The following is a list of our planned education events at present. Those events indicating they are to be determined (TBD) will still require further arrangements with local groups, speakers and venues.
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.
Did you know that attending just two education events per year, or one event as a couple/pair, can cover the cost of a membership with Parkinson Society BC? Learn more about becoming a member today!
Ask the Expert Webinar: Medical Cannabis and Parkinson's
Since the legalization of cannabis in October 2018, there has been greater interest in its use for the possible management of Parkinson's symptoms.
Join us on Wednesday, April 15 as pharmacist Dr. Alan Low answers common questions related to cannabis, including current research and how to access it.
We welcome all individuals with Parkinson's to this webinar, as well as their spouses and/or carepartners/caregivers.
As always, please consult with your physician prior to making any changes to your treatment regimen.
| Dates: |
Wednesday, April 15 |
| Time: |
11:00am – 12:00pm |
| Capacity: |
500 |
| Fee: |
Free |
Please be advised that as a result of the COVID-19 virus, and the strain this is placing on the medical community, Dr. Low, Pharmacist, will be unable to speak at this webinar. We, therefore, are cancelling the webinar, and all registrants will be notified by email. We are sorry for this inconvenience.
Ask the Expert Webinar: Depression and Parkinson's
When most people think of Parkinson's disease, motor symptoms like tremors and slowness of movement are typically the first to come to mind. However, mental health changes can be a significant aspect of the disease as well, with at least half of all people with Parkinson's experiencing depression and/or anxiety.
Join us on May 12 as Dr. Fidel Vila-Rodriguez, Assistant Professor in the Department of Psychiatry at the UBC Faculty of Medicine, and the Director of the Non-Invasive Neurostimulation Therapies Laboratory and Schizophrenia Program, discusses the symptoms of depression and how to manage them. He will also go over current research on depression and Parkinson's, including an opportunity to participate in a clinical trial for treatment.
Register today to reserve a spot for yourself, household or group! If you will be watching the webinar on the same computer or screen as another person or group, only one registration is required.
| Dates: |
Tuesday, May 12, 2020 |
| Time: |
10:00am – 11:00am |
| Location: |
Via webinar. Instructions on how to log in and access this presentation on a computer via the internet will be sent out 24 hours before the webinar start time. |
| Capacity: |
500 |
| Fee: |
Free |
Registration for this webinar will close on Friday, May 8
Register Now
Ask the Expert Webinar: Driving with Parkinson's
Driving is an important part of daily life for many people. A Parkinson's disease (PD) diagnosis may lead to a number of questions around driving, such as whether people with Parkinson's can continue to drive safely, what a driving evaluation or assessment may look like, and what options for transportation exist for someone who no longer feels safe driving.
On June 8, Kathryn McKall, registered Occupational Therapist, joins Parkinson Society BC to answer these questions, and more, about driving with PD.
We welcome all individuals with Parkinson's to this webinar, as well as their spouses and/or carepartners/caregivers.
Register today to reserve a spot for yourself, household or group! If you will be watching the webinar on the same computer or screen as another person or group, only one registration is required.
| Dates: |
Monday, June 8, 2020 |
| Time: |
1:00pm – 2:00pm |
| Capacity: |
500 |
| Fee: |
Free |
Registration for this webinar will close on Thursday, June 4
Register Now
Due to social distancing efforts during the COVID-19 outbreak, many exercise programs have been cancelled until further notice. We recognize that exercise is a key component to improving and maintaining function in individuals living with Parkinson's disease. Regular exercise helps to improve balance, strength, mobility, gait, and overall physical function, and can also help combat the depression, fatigue, and apathy associated with the disease.
Please note: Class participation in the following exercise sessions 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), NeuroFit BC, and Shelly Yu will not be held liable for accidents or incidents that may occur in your home. By participating in these exercise series 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 NeuroFit BC, 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 this exercise for Parkinson's program.
Online Parkinson's Exercise Series with Naomi Casiro
This series is being offered to allow you to exercise from the comfort and safety of your home while connecting with others.
