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!
SongShine with Joani
This program harnesses the power of the brain, breath, and emotion to reclaim voices. Joani Bye will engage participants in six 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.
| Dates: |
Thursdays: January 7, 14, 21, 28, February 4, & 11 |
| Time: |
1:00pm – 2:00pm |
| Capacity: |
50 |
| Fee: |
Free |
Registration for this event is now closed. If you are interested in attending similar sessions in the future, please add your name to our waitlist. This will allow us to gauge future interest in the subject matter.
Join Waitlist
Drumming for Parkinson's — Winter Series
This winter, Doug Pickard, REMO Health Rhythms Facilitator and Rock Steady Boxing Affiliate Owner, leads an 8-week drumming class for 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.
This series will apply the REMO Health Rhythms protocol — a holistic and evidence-based program for healthy, non-strenuous workout with a focus on socialization. One of the main goals of Health Rhythms is to understand the mind-body connection in the context of music-making. Doug and his colleagues are adapting this program to target the symptoms of Parkinson's disease.
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.
Participants will need hand drumming equipment, such as a coffee can, box, or bucket.
| Dates: |
Wednesdays, January 13, 20, February 3, 10, 17, 24, March 3 & 10 |
| Time: |
1:30pm – 2:30pm |
| Capacity: |
30 |
| Fees: |
Free |
Registration for this event is now closed. If you are interested in attending similar sessions in the future, please add your name to our waitlist. This will allow us to gauge future interest in the subject matter.
Join Waitlist
Drumming for Parkinson's — Winter Series
This winter, Doug Pickard, REMO Health Rhythms Facilitator and Rock Steady Boxing Affiliate Owner, leads an 8-week drumming class for 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.
This series will apply the REMO Health Rhythms protocol — a holistic and evidence-based program for healthy, non-strenuous workout with a focus on socialization. One of the main goals of Health Rhythms is to understand the mind-body connection in the context of music-making. Doug and his colleagues are adapting this program to target the symptoms of Parkinson's disease.
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.
Participants will need hand drumming equipment, such as a coffee can, box, or bucket.
| Dates: |
Wednesdays, January 13, 20, February 3, 10, 17, 24, March 3 & 10 |
| Time: |
3:00pm – 4:00pm |
| Capacity: |
25 |
| Fees: |
Free |
Registration for this event has reached capacity. If you are interested in attending similar sessions in the future, please add your name to our waitlist. This will allow us to gauge future interest in the subject matter.
Join Waitlist
Improv for Parkinson's: 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.
| Dates: |
Wednesdays, January 20, 27, February 3, 10, 17, & 24 |
| Time: |
11:00am – 12:00pm |
| Capacity: |
12 |
| Fees: |
This course is being provided free of charge to participants. As the cost to PSBC to run this program is $120 per person, donations are appreciated. |
Please note that registration for "Laughter is the best medicine" will be prioritized to those who have not participated in improv classes before. If you have participated in improv classes before please consider registering for the "Performance Troupe" course or contact Courtney Doherty at cdoherty@parkinson.bc.ca to be added to the waitlist for this course.
Registration for this event is now closed. If you are interested in attending similar sessions in the future, please add your name to our waitlist. This will allow us to gauge future interest in the subject matter.
Join Waitlist
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 & grow towards a performance opportunity. We will dive into more specifics, learn and practice games, and finish the course with a Student Showcase.
Improv experience is required for registration.
| Dates: |
Wednesdays, January 20, 27, February 3, 10, 17, & 24 |
| Time: |
12:30pm – 2:00pm |
| Capacity: |
12 |
| Fees: |
This course is being provided free of charge to participants. As the cost to PSBC to run this program is $150 per person, donations are appreciated. |
Registration for this event is now closed. If you are interested in attending similar sessions in the future, please add your name to our waitlist. This will allow us to gauge future interest in the subject matter.
Join Waitlist
SongShine with Sharon
Join Sharon Tomczyk, singer, songwriter, and vocal instructor from Esteem Vocals, as she facilitates our Spring SongShine series! Sharon will lead you through the SongShine program which is intended for those whose speech may be compromised due to Parkinson's. These six online classes focus on body awareness, relaxation and breath exercises, and vocal and singing activities to strengthen voices. Songs are progressively added throughout the six classes as attendees' comfort levels increase. SongShine provides great opportunities to improve your voice, create connection, and lift spirits.
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.
| Dates: |
Thursdays, March 4, 11, 18, 25, April 1, & 8 |
| Time: |
11:30am – 12:30pm |
| Capacity: |
50 |
| Cost: |
Free |
Registration closes on Tuesday, March 2. Login instructions are emailed approximately 24 hours before the event.
Register
SongShine with Sharon
Join Sharon Tomczyk, singer, songwriter, and vocal instructor from Esteem Vocals, as she facilitates our Spring SongShine series! Sharon will lead you through the SongShine program which is intended for those whose speech may be compromised due to Parkinson’s. These six online classes focus on body awareness, relaxation and breath exercises, and vocal and singing activities to strengthen voices. Songs are progressively added throughout the six classes as attendees' comfort levels increase. SongShine provides great opportunities to improve your voice, create connection, and lift spirits.
