MuscleFacts is a complimentary educational resource developed at Muscular Dystrophy Canada to provide educators, parents, and students with information and tools, resulting in a more inclusive school community and a better understanding of the concept of disability. MuscleFacts introduces disabilities to students, and through interactive presentations, games and activities, it aims to foster understanding and inclusion. The program aids teachers in learning how to fully include students who have a physical disability, through a series of lesson-plans and classroom resources. Students with a disability will see first hand, how this program is breaking down barriers one classroom at a time. Please click here for the MuscleFacts Brochure.

Presentations and several resources are available free of charge, please contact the MuscleFacts Coordinator, Muscular Dystrophy Canada for more information.

Chelsea Billinkoff
MuscleFacts and Bridges to the Future Coordinator, BC/Yukon

Muscular Dystrophy Canada
Western Canada Regional office
7th Floor-1401 West Broadway
Vancouver, BC V6H 1H6

T: 604.742.2155, 1.800.366.8166 ext 107
F: 604.731.6127
E: chelsea.billinkoff(at)muscle.ca
W: www.muscle.ca

Muscular Dystrophy Canada presentation teams are available to attend your school or classroom. Presentations will be supplemented with guides, visuals and activities. Team members include adults with physical disabilities, health professionals, parents, educators, and staff from Muscular Dystrophy Canada. Presentations can vary in length and content, depending on the needs of the audience. Students, parents, and educators will be able to participate in activities to experience how physical disabilities affect people and their abilities. 

Register for a presentation

MuscleFacts is also available as a presentation to educators, staff, caregivers, and health professionals for professional development workshops. These presentations will help educators accommodate students with physical disabilities in the school and in the classroom. Presentations for educators and students at the post-secondary level are offered in two formats. Within the Lower Mainland, presenters will travel to your location and give in-person presentations. If you are located outside of the Lower Mainland, the MuscleFacts presentation will present to your group, school or organization via online interactive webinar.

Register for a presentation

Muscular Dystrophy Canada has developed a user-friendly guide for educators. The bound book includes information about how to integrate a student with a physical disability into the classroom and school.

The following information is included in the School Resource Guide:

• About neuromuscular disorders
• Working together
• Emotional and psychological issues
• Health issues
• Environmental consideration
• Education and school policies
• Planning future transitions
• Facilitating disability discussions
• Appendix A - on-line resources

For the School Resource Guide or more information please contact the MuscleFacts Coordinator via email.

This guide has five helpful chapters for parents who have children with neuromuscular disorders. The following information is included in the Parents Guide. 

For the Parent Guide or more information please contact the MuscleFacts Coordinator via email.

 

The MuscleFacts program relies on volunteer presentation teams, which may include people with physical disabilities, family or friends of people with physical disabilities, health professionals, educators, and Muscular Dystrophy Canada staff. Presenters will lead activities, educate, and answer questions about Muscular Dystrophy and physical disabilities in schools and in classrooms. The target audience may be children, youth, educators, etc, with varying group sizes. Guidance, supplies and activities for presentations will be provided by the MuscleFacts Coordinator.  Click here to find the volunteer presenter position description.

If you would like to be involved as a volunteer presenter for the MuscleFacts program, please contact the MuscleFacts Coordinator via email.