The first 4 sessions will be geared towards individuals who are able to walk and stand without assistance, as well as have the ability to get up and down off the ground. The last 2 sessions will be done in seated and supported standing positions. These sessions are best suited to those who may have restricted mobility or balance issues and require use of a walker, cane, or wheelchair.
One registration only is required for this series.
| Dates: |
Tuesdays: March 24, 31, April 7, 14, 21 and 28 |
| Time: |
1:00pm – 2:00pm |
| Location: |
Via webinar. Instructions on how to access the class will be included in an email following registration, and 24 hours before the session's start time. |
| Capacity: |
500 registrants
|
| Fees: |
Free |
Registration for this event is now closed. If you would like to participate in these sessions please join our waitlist and a staff member will be in touch with you.
Join Waitlist
Exercise Webinar Series: Move with Shelly
Join PSBC's own Education and Support Services Coordinator, and Neuro Physiotherapist, Shelly Yu, for a fun and energetic online Parkinson's exercise class, designed to challenge your strength, balance, and mobility. All abilities are welcome. Let's get moving!
One registration only is required for this series.
| Dates: |
Thursdays: April 2, 9, 16, 23, & 30 |
| Time: |
1:00pm – 2:00pm |
| Location: |
Via webinar. Instructions on how to log in and access this presentation on a computer via the internet will be sent out 24 hours before the webinar start time. |
| Capacity: |
500 |
| Fee: |
Free |
Registration for this event is now closed. If you would like to participate in these sessions please join our waitlist and a staff member will be in touch with you.
Join Waitlist
SongShine for Parkinson's Webinar
Join us on Wednesday, April 1 as Sarona Mynhardt leads this fun, immersive, and holistic SongShine program, which engages participants in a music therapy-based singing intervention that can help to improve voice, respiratory control, and swallowing. It can also enhance quality of life for people that struggle with vocal atrophy due to aging, or neurological challenges like Parkinson's disease.
This program focuses on:
- Aligning the spine
- Articulation, breathing, and tongue exercises
- Singing and brain games
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 one.
We are sorry, online registration for this webinar is now closed.
| Dates: |
Wednesday, April 1 |
| Time: |
1:30pm – 2:30pm |
| Location: |
Via webinar. Instructions on how to log in and access this presentation on a computer via the internet will be sent out 24 hours before the webinar start time. |
| Capacity: |
500 |
| Fee: |
Free |
Webinar Series: Occupational Therapy – Independence using Adaptive Aids & Technology
Join us for this three-part webinar series, led by Kathryn McKall, OT! She will be discussing the various adaptive equipment and technologies that can help people with Parkinson's disease maximize their quality of life and independence.
Kathryn is an occupational occupational therapist and Clinical Instructor at the University of British Columbia (UBC). She has been supporting people with neurological conditons since 2013, and currently works with the Parkinson's community at the UBC movement disorder clinic. She believes that "once you know one person with Parkinson's disease...you know one person with Parkinson's disease" — she believes in an individualized and accessible approach to assessment and intervention.
Sessions include:
- Adaptive Equipment [online registration is now closed]
- Smart Homes
- Ask the Occupational Therapist
Please note that separate registration is required for each session.
Register Now
Online Mindfulness Workshop Series
Please be advised that this workshop series is now at capacity, and online registration is closed. If you would like your name added to a waitlist, please
click here.
Mindfulness practice is widely used in both the medical and mental health fields for its proven effectiveness in helping people manage chronic health issues and stress, while improving both physical and mental wellbeing. This 8-part online workshop series, based on well-researched programs, will teach you about mindfulness, various ways to practice it, and how to make it a part of your daily life.
Sessions will be led by Parkinson Society British Columbia (PSBC) counsellor, Dr. Judy Zhu. Judy is a doctor of Traditional Chinese Medicine and registered clinical counsellor who uses mindfulness-based therapy to support people affected by Parkinson's disease. She has been practicing Zen mindfulness meditation for over 10 years, and has led many mindfulness groups.
