• General Info
• FAQs
• CAN DO Participant & Support Partner Stories
• Flyers
• Contact Info
• 2010 Dates & Locations 
• How to Apply - Programs fill quickly. Please apply by the application deadlines.
• Scholarships
• Program Fee
• Program & Scholarship Applications
• Participant Schedule for Person with MS
• Participant Schedule for Support Partner
• Outcomes-Measurement Study

General Info - 5 Days that Transform Lives

The flagship CAN DO program is an intensive educational program that teaches people with MS and their support partners how to take charge of their lives within the context of their MS. The five-day program goes well beyond traditional health and wellness programs by using a comprehensive spectrum of assessments, active-learning formats and goal setting to actively empower people with MS and their support partners to live their best lives.

Spouses, family members or friends are encouraged to attend the CAN DO program with a person with MS. Special sessions are devoted to this group of support partners, addressing their needs, goals, concerns and challenges.

Comprehensive

• Individualized health/wellness program created for each participant
• Seminars, individual consultations, and exercise workshops with a team of 45 MS specialists
• Development of effective personal and professional goal-setting strategies
• Learning to integrate wellness activities into daily life

Personalized

• Limited to 25 participants and their support partners
• An intimate, nurturing environment that allows for personal attention and care
• Participants come away with individualized lifestyle recommendations

Valuable

• Highly qualified multidisciplinary staff
• 45 hours of individualized attention and educational seminars

Accessible

• CAN DO Programs are offered regularly throughout the U.S.
• Staff is available to answer follow-up questions via phone or e-mail
• Regular website updates

Program

• Five days
• 45 hours of individual and group workshops, seminars and assessments
• Limited to 25 participants and their support partners
• Served by 45 MS specialists

Program Fee

• $2,000 - Scholarships are available. Scholarship Application
• Includes a complete program for support partners
• Includes all meals, program components and materials
• Does not include transportation or lodging

Programs fill quickly. Please apply by the application deadlines.

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FAQs

Who should attend the CAN DO Program?  Can Do Multiple Sclerosis seeks participation in the CAN DO Program from those who are motivated to learn strategies that will allow them to create positive change in their lives.  Participants should be in stable health, physically and emotionally, so the information presented can be incorporated into their lives.  The CAN DO Program is not an appropriate choice during, or immediately following, an exacerbation or other medical or psychological trauma.  Can Do MS reserves the right to deny participation in the CAN DO Program, or any part thereof, to anyone, participant, support partner or observer, who we believe is exhibiting or may exhibit behavior that is unsafe or disrupts or distracts from the educational mission of the program.

Can Do MS does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, creed, sexual orientation, national origin, age or disability in the administration of their acceptance or employment policies.  However, if Can Do MS or any of its agents reasonably determines that a disability or other medical or psychological condition could lead to an inappropriate level of danger to the individual or others based upon particular activity, then that person may be ineligible for that particular workshop, assessment, or other portion of the CAN DO Program but would not be excluded from other opportunities offered by Can Do MS.

Who should come as a support partner?  The support partner aspect of the CAN DO Program is specifically for individuals who are affected by your diagnosis and are 18 years or older.  The support partner role is not an appropriate choice for an individual who has been diagnosed with MS.  If you have a person in mind to bring who has MS, we strongly recommend that both individuals attend the CAN DO Program as participants.  Can Do MS reserves the right to refuse participation in the CAN DO Program, or any part thereof, to a support partner who has been diagnosed with MS or is under the age of 18.

What services are provided at the CAN DO Program?  The CAN DO Program is an educational program and is not a form of medical diagnosis, therapy, or treatment.  Staff employed or contracted by Can Do MS may assess abilities and disabilities for purposes of participation in the program; however, neither Can Do MS nor its staff will provide any diagnosis, therapy or treatment.

Does Can Do Multiple Sclerosis provide physical assistance?  No, if you need physical assistance for any daily activities, such as transfers or dressing, you will be required to bring either a support partner who is accustomed to helping you on a regular basis or a qualified caregiver who has been trained to provide such assistance.   

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CAN DO Flyers

Click on the links below to download and print promotional flyers for you and your friends.

