A major accomplishment of this group was to ensure that each veteran casualty was to have his own wheelchair supplied by the Department of Veterans Affairs. Canadian Paraplegic Association advocated for the purchase of a newer prototype chair that had not been accepted in many circles. The Association persisted and these chairs made of metal and not of wood and that folded in the middle were purchased.
Veterans were similarly domiciled in hospitals throughout Canada and local branches of the organization developed. Their goal was to move these veterans from these institutions to live independently in the community.
The Atlantic Canada Division was founded by, the late Donald E. Curren C.M., Q.C., L.L.D. in 1952. He served as Executive Director until his retirement in 1984. By that time a division had been established in each of the Atlantic Provinces and he retired as Executive Director of the Nova Scotia Division. He held honorary doctorate degrees from both Saint Mary's University and Dalhousie University as well as being a member of the Order of Canada.
After the retirement of Dr. Curren, long time employee John M. Rogers became Executive Director until his retirement in 1990. The Association hosted an International Medical Symposium in 1990. Also, that year the Association became provincially incorporated in Nova Scotia.
The current Executive Director is Laughlin J. Rutt. He is only the third Executive Director in over forty five years. All three Executive Directors have been paraplegic, giving the organization a complete history of consumer input and control unmatched in other organizations.
Mr. Rutt has established a number of community based partnerships with other agencies and has upgraded the regional office in Sydney to a status equal to the other office in the province.
The Association has faced many challenges over the last decade. It has attempted to remain client driven while providing a more professional service.
Largely funded through charitable dollars, the Association spends much of its funds directly on the provision of its counselling service. The Association has chosen to fund this project because of its importance to its clients. For donations to continue the work of the Association, including memorials or bequests, please contact our offices.
