ArtWorks Program Artist Tanya Steinhausen Holding Exhibition

Managing your finances can be challenging for anyone, but for individuals with disabilities and their families, it can be especially daunting. From covering daily living expenses to planning for the future, costs can add up quickly. Fortunately, there are several financial aids available in British Columbia designed to ease some of these burdens and provide much-needed support. In this blog series, we explore key financial aids that can make a significant difference in the lives of people with disabilities. We’ll cover the Disability Tax Credit (DTC), Persons with Disabilities (PWD) benefits, the Registered Disability Savings Plan (RDSP), and the services provided by Community Living BC (CLBC). Each support offers unique benefits, and understanding how to access them can help provide financial security and peace of mind. Whether you’re just starting to explore these options or are looking for detailed application guidance, this series provides the information you need to navigate these important resources. Key Financial Supports: Disability Tax Credit (DTC): The Disability Tax Credit (DTC) is a critical financial aid for and individuals with disabilities their families offered by the federal government. This non-refundable tax credit reduces the amount of income tax owed, providing significant tax relief. The DTC also serves as a gateway to other important programs, such as the Registered Disability Savings Plan (RDSP) and the Child Disability Benefit (CDB) . However, despite its importance, the DTC is underutilized. In the 2019 tax year, approximately 1.2 million Canadians claimed the DTC, but estimates suggest that only 40% to 50% of eligible Canadians are accessing this credit. Barriers such as the complexity of the application process may contribute to this lower uptake. For more details, you can refer to the Canada Revenue Agency’s page on the Disability Tax Credit. To qualify a person must have a severe and prolonged impairment in physical or mental functions, as certified by a medical practitioner. Once approved, the DTC can also be transferred to a supporting family member if the person with the disability does not need the full credit. Persons with Disabilities (PWD) Benefits : For adults with disabilities in British Columbia, the Persons with Disabilities (PWD) benefits program offers essential financial support to help cover daily living costs . This includes a monthly payment to assist with expenses like housing, food, and clothing. As of 2021, over 120,000 British Columbians were receiving PWD benefits , reflecting a steady increase in the number of people accessing this support. The program also offers supplementary benefits , such as medical coverage, dental and optical services, and transportation supplements. These benefits are designed to reduce out-of-pocket expenses for necessary services and improve the overall quality of life for recipients. Eligibility for PWD benefits requires meeting specific criteria related to age, residency, and medical diagnosis. Once approved, the support can be a lifeline for those who may have limited income due to their disability. More information , including application forms, can be found on the BC Government’s website. Registered Disability Savings Plan (RDSP): The Registered Disability Savings Plan (RDSP) is a powerful tool for long-term financial security for individuals with disabilities. It is a savings plan specifically designed to provide future financial stability, with contributions matched by government grants and bonds. Despite its benefits, the RDSP is underutilized. As of 2020, approximately 204,000 RDSP accounts had been opened across Canada, representing only a fraction of the estimated 1.8 million Canadians eligible for the Disability Tax Credit (DTC), which is required to open an RDSP. Many eligible families do not take advantage of this program, often due to a lack of awareness or the perceived complexity of the process. The RDSP is particularly beneficial because the funds within the plan grow tax-free until withdrawal. Government contributions can be substantial, with the Canada Disability Savings Grant (CDSG) matching contributions up to 300%, and the Canada Disability Savings Bond (CDSB) providing additional funds for low-income families. More details on the RDSP and how to apply are available on the Government of Canada’s RDSP page . Community Living BC (CLBC) Services : Community Living BC (CLBC) is a provincial organization that provides vital support services to adults with developmental disabilities in British Columbia. CLBC offers a range of services , including funding for adult day programs, supported employment, residential services, and community inclusion activities. CLBC services are tailored to the individual needs of the person with a disability, ensuring they receive the right support to live as independently and fully as possible. It’s important to start the application process as early as possible, ideally within six months of the applicant turning 19, to avoid gaps in funding and support. Funding is arranged through service agreements with local providers, and eligibility is determined through an intake and assessment process. For families transitioning from high school to adult services, CLBC plays a crucial role in ensuring that the necessary supports are in place. You can learn more and access the application process on the CLBC website . Conclusion: These financial aids and supports are invaluable resources for individuals with disabilities and their families in British Columbia. By understanding and accessing the Disability Tax Credit (DTC), Persons with Disabilities (PWD) benefits, the Registered Disability Savings Plan (RDSP), and Community Living BC (CLBC) services, you can help alleviate financial pressures and plan for a more secure future.

Jenny has had a sign language goal for a little while during her time at Garth Homer. Improving her sign language skills and knowledge is something important to her and her family. Jenny has a good understanding of a few words but has been challenging herself to learn more. This year we are focusing on new words that are common in her daily vocabulary as well as others that might be less common. She is in a sign language group with two friends from the Dreams Team and their teacher Dorothy once a week as well as has her own one-on-one time with a staff to practice new signs once a week. During her time with Dorothy, they focus on signs she knows as well as new ones, so she has time to practice and get comfortable with each word. This is a great time for her and her friends to practice patience, turn taking and listening. They get options to choose the topic and answer questions from Dorothy. Jenny was noticeably more confident in her signs and memory. It used to be that I would show her the sign before she would remember how to do it but now if Dorothy asks her to do a sign Jenny can show it very easily and quickly on her own! It has been great to see her grow and be more confident in her abilities to use these signs. Once a week Jenny and her staff utilize the quiet space in Room #7 and focus on sign language for about 30 minutes. This is a chance for her to choose the signs to practice herself and have no distractions. Her staff will often help hand over hand while she learns the new signs and practices the right movement. This has been a wonderful time to see her expand her vocabulary in a quiet setting. Through her hard work it has been wonderful to witness her using and repeating her signs more in her day-to-day activities. While going through her schedule in the morning with her staff she is practicing the signs for each activity. I have also witnessed her using her signs independently through her days to communicate well with her staff and peers! Jenny is pushing herself and learning lots through these two weekly programs. As a team, we are very excited for what’s to come in her sign language journey.

The presented image provides insight into the Mozart Team's essence, emphasising the team's focus on fostering a sense of belonging through the establishment and cultivation of friendships within the community. In particular, the depicted individuals have formed a special bond, mutually contributing to each other's perception as a good friend, a helpful companion, and a kind-hearted individual. This interconnection goes beyond mere camaraderie; it plays a pivotal role in shaping the self-perception of each individual involved. By engaging in reciprocal acts of friendship and support, these interactions afford individuals the opportunity to perceive themselves beyond their behaviours. Consequently, the development of a collective sense of community within the program becomes evident. The camaraderie between these two individuals is notably characterised by their remarkable qualities as friends. Their genuine care and thoughtfulness towards each other serve as a testament to the positive impact of their relationship. Moreover, their shared appreciation for mischievousness and a robust sense of humour creates an environment where laughter and joy become integral components of their interactions.  These instances of mutual understanding and shared joy contribute significantly to the overall ethos of the Mozart Team. They underscore the program's commitment to creating a supportive and inclusive community where individuals not only find companionship but also discover facets of themselves that extend beyond their observable behaviours. The showcased camaraderie exemplifies the team's dedication to building a positive and affirming environment that fosters personal growth and a genuine sense of community among its members..