Program Flyer

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Contact Info

Suzanne Vondrell, Programs Coordinator
1-800-367-3101; Ext. 1276

List of Program Staff

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2010 Dates & Locations

Programs fill quickly. Please apply by the application deadlines.  Apply today.

May 12-16 - Modesto, CA

One Night Free Lodging
Apply by Wednesday, March 24, 2010 and receive one night free lodging at the Double Tree Hotel. The last day to apply for the program is Thursday, April 1, 2010.

Fee & Scholarships
Program Fee:  $2,000. Need-based scholarships are available to cover the program costs, including all meals, program components and materials. 

How to Apply
Print an application online or contact Suzanne Vondrell, programs coordinator at 1-800-367-3101; Ext. 1276 to request an application

Held in collabloration with

October 6-10 - Vail, CO

One Night Free Lodging
Apply by August 11, 2010 and receive one night free lodging at the Lodge at Vail. The last day to apply for the program is August 25, 2010.

Fee & Scholarships
Program Fee:  $2,000. Need-based scholarships are available to cover the program costs, including all meals, program components and materials. 

How to Apply
Print an application online or contact Suzanne Vondrell, programs coordinator at 1-800-367-3101; Ext. 1276 to request an application

For more information about the application process...

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How to Apply

Programs fill quickly. Please apply by the application deadlines. Apply today. 

Each applicant will need to provide Can Do MS with the following:

1. A completed and signed application.

• Call Can DO MS at 1-800-367-3101 to request a program application OR
• Download CAN DO Program Application.

2. The Health & Fitness Screening Questionnaire.
3. A signed copy of the Cancellation Policy.
4. Medical records from both your neurologist and your primary care physician covering the last three years. Two copies of the Request for Medical Information form have been provided for your convenience.
5. A letter from your psychotherapist, if currently receiving treatment, recommending your participation in the program.

CAN DO programs are limited to the 25 participants and their support partners. These programs fill quickly, so please apply by the application deadline stated above.

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Scholarships

Need-based scholarships are available for all or part of the Program fee.

Call 1-800-367-3101 or Download CAN DO Scholarship Application.

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Program Fee

• $2,000 - Scholarships are available. Scholarship Application.
• Includes a complete program for support partners
• Includes all meals, program components and materials
• Does not include transportation or lodging

Programs fill quickly. Please apply by the application deadlines.

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Program & Scholarship Applications

• Download CAN DO Application - Any one interested in attending a CAN DO Program must complete a program application.
• Download CAN DO Scholarship Application - Any one interested in receiving a scholarship must complete a program application and scholarship application.

Contact: Suzanne Vondrell for program information - (800) 367-3101 ext. 1276

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Participant Schedule for Person with MS

You are an active participant in this program. Throughout the five days you will be asked to look at what you are learning and see how you can use the information in your life. The more you consider how you would like to integrate activities, strategies or ideas into your life, the more we can accomplish together. This schedule is based on previous CAN DO Programs, individual programs may vary.

WEDNESDAY—DAY 1
7:00 - 8:00 AM Breakfast
7:30 - 8:00 AM Registration
8:00 - 8:30 AM Welcome & Orientation
8:30 - 9:45 AM Workshop: Why Are You Here?
10:00 AM - 12:00 PM Individual Health Screens
12:00 - 1:00 PM Lunch
1:15 - 2:30 PM Lecture: Living with the Challenge: Psychological Aspects
2:45 – 3:45 PM Workshop: Stretching †
4:00 - 5:00 PM Workshop: Complementary & Alternative Medicine
5:15 - 6:15 PM Participant Group
Group discussion for participants only led by a Can Do MS psychologist
6:30 – 7:30 PM Dinner

