The Great Britain Wheelchair Rugby squad for the 2012 Paralympics was announced on 15^th May. Congratulations to all of the athletes selected. However special mention must go to our own Michael Kerr. Being the only Scottish representative in the team, Michael has to consistently go the extra mile (literally) to stay at the top level in his sport. Travelling from Glasgow across the border every other day is demanding, however Michael knows that hard work pays off.

Michael is always keen to promote the virtues of sport and fitness amongst the SCI community, and his dedication to this was part of the reason that SIS awarded him with a development grant. This has allowed Michael to acquire the high spec competition wheelchair necessary for competition. Michael said ‘I’d like to thank SIS for funding my new chair, allowing me to compete at the highest level of my sport’

Michael will be keeping us posted on his preparations for the games, and will be able to view any comments from supporters and well wishers on this site.

For more information see the Great Britain Wheelchair Rugby Website: Click here or Click here

SIS is again linking up with the UK SCI (spinal cord injury) support organisations – Aspire, Back Up, Spinal Injuries Association and Spinal Research to highlight Spinal Injuries Awareness Day.

A website has been created for people interested in finding out more. The website address is: www.everyeighthours.com (it is thought that an average of three people across the UK sustains an SCI every day).

The website has been created to raise awareness of SCI amongst the general population, and will have information on SCI for individuals affected; their families, friends and carers, plus case studies and video testimonies of people with SCI spread the word amongst your friends, family and colleagues. In this way you can help us to raise as much knowledge about SCI as possible.

To mark the day SIS will have the annual awards lunch in Glasgow. This will be another opportunity (amongst other things) to honour the fantastic contribution of our volunteers and fundraisers along with our various other supporters. Keep an eye on the website and in Newsline for updates and photographs.

Why not book yourself on one of the taster sessions and see how you get on, you never know you, you might have a hidden talent and this opportunity will allow you to see other potential skills.

Transport, lunch and personal assistance is provided for those in Glasgow. The event is free but places must be booked in advance.

Glasgow Disability Alliance will provide transport for folk in the Greater Glasgow area so not just “Glasgow”. If you live outside Greater Glasgow please contact GDA for assistance or if you would like more information, visit GDA website.

Click in the image to view the programme for the day

Click on the image to view the poster for the event

CLICK HERE to view the booking form for the event or click on the image of the form below.

A film was made by Transport Scotland to illustrate to all involved the importance of Blue Badges going to those who really need them.  SIS volunteers Keira, Laura and Jim and director Joanna volunteered their services in the making of the film.

SIS director, Clare Byrne, introduced and presented the film at the Event at the Thistle Hotel, Glasgow.  All Local Authorities were invited to attend, and attendees were those who are directly involved in assessments for issue of Blue Badges, eg Occupational  Therapists and their Assistants.  It was emphasised how important it is for Blue Badges to go to those for whom they are imperative, and that some people previously deemed eligible for a Blue Badge will no longer meet the criteria.

Feedback on the event has been positive, with unanimous agreement that the film effectively illustrates the importance of Blue Badges going to those who genuinely require a disabled parking bay.

To see the film go to 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Nvhg4ZCbBFI&feature=youtu.be

and to see details of the Blue Badge Scheme go to

John Evans and Alastair Scott will set off from Firhill today and travel 50 miles in their bid to raise funds for the charity Hearts and Balls who do a lot of work with SIS.

For more information on the Paddle see: http://www.scotsman.com/sport/rugby/top-rugby-stories/paddle-power-raises-funds-for-spinal-injury-charity-1-2273225

For more information on Hearts and Balls see: http://www.heartsandballs.org.uk/

Refreshments will be provided (if you have any special dietary requirements, please let them know in advance)

Details of Workshops:

Join them at a workshop and take one more step towards computing confidence!

Book your place by calling the Carers Information Line on 01463 723560 or email carers@hccf.org.uk

They have created an online survey which can be accessed at www.scotinform.co.uk/Onlinesurveys/Capability_wheelchair/survey_2012.htm

 The deadline for responses is Friday 4^th May.

They are extremely keen to hear from as many interested people as possible so they would really appreciate your efforts in completing the survey and perhaps forwarding the link.

 If anyone has any questions about the survey please get in touch with Capability Scotland on 0131 347 1025 or susie.fitton@capability-scotland.org.uk.

Click Here  Instructions to Netcas  for all you need to know to register

If you experience any problems registering please contact our technical helpline team on 07773 275720

We go on air at 1.45 pm on Friday 27 April 2012 with the live broadcast starting at 2 pm.

All at Spinal Injuries Scotland would like to thank you for circulating the news about our launch this Friday and we would be extremely grateful ifyou could circulate the word about registration to all your friends, family, colleagues and associates.

You can contact us at info@sisonline.org or netcas@sisonline.org

We hope you enjoy our first production this Friday at 2 pm.

On Behalf of Spinal Injuries Scotland

Alexander McGinnity

SIS Director

If you want one of these books please email the office or comment on this post, it will be first come first served.

This new communication service uses live internet webcasting as a simple yet powerful means of delivering key information, advice, support and education across boundaries and borders to all its members regardless of where they live, it is flexible and will enable internet webcasts to be accessed from members home, place of work or other social venues.

These internet broadcasts are scheduled for two-hours on the last Friday of every month and aim to achieve greater integration, participation and representation of spinal cord injured individuals in all areas of societal life throughout Scotland.

This project is and will remain user-led.

The internet webcasts will enable urban and rural dwellers equal access, participation and engagement with us and other members before, during and after the live broadcast with the added option of being able to watch and still participate during the recorded version.

These productions will be innovative, creative and contemporary and cover subject matters in health, welfare, academia, sport, entertainment, social issues and more with the added aim of inspiring members to reach their full potential at the same time making a valuable contribution to every community throughout Scotland.

We hope you will join us at 2 pm on Friday 27 April 2012 for the first ever live internet webcast, simply go to our website at www.sisonline.org and following the instructions to view for free, learn all about us and how to take part or simply enjoy.

To our knowledge this is the first time this technology has been used to this effect.

There will be more information posted on our website and facebook page over the coming days.