October 2, 2017
October is RDSP Awareness month and we are thrilled to be able to share this news release from the BC Government mentioning the hard work of the Access RDSP partnership which includes BCANDS, DABC and Plan Institute, with the support of the Vancouver Foundation.
Here are some highlights from the release:
The RDSP Action Group, an advisory committee that includes community leaders who are champions of the RDSP, continues to drive awareness and uptake of the RDSP program. In 2016, some members of the RDSP Action Group – Plan Institute, Disability Alliance BC and the British Columbia Aboriginal Network on Disability Society – with the support of the Vancouver Foundation – launched an innovative four-year project partnership called Access RDSP to provide direct assistance to British Columbians with all the aspects of opening an RDSP.
“Access RDSP is a unique partnership that is making real change for people with disabilities in B.C.,” said Norah Flaherty, chair of the RDSP Action Group. “In just over a year, Access RDSP has helped thousands of eligible individuals open RDSPs and get on the path to a more financially secure future.”
Access RDSP offers individuals and families one-on-one help with RDSPs and the Disability Tax Credit, free RDSP information sessions, a disability planning hotline, Indigenous navigation supports, and distributes the Endowment 150 grant to jump-start RDSP savings. Since launching Access RDSP, the partners have reached over 7,300 people, directly connecting them with the supports and resources they need to open an RDSP. Further, 85% of people supported through Access RDSP have either successfully opened an RDSP or are actively engaged in the process.
You can read the full release here.
For more information on Access RDSP and how to access the services, click here.
