbeing: The Male Experience
Shea Hocaloski, Sexual Health Clinician
3:00pm - 4:00pm PT on Thursday, September 22
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Navigating Relationship Role Changes
Courtney Doherty, Clinical Counsellor
1:30pm - 2:30pm PT on Wednesday, September 28
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Virtual Open House
Join us October 25 for Parkinson Society British Columbia's (PSBC) Virtual Open House! Meet some of our Education & Support Services staff and learn about what we do, as well as how to connect and be involved with our Society
The PSBC Virtual Open House will showcase:
- Membership benefits
- Wide variety of educational resources offered
- Key support services and programs such as PD Link, counselling, physiotherapy, and PSBC's new Healthcare Navigation Service
- Support group information
- Exercise classes and PSBC social and activity-based workshops
- Educational events that feature internationally-renowned expert speakers
- Volunteer opportunities
- PSBC website navigation demo
This interactive virtual open house will include a question and answer session. We welcome the Parkinson's community, including all new PSBC members, as well as healthcare professionals.
| Date: |
Tuesday, October 25 |
| Time: |
2:00pm – 3:00pm PT |
| Cost: |
Free |
Virtual Gardening Group
Get together with other green thumbs and connect with nature! Gardening is a relaxing and healthy way for people affected by Parkinson's to exercise, with the potential for improving hand dexterity and tremors.
Join our Virtual Gardening Group for an opportunity to socialize and share gardening tips and tricks. This group is open to those who want to learn more about gardening, as well as share their gardening knowledge, projects, and pictures.
No experience is required. Both beginners and those with more experience are welcome to attend.
Please note: the Virtual Gardening Group will not be meeting in August. Meetings will resume in September.
| Dates: |
Every 2nd and 4th Thursday, March 10 – September 22 (No meetings in August) |
| Time: |
11:30am – 12:30pm PT |
| Capacity: |
25 |
| Fee: |
Free |
Register
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.
**Please note the September 28 class has been cancelled
| Dates: |
Wednesdays, September 7, 14, 21, 28, October 5, & 12 |
| Time: |
3:00pm – 4:00pm PT |
| Capacity: |
35 |
| Fee: |
Free |
Register
Improv: Laughter is the Best Medicine
This course is designed to introduce students with Parkinson's disease (PD) to the foundations of improvisation and apply improv skills to life with PD. Participants will build community, learn new skills, work together, tell stories, and laugh!
We encourage family members and carepartners to attend with participants, as many games can be played at home after the class. No previous improv experience necessary.
As with all of our programs, there is a cost to delivering this workshop. Registration is limited to 16 people. If you have registered for this event, we kindly ask that you commit to attending the full series. If you cannot commit, please contact us so that your spot can be made available to another individual.
| Dates: |
Wednesdays, September 14, 21, 28, October 5, 12, & 19 |
| Time: |
11:00am – 12:30pm PT |
| Capacity: |
16 |
| Fees: |
$30 for the series. The Society may be able to subsidize attendance fees for those who require financial assistance. Please contact us for more details. As the cost to PSBC to run this program is $120 per person, donations are appreciated. |
Register
Improv for Parkinson's: The Performance Troupe
Join the first ever Canadian Improv PD Performance Troupe! Those with previous improv experience are invited to join the Performance Troupe to focus on applying the foundations of improv for performance.
In this course, you will develop as part of an ensemble and build skills for two performances (one mid course, and another at the end of the course). You will dive into more specifics, learn and practice games, performance formats, hosting, show shape, and more!
This course will be always delivered via Zoom with some options to join in person in-studio on select weeks, depending on space and interest.
Improv experience is required for registration.
| Dates: |
Wednesdays, September 14, 21, 28, October 5, 12, 19, 26, November 2, 9, 16, 23, & 30 |
| Time: |
2:00pm – 3:30pm PT |
| Fees: |
$240 + GST |
Register
Getting Started With Writing (Journey to Publication)
Join award-winning author, Cristy Watson, for a four-part series on Getting Started with Writing (Journey to Publication). This workshop will be of interest to anyone wanting to begin their writing and publication journey. Though the sessions are geared towards beginners, all writing levels are welcome!
