NDP's response to DABC questions to party leaders

DABC sent a number of questions to party leaders in the 2020 BC Election to learn more about how each of the parties would address certain disability-related issues.

We have just received a response from the BC NDP, which you can view here: https://disabilityalliancebc.therightfitbc.org/dabc-response/

If we receive any further responses, we will post them here.

Research study on the ICBC claims process

ICBC would like to invite you to participate in a research study to share your claims experience and thoughts on how the claims process can be improved.The research study will be anonymous and you will never be identified to ICBC by participating or by reaching out to participate.

This research is being conducted by experienced third-party research firms, Canada Market Research and Upwords, and does not involve direct conversations with ICBC.

If you are interested in participating in this research, please reach out directly to Tessie Giannaris from Canada Market Research, tessie@canadamarketresearch.com, by Friday, October 23rd, 2020 with your full name and a phone number where you can be contacted to discuss this further. Your identity will not be disclosed to other participants or to ICBC through participation in this study.

For more info: https://disabilityalliancebc.therightfitbc.org/icbc-customer-research-study/

Access RDSP calls for better access to the DTC & RDSP on the International Day for the Eradication of Poverty

Each year, October 17 marks the International Day for the Eradication of Poverty. In a year where we’ve seen the effects of COVID-19 disproportionately impact the most vulnerable communities all over the world, we advocate for the need to reassess the ways in which current polices in Canada serve our communities.

There is a lot to be done. For #RDSPAwareness Month, we recognize how people with disabilities living on low incomes face added barriers in achieving long term financial security.

While the development of the Registered Disability Savings Plan (RDSP) has become one poverty reduction strategy that can alleviate long-term financial strain, many people still do not have access to the plan, in part because of the costs associated with applying for the Disability Tax Credit (DTC)—the primary eligibility criteria to open the RDSP.

There are currently no regulations in place to help alleviate the fees medical practitioners charge when helping their clients fill out the DTC application form. While this may not be insurmountable for all applicants, paying a fee is not always possible for those with very low incomes.

On the International Day for the Eradication of Poverty this year, the Access RDSP partnership sent a letter to Minister Diane Lebouthillier and asks that these barriers be addressed to help those in most need of financial support gain access to programs that would benefit them. Everyone deserves a chance to save for their future.

Please see our letter here: https://disabilityalliancebc.therightfitbc.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/Access-RDSP-Letter-to-Minister-Lebouthillier-DTC-physician-fees-Final3.pdf

In recognition of the intersections between health and financial well-being, these changes are needed to begin the process of health and financial health equity.

If you would like to join us in support of this issue, please email rdsp@disabilityalliancebc.therightfitbc.org.