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.
| Dates: |
Thursdays, April 15, 22, 29, May 6, 13, & 20 |
| Time: |
11:30am – 12:30pm |
| Capacity: |
50 |
| Cost: |
Free |
Registration closes on Tuesday, April 13. Login instructions are emailed approximately 24 hours before the event.
Register
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.
Hand & Dexterity Exercise Series
Join physiotherapist, Shelly Yu, for an exercise series focused on hand and dexterity challenges associated with Parkinson's disease. After the success of our Hand & Dexterity Exercise Series this summer, Parkinson Society BC is proud to bring back this exercise program for a second round! Those who joined us in July are welcome and encouraged to participate again — the benefits of exercise are best revealed when done as an ongoing practice.
Exercises in this series will target upper extremity movement, hand dexterity, grip strength, hand-finger coordination, and overall arm function. As this is a hand and dexterity class, all exercises will be done in a seated position — ideally in a chair without armrests.
Equipment needed for this exercise series includes:
- A small tea or kitchen towel
- A small cushion/pillow
- A small elastic band or hair tie
We welcome all individuals with Parkinson's to this webinar 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.
| Dates: |
Thursdays, January 14, 21, 28, February 4, 11, & 18 |
| Time: |
11:00am – 12:00pm |
| Capacity: |
500 |
| Cost: |
Free |
Registration is now closed. If you are interested in attending this exercise series, please add your name to our waitlist. If space is available, you will be registered for the next session automatically, and will receive appropriate login instructions
Join Waitlist
Boxing with Allie Series
Join Rock Steady Boxing (RSB) as occupational therapist, and the first Vancouver certified Rock Steady Boxing coach, Allie Saks, leads this 2-part exercise series! Learn basic boxing moves that will challenge your stamina, coordination, and balance.
The Rock Steady Boxing has been shown to decrease Parkinson’s disease symptoms, delay disease progression, and enhance one’s quality of life. No experience and no equipment is required to participate.
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.
| Dates: |
Fridays, February 26 & March 5 |
| Time: |
11:30am – 12:30pm |
| Capacity: |
500 |
| Cost: |
Free |
Registration for this series closes on Wednesday, February 24.
Register
Seated Exercise Circuit Series
Join PSBC’s own Shelly Yu, Neuro Physiotherapist, in a 3-week exercise series, which will be fully seated and moderately-paced. The exercise circuit will focus on producing big movements, challenging coordination, and increasing aerobic output.
No equipment is needed for the class other than a chair to sit in, preferably without arm rests.
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.
| Dates: |
Thursdays, March 11, 18, & 25 |
| Time: |
1:30pm – 2:30pm |
| Capacity: |
500 |
| Cost: |
Free |
Registration for this series closes on Tuesday, March 9.
Register
April Challenger
Let’s get moving! Kick-start Parkinson’s Awareness Month with the April Challenger! Join PSBC’s Shelly Yu, neuro physiotherapist, as she leads you through a fast-paced exercise series aimed at challenging your balance and coordination. Although this class is primarily a standing class, seated modifications will be given to be inclusive of all mobility levels.
Equipment needed for these classes includes:
- a small cushion or pillow
- two light-weight scarves or cloths
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.
| Dates: |
Thursdays, April 1, 8, 15, & 22 |
| Time: |
1:30pm – 2:30pm |
| Capacity: |
500 |
| Cost: |
Free |
Registration closes on Tuesday, March 30.
Register
New Diagnosis Workshop Series
Have you been diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease (PD) in the last two years? Join us for our New Diagnosis Workshop Series this February.
Movement disorder neurologists, Drs. Jonathan Squires and Melissa Mackenzie, and physiotherapist Michelle McCarthy from the Movement Disorders Clinic at the UBC Centre for Brain Health, will lend their knowledge to provide an overview of the disease, treatment options, and tips on staying active to help slow the progression of symptoms.
This workshop will also feature a panel of all three speakers for a final 30-minute question and answer session at the end of the series, giving attendees an opportunity to ask questions about their Parkinson’s diagnosis, management, treatment, and support.
Please note that only one registration is required to attend all sessions in this series. This series is free for participants. Please see full session descriptions and dates below.