This series will run as a cohort, with a 90-minute online workshop running every two weeks beginning Monday, March 23. Each session will focus on a new mindfulness practice topic, and include a discussion period, guided meditation practice, and a Q&A. To maximize benefit from the program, we ask registrants to commit to attending each webinar session, complete the assigned reading materials and audio-video resources before each session, and adopt a daily mindfulness practice on your own.
Topics will include:
- The brain and mind
- Befriending your body
- Loving-kindness and acceptance
- Managing difficult emotions and stress
- Dealing with Parkinson's symptoms
- Mindfulness in caring and communication
| Facilitator: |
Dr. Judy Zhu |
| Date: |
Mondays: March 23, April 6 & 20, May 4 & 25, June 8 & 22, July 6 |
| Time: |
10:00am – 11:30am |
| Capacity: |
30 |
| Fees: |
PSBC Member: $40 | Non-member: $50 |
Community Talk, Nanaimo: Mental Health and Parkinson's
Special Notice: Parkinson Society British Columbia is closely monitoring the COVID-19 outbreak, and taking all necessary precautionary measures to manage the potential for disease transmission. As a result, we are cancelling the Nanaimo Community Talk. More details to come.
Current registrants will be notified by email, and receive a refund for all applicable registration fees.
Join us on April 29th in Nanaimo for a community talk with the Society's very own Registered Clinical Counsellor, Tricia Wallace.
Tricia will discuss stress, life balance, and mental health, as well as review key issues associated with Parkinson's disease including depression, anxiety, and apathy. Causes and treatment options will also be presented.
We welcome all individuals with Parkinson's to this talk, 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 one.
| Date: |
Wednesday, April 29 |
| Time: |
1:30pm – 2:30pm (check-in begins at 1:00pm) |
| Location: |
Christ Community Church
2221 Bowen Road, Nanaimo [map] |
| Capacity: |
100 |
| Fees: |
Member: $5.00 | Non-member: $10.00 |
2019 Annual General Meeting
Our Annual General Meeting has been cancelled until further notice, due to ongoing Coronavirus (COVID-19) situation. Learn more about COVID-19 and how you can protect yourself and the community on this PSBC web page.
We invite you to join us for our Annual General Meeting (AGM) on Saturday, April 4, featuring guest speaker Dr. Anish Kanungo, BSc (Hon), PhD, MD, FRCPC. Dr. Kanungo is a neurologist at the Fraser Health Movement Disorders Clinic, and a Clinical Assistant Professor in the Department of Medicine at the University of British Columbia. He actively participates in the training of medical students and residents, and maintains an interest in research aimed at improving the lives of people with movement disorders.
Dr. Kanungo’s presentation will discuss the non-motor symptoms of Parkinson’s disease, and how allied healthcare professionals, such as physiotherapists, occupational therapists, and speech-language pathologists, can help support people with Parkinson’s manage these symptoms. He will also discuss his research on the impacts of a multi-disciplinary approach to treating Parkinson’s. Light refreshments will be served.
Please be advised that this is a member only event.
Canadian Open Parkinson Network (C-OPN) Launch
The C-OPN Launch has been cancelled due to ongoing Coronavirus (COVID-19) situation. Learn more about COVID-19 and how you can protect yourself and the community on this PSBC web page.
Following our Annual General Meeting and presentation by Dr. Kanungo, we welcome you to attend the Canadian Open Parkinson Network (C-OPN) Launch.
C-OPN will bring together Canada’s best in Parkinson’s research and will give them a platform to share information and make new connections. The network will give investigators access to unprecedented data and will support large-scale, multidisciplinary projects that would not be possible at a single research site.
In partnership with Parkinson Canada, we invite you to hear from Dr. Martin McKeown, University of BC and Co-principal Investigator of C-OPN, about the important work performed and shared by researchers through the network, building on the successes of similar networks.