† Indicates a session requiring comfortable clothing

THURSDAY—DAY 2
7:00 - 8:00 AM Physical Assessment*: Blood Chemistry—Do not eat after 10:00 PM on Wednesday in preparation for this assessment.
8:15 - 9:15 AM Breakfast
9:30 - 11:45 AM Lecture: MS: Facts, Treatment & Research
12:00 - 1:00 PM Lunch
1:15 - 4:30 PM The following physical assessments will be scheduled during this time:* † Strength, Flexibility, Gait, Vision & Lung Function
1:15 - 4:30 PM One or more of the following may be scheduled during this time:* Psychological Interview, Individual Sessions with Can Do MS Consultants—Consultations are scheduled through your team leader.
4:30 - 5:30 PM Lecture: Exercise in MS
5:30 - 6:30 PM Participant Group
Group discussion for participants only led by a Can Do MS psychologist
6:30 - 7:30 PM Dinner

FRIDAY—DAY 3
7:00 - 8:00 AM Breakfast
8:00 AM - 12:00 PM One or more of the following may be scheduled during this time:* Fitness Assessment—A submaximal graded fitness assessment † • Psychological Interview • Individual Neurology Q & A • Swimming Workshop † • Educational Sessions with Can Do MS Consultants Consultations are scheduled through your team leader.
12:00 - 1:00 PM Lunch
1:15 - 2:15 PM Lecture: Nutrition
2:30 - 3:30 PM Workshop † Swiss Ball
3:30 - 4:30 PM Integration Time †
4:45 - 6:15 PM Lecture: Bladder Management & Issues in Sexual Function
6:30 - 7:30 PM Dinner

SATURDAY—DAY 4
7:00 - 8:00 AM Breakfast
8:00 AM - 12:00 PM One or more of the following may be scheduled during this time:* Fitness Assessment—A submaximal graded fitness assessment † • Psychological Interview • Individual Neurology Q & A • Swimming Workshop † • Educational Sessions with Can Do MS Consultants Consultations are scheduled through your team leader.
12:00 - 1:00 PM Lunch
1:15 - 2:15 PM Lecture: Where Do You Want to Start?
2:00 – 6:00 PM Summary Consultations/Practice Sessions* †
6:30 - 8:00 PM Dinner with Teams & Continuation Ceremony

SUNDAY—DAY 5
7:00 – 8:30 AM Breakfast & Good-byes
• Opportunity to say good-bye to new friends & share your thoughts about the program with staff.
• Win prizes!! Just turn in your completed feedback questionnaire & be entered to win.

* Indicates individual sessions ranging from 10 minutes to 1 hour are scheduled during this block of time.

† Indicates a session requiring comfortable clothing

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Participant Schedule for Support Partner

You are an active participant in this program. Throughout the five days you will be asked to look at what you are learning and see how you can use the information in your life. The more you consider how you would like to integrate activities, strategies or ideas into your life, the more we can accomplish together. This schedule is based upon previous CAN DO Programs, individual programs may vary.

WEDNESDAY—DAY 1
7:00 - 8:00 AM Breakfast
7:30 - 8:00 AM Registration
8:00 - 8:30 AM Welcome & Orientation
8:30 – 9:45 AM Workshop: Why Are You Here?
10:00 - 11:30 AM Support Partner Session: Group discussion for support partners only, led by a Can Do MS psychologist.
12:00 - 1:00 PM Lunch
1:15 - 2:30 PM Lecture: Living with the Challenge: Psychological Aspects
2:45 – 3:45 PM Workshop †: Stretching
4:00 – 5:00 PM Workshop: Complementary & Alternative Medicine
6:30 - 7:30 PM Dinner

† Indicates a session requiring comfortable clothing

THURSDAY—DAY 2
7:00 - 8:00 AM Optional Physical Assessment* • Blood Chemistry—Do not eat after 10:00 PM on Wednesday in preparation for this assessment. • There is an additional charge for participation.
8:15 - 9:15 AM Breakfast
9:30 - 11:45 AM Lecture: MS: Facts, Treatment & Research
12:00 - 1:00 PM Lunch
1:15 – 2:45 PM Support Partner Session: • Group discussion for support partners only, led by a Can Do MS psychologist.
2:45 - 4:30 PM You may choose to accompany your partner to the sessions (Educational Sessions with Can Do MS Consultants) they may have scheduled during this time.*
4:30 - 5:30 PM Lecture: Exercise in MS
6:30 - 7:30 PM Dinner