Topics covered will include tips on getting started with writing, writing prompts and activities for short fiction, fiction, poetry, and information on how to get one’s words out in the world. Genres and word counts, editing tips, information about querying, and the differences between trade, hybrid, and self-publishing will also be shared. Each session will include writer’s tips, a prompt-sprint share portion, and time for a Q&A. Participants’ sharing of written works from exercises is always voluntary and optional.
| Dates: |
Wednesdays, October 5, 12, 19, & 26 |
| Time: |
1:00pm – 2:15pm PT |
| Capacity: |
25 |
| Fees: |
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.
| Fall 2022 Sessions |
| Dates: |
Thursdays, October 6, 13, 20, 27, November 3, & 10 |
| Time: |
10:00am – 11:00am PT |
| Capacity: |
50 |
| Fee: |
Free |
Register
| 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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Move with Martial Arts: Karate Fundamentals
Embrace your inner Karate Kid and move your way through the traditional Martial Art of Goju-Ryu Karate-do! Use your mind, body, and spirit to improve eye-hand coordination, physical literacy, and focus with experienced Karate instructor Liz Janze. Participants will progress each week through learning Karate fundamentals such as punching, kicking, and blocking. Karate-do translates to empty hand and way/path. This implies Karate is a way of life that transcends self-defence applications. Practicing Karate emphasizes power, agility, balance, and stress management. Benefits of Karate training include strengthening the musculoskeletal system, balancing the muscles tonus, and helping improve posture. As well as improving concentration and self-esteem. All abilities are welcome and no prior experience is needed to participate. A modified seated version of the movements will also be provided.
We welcome all individuals with Parkinson’s to this webinar as well as their spouses and/or carepartners/caregivers.
| Dates: |
Tuesdays, August 2, 9, 16, 23, & 30, September 6, 13, 20, & 27 |
| Time: |
11:00am – 12:00pm PT |
| Cost: |
Free |
Register
September Challenger
Let’s get moving! Kick-start the fall season with the September Challenger, a high-intensity and fast-paced exercise class suitable for those who can stand and move unassisted. PSBC’s Neuro Physiotherapist, Shelly Yu, will challenge your balance, coordination, and exercise stamina in this fully standing circuit class. We welcome all individuals with Parkinson’s to this webinar, as well as their spouses and/or carepartners/caregivers, as they may benefit from learning more about the disease to assist in supporting their loved ones.
| Dates: |
Thursdays, September 1, 15, 22, & 29 |
| Time: |
1:30pm – 2:30pm PT |
| Cost: |
Free |
Register
Move with Shelly
Join Parkinson Society BC’s neuro physiotherapist, Shelly Yu in a four-week series of a standing exercise circuit class. This class is fun, energetic, and will challenge your endurance and balance. Some dual-tasking challenges may be given throughout the class. No equipment is required. Please note, there will be no seated adaptations given. If you require seated exercises, please see the Seated Exercise Series class on Thursdays.
We welcome all individuals with Parkinson’s to this webinar as well as their spouses and/or carepartners/caregivers.
| Dates: |
Tuesdays, October 4, 11, 18, & 25 |
| Time: |
11:00am - 12:00pm PT |
| Cost: |
Free |
Register
Seated Exercise Series
Join Parkinson Society BC’s neuro physiotherapist, Shelly Yu in a four-week series of seated exercises. This class is suitable for those who would like a slower-paced, yet high-energy, exercise class. All exercises will be completed while sitting. Classes will focus on various components of mobility, strength, and endurance to improve overall day-to-day function. No equipment is required, other than a chair to sit in.
We welcome all individuals with Parkinson’s to this webinar as well as their spouses and/or carepartners/caregivers.
| Dates: |
Thursdays, October 6, 13, 20, & 27 |
| Time: |
11:00am - 12:00pm PT |
| Cost: |
Free |
Register
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
The following list includes upcoming events, resources, and programs from other organizations, which may be of interest to our community.