Learn how C-OPN is building capacity, increasing awareness, and accelerating the path to better treatments and a cure for Parkinson’s disease. You will also have the opportunity to hear from a person with Parkinson’s about their first-hand experience as a participant in the C-OPN Patient Registry and why they enrolled.
Please note that registration for the C-OPN presentation is limited to 60 participants.
| Date: |
Saturday, April 4 |
| Time: |
AGM & presentation from Dr. Kanungo:
9:45am – 12:00pm (registration opens at 9:00 am)
Canadian Open Parkinson Network Launch:
2:00pm – 4:00pm
Registration will be offered separately for these presentations.
|
| Location: |
Vancouver Public Library, Central Branch | Alice MacKay Room
350 W Georgia St, Vancouver [map] |
| Cost: |
FREE for members only.
Non-Members interested in attending must pay the $25.00 membership fee. Should you wish more information on becoming a Member, please contact:
Susan Atkinson, Donor & Member Services Coordinator
satkinson@parkinson.bc.ca | 604-662-3240
|
| Getting There: |
For parking, transit, cycling, and accessibility information, please visit the VPL website at: https://www.vpl.ca/location/central-library |
EDUCATION EVENTS
- Pain and Parkinson's with Dr. Janis Miyasaki (webinar)
Monday, April 6 at 9:00am PST
Hosted by Davis Phinney Foundation for Parkinson's
Registration & Information
- Parkinson's 101: Parkinson's Basics (webinar)
Thursday, April 2 at 3:00pm-5:00pm PST
Hosted by Parkinson Association of the Rockies
Registration & Information
- Chat with the Parkinson’s Pros – Speech and Swallowing (webinar)
Saturday, April 4 at 9:00am-11:00am PST
Hosted by Parkinson Association of the Rockies
Registration & Information
- Deep Brain Stimulation Updates (webinar)
Friday, April 17 at 2:00pm-3:00pm PST
Hosted by Parkinson Association of the Rockies
Registration & Information
- Chat with the Parkinson’s Pros – Non-Motor Symptoms (webinar)
Saturday, April 18 at 9:00am-11:00am PST
Hosted by Parkinson Association of the Rockies
Registration & Information
- Parkinson’s Foundation and AARP New Webinar Series with Amy Goyer and Nina Browner, MD (webinar)
Thursday, April 30 at 12:00pm-1:00pm PST
Hosted by Parkinon's Foundation US
Registration & Information
- Cognition Changes in Parkinson’s with Dr. Amer Burhan, MBChB, MSc., PRCPC (webinar)
Thursday, May 21 at 9:00am-10:00am PST
Hosted by Parkinson Southwestern Ontario
Registration & Information
- Young Onset Parkinson's: A conversation on our unique needs (webinar)
Tuesday, May 26
Hosted by Parkinson Canada
Registration & Information
EXERCISE RESOURCES
- RockSteady Boxing Home Exercises: Rock Steady Boxing, is a nonprofit that improves the quality of life for people with Parkinson's through a non-contact boxing based fitness. They are publishing workouts online.
- Dance for PD Live Classes and Archives: Dance for PD has an archive of video dance classes and are hosting live video dance classes through their website.
- Music Therapy Classes: You can join a live stream music therapy class every Friday at 5:30am PST on Facebook and led by Registered Musical Therapist, Renée White. These video classes are available after they are streamed on the Facebook Group. This service is offered by Parkinson Society Newfoundland & Labrador.
- Mindfulness and Gentle Chair Yoga: Kate Landreth, Education & Learning Lead at Family Caregivers of BC, offers a mindfulness practice and seated yoga movement practice. Follow along from the comfort of your home.
Young Onset Parkinson's Disease (YOPD)
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.
2nd Tuesday of each month
7:00 pm – 8:30 pm
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. Please note this group will communicate via chat (typing).
A valid internet connection will be required to participate.
Weekly on Fridays
9:00 am – 10:30 am
Register Now
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.
3rd Wednesday of each month
9:00 am – 10:30 am
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.
4th Thursday of each month
9:00 am – 10:30 am
Register Now