Parkinson's and Diagnosis | Dr. Jonathan Squires, Movement Disorder Specialist
In the first session of our New Diagnosis Series, Dr. Squires joins us to discuss how Parkinson's is diagnosed, the causes of disease onset, and epidemiology of disease progression. Early symptoms, as well as both motor and non-motor symptoms of Parkinson's will also be discussed.
| Date: |
Tuesday, February 16 |
| Time: |
11:00am – 12:00pm |
Parkinson's and Treatment | Dr. Melissa Mackenzie, Movement Disorder Specialist
In this talk, Dr. Mackenzie elaborates on Dr. Squires' discussion of motor and non-motor symptoms. This session will focus on symptom management through medication, as well as advanced and alternative therapies.
| Date: |
Wednesday, February 17 |
| Time: |
11:00am – 12:00pm |
Living Well with Parkinson's: Exercise | Michelle McCarthy, Neuro Physiotherapist
Building on Dr. Mackenzie's presentation on treatment, this session will highlight exercise as a non-pharmacological treatment for Parkinson's. In addition to outlining the benefits of exercise, Michelle McCarthy will discuss the importance of a multidisciplinary approach to managing symptoms and living well with Parkinson's.
| Date: |
Wednesday, February 24 |
| Time: |
11:00am – 11:45am |
Panel: Question & Answer Session
Movement disorder specialists, Drs. Melissa Mackenzie and Jonathan Squires, and neuro physiotherapist, Michelle McCarthy, come together for a 30-minute panel to answer your questions about being newly diagnosed with Parkinson's.
To help our panelists prepare to give you their best answers, please send in your questions ahead of time to Alana Dhillon, Education & Support Services Coordinator, at adhillon@parkinson.bc.ca.
| Date: |
Wednesday, February 24 |
| Time: |
11:45am – 12:15pm |
Registration for this event closes on Wednesday, February 10.
Register
Speech, Swallow, & Communication Series
Join us this February for a three-part webinar series exploring speech, communication, swallowing, and saliva management issues in people with Parkinson's. Speech Language Pathologists (SLPs) Jasmine Cload and AJ Hildebrand will lead these informative sessions covering common symptoms, treatment and self-management options, and assistive technologies.
These webinars are open to those already experiencing communication and swallowing challenges, as well as those who wish to be proactive in their treatment. Please note that separate registration is required for each session.
Swallowing & Saliva Management
Difficulties with chewing and swallowing are very common in Parkinson's, and they can show up in a variety of ways. These issues can affect one's ability to eat well and stay hydrated, and in some cases, can be dangerous. In this important webinar, Jasmine Cload, SLP, will talk about swallowing changes in Parkinson’s disease, and the ways your healthcare team can help. Saliva management (drooling/dry mouth) will also be addressed.
| Date: |
Thursday, February 4 |
| Time: |
1:00pm – 2:00pm |
| Capacity: |
500 |
| Fee: |
Free |
Registration for this event closes on Tuesday, February 2.
Register
Speech & Voice
Up to 90% of people with Parkinson’s disease worldwide will have trouble with communication, most typically characterized by low vocal volume. Our ability to speak is vital to our relationships, activities, health, and quality of life. This webinar is well-suited for those who already experience issues with communication; if you are not currently experiencing communication difficulties, participating in the webinar can help reduce stress, frustration, and complications related to communication down the road. Jasmine Cload, SLP, will walk you through the speech and voice changes that can occur in PD, as well as the steps one can take to manage these changes.
| Date: |
Thursday, February 11 |
| Time: |
1:00pm – 2:00pm |
| Capacity: |
500 |
| Fee: |
Free |
Registration for this event closes on Tuesday, February 9.
Register
Language, Cognitive Communication, & Technology
Language, cognition, and communication are closely linked. This webinar will provide information and tips on how to manage changes that can occur in these areas with Parkinson's. Augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) strategies will also be discussed. AAC can be an important tool to help people with PD communicate if they have difficulties with speech or voice. AJ Hildebrand, from Communication Assistance for Youth and Adults (CAYA), and Jasmine Cload will be teaming up for this presentation.
| Date: |
Thursday, February 18 |
| Time: |
1:00pm – 2:00pm |
| Capacity: |
500 |
| Fee: |
Free |
Registration for this event closes on Tuesday, February 16.
Register
Ask the Expert Webinar: Intimacy and Parkinson's
Approximately half of all men and women with Parkinson’s disease will experience problems with intimacy and sexual functioning. These symptoms can be difficult to talk about, but are important to address. The sexual functioning and wellbeing of people with Parkinson’s and their partners can be affected by many factors, including motor symptoms, non-motor symptoms, medication effects, and relationship issues.
This webinar, led by Elaine Book, Social Worker at the Pacific Parkinson's Research Centre, and Tricia Wallace, Clinical Counsellor at Parkinson Society BC, will review challenges with sexual intimacy and will explore options to address emotional distance influenced by physical limitations and role transitions brought on by Parkinson’s disease.
We strongly encourage couples to participate in this webinar together. The content is focused on relationships, sharing and communication, so the exercises in the webinar are geared toward couples.
Registrants will have the opportunity to be anonymous during the webinar presentation. Information on how to participate anonymously will be sent with login instructions.
| Date: |
Thursday, February 11 |
| Time: |
7:00pm – 8:30pm |
| Capacity: |
35 |
| Cost: |
Free |
Registration closes on Tuesday, February 9.
Register
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
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 as of November 6, 2020.
1st Friday of each month
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. Meeting on Zoom as of October, 2020.
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
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 as of September 1, 2020.
1st Tuesday of each month
1:30 pm –3:00 pm
Please inquire with the PSBC office for details.
The following list includes upcoming events, resources, and programs from other organizations, which may be of interest to our community.