FRIDAY—DAY 3
7:00 - 8:00 AM Breakfast
8:00 - 9:30 AM Support Partner Session: Group discussion for support partners only, led by a Can Do MS psychologist.
9:30 AM - 12:00 PM You may choose to accompany your partner to one of the following sessions that they may have scheduled during this time:* Fitness Assessment • Individual Neurology Q & A • Swimming Workshop † • Educational Sessions with Can Do MS Consultants
12:00 - 1:00 PM Lunch
1:15 - 2:15 PM Lecture: Nutrition
2:30 - 3:30 PM Workshop †: Swiss Ball
3:30 – 4:30 PM Support Partner Q&A Session: Group Q&A session for support partners only, led by Can Do MS neurologists.
4:45 - 6:15 PM Lecture: Bladder Management & Issues in Sexual Function
6:30 - 7:30 PM Dinner

SATURDAY—DAY 4
7:00 - 8:00 AM Breakfast
8:00 - 9:30 AM Support Partner Session: Group discussion for support partners only, led by a Can Do MS psychologist.
9:30 AM - 12:00 PM You may choose to accompany your partner to one of the following that they may have scheduled during this time:* • Fitness Assessment • Individual Neurology Q & A • Swimming Workshop † • Educational Sessions with Can Do MS Consultants
12:00 - 1:00 PM Lunch
1:15 - 2:15 PM Lecture: Where Do You Want to Start?
2:00 – 6:00 PM Summary Consultations/Practice Sessions
6:30 - 7:30 PM Dinner & Continuation Ceremony

SUNDAY—DAY 5
7:00 – 8:30 AM Breakfast & Good-byes
• Opportunity to say good-bye to new friends and share your thoughts about the program with staff.
• Win prizes!! Just turn in your completed feedback questionnaire to enter.

* Indicates individual sessions ranging from 10 minutes to 1 hour are scheduled during this block of time.

† Indicates a session requiring comfortable clothing

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Outcomes-Measurement Study

Can Do MS is analyzing data collected from last year’s CAN DO program participants with MS as part of its outcomes-measurement study launched in 2007. The initial analysis will determine whether the data collected from participants with MS is a large enough sample to scientifically validate the effectiveness of the CAN DO programs. Results from this analysis should be available February 2008.

Further analysis of the outcomes study is to measure the short- and long-term effects of Can Do MS's CAN DO programs. The study examines self-efficacy1, general health and physical activity in program participants with MS2 to determine how they incorporate the CAN DO program’s methods for managing MS in their daily lives after the program.

For 25 years Can Do MS has received qualitative and anecdotal feedback from program participants stating that they gained positive health perception, improved satisfaction with life, stress reduction, ability to cope, and enhanced self-efficacy and sense of hope. This study’s results will quantify Can Do MSs impact on people living with MS.

To measure the CAN DO program’s longevity of effect, the study examines the participants’ responses prior to program participation and compares their responses one, three and six months after program participation. Can Do MS will continue to measure the longevity of effect in all 2008 program participants and start examining participants’ responses 12 months after program participation.

The tools used to measure the CAN DO program’s longevity of effect on program participants are:

• Multiple Sclerosis Self-Efficacy Scale – A validated tool that assesses psychological adjustment and quality of life of individuals with MS
• Physical Activity Scale for Individuals for Disabilities – A validated physical activity survey designed to assess physical activity in individuals with physical disabilities
• General Health – Health status questionnaire that has been tested and validated extensively

1. Self-efficacy refers to one’s degree of confidence in one’s ability to perform behaviors or management strategies related to a specific situation or condition. Thus, it reflects a perception of capability rather than measuring the actual performance of the capability.

Defined by: Carolyn E. Schwartz, ScD, Linda Coulthard-Morris, MA, Qi Zeng, MS, Paul Retzlaff, PhD in a 1996 article Measuring Self-Efficacy in People with MS: A Validation Study

For example, a person with high self-efficacy may engage in a more health-related activity when an illness occurs, whereas a person with low self-efficacy would result in feelings of hopelessness.

2. The outcomes study examines self-efficacy, general health and physical activity in people with MS, not their support partners. In the future, Can Do MS might examine its impact on support partners as well.

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