Announcing Three Initiatives to Advance the RDSP
Our Community Program We’re launching a new program targeting community organizations, because we think that the most effective way of reaching people with disabilities is through the organizations that they know and trust.
Community organizations may not have the time to tell everyone about the Registered Disability Savings Plan (RDSP), so we want to make it easy.
The Community Program can be accessed through our website in three simple steps:
1. Get Connected
Visit our website, sign up, and you will receive our community package (by e-mail or mail). You will also have immediate access to our library.
2. Get Your People Informed
- Download materials to distribute to your members and staff.
- Schedule a telephone seminar or webinar.
- Access our Help Desk by e-mail, phone or live chat.
3. Get Your Members Qualified
We provide:
- A free assessment of members’ tax and disability status.
- Support to prepare, file and defend Disability Tax Credit applications.
- Assistance to file taxes and choose a Holder.
Our Professional Program
Lawyers, accountants, financial planners, physicians and other professionals have clients who may be able to benefit from the RDSP. Many professionals would like to help but don’t have the time to learn all of the details about the RDSP. That’s where our Professional Program can be of assistance. After accessing the program through our new website, you will receive our professional package as well as updates by e-mail. You can also download or order brochures and content for your clients/ patients, and schedule a telephone seminar or webinar to get information for your team. With the Professional Program, you will be able to support your clients in setting up their RDSP and utilizing it to its full potential. You can consult with us regarding the technical aspects of the RDSP, future planning, taxation and disability benefits, and/or refer your clients to our Help Desk for support by e-mail, phone or live chat.
Our Public Policy Work
We think that there are several changes that will make the RDSP easier to access and useful for more people. Here is what we are doing to help:
RDSP Review
Minister Flaherty announced in his recent budget that the Federal Government would undertake a review of the RDSP. It is well known that changes are more valuable when the people impacted by the change are consulted. To that end, we’d like to hear what you have to say about the RDSP, and we have created a blog where you can post your ideas and comments. Visit our new website (rdspresource.ca), read what others are thinking, and let us know what you think.
Legal Capacity
Adults who are deemed not to have legal capacity are deterred from opening an RDSP. In all provinces (except B.C.), they must engage the legal system to have an “adult guardian” appointed. This is costly, intrusive and demeaning. We are currently working with community groups (like the Canadian Association for Community Living) to identify and advance solutions. Check out our website for more information.
Children in the Care of Child Welfare Authorities
It is hard to imagine a more disadvantaged and vulnerable group than children and youth with disabilities who are cared for by child-welfare authorities. These children have significant needs and no family support. Often the support from the government that they receive as children ends when they become adults—this includes the government’s management of their RDSPs. We have worked with several organizations on a pilot project to investigate solutions to this problem, and we are currently exploring the options. Visit our website for more information.
