Disabled Community Connection Network (DCCN) is a monthly communication and information group for people of all ages (16+) with any disability. This group is hosted by the North Shore Disability Resource Centre. This group is facilitated by and for people with disabilities.

The next group is March 15, 4:00PM – 6:00PM.  To facilitate accessible transit requirements the meeting will be held at PeerNet BC, #408-602 West Hastings, Vancouver. PeerNetBC is an accessible space, please let us know of any other accessibility requirements you might have in advance of the meeting.

The session will focus on the topic of, “Navigating the world of work as a totally blind individual.” This session will feature Patricia Elgersma, is currently a Project Manager and has worked at HSBC Bank Canada for the past 5 years. She has been totally blind since birth. When she is not working, she plays flute in the Vancouver Community Concert Band. She will be speaking about her experience being part of the workforce as a blind individual.

ASL Interpretation and food is provided! The space is also wheelchair accessible. Please let us know of any accommodations and dietary needs you require. Please email s.klassen@nsdrc.org or call 604-904-4088 to register.

As of February 26, 2018, the Canada Revenue Agency has opened up online filing of personal income tax returns for the 2017 tax year. There are lots of reasons to file your taxes, even if you have a low income.  Keeping up-to-date on your tax returns gives you access to benefits and services such as:

• GST Credits and the BC Low Income Climate Action Tax Credit;
• Child Tax Benefits
• Registered Disability Savings Plan Grants and Bonds, and;
• Other income tested programs including subsidized housing and MSP Premium Assistance coverage.

There are several great free tax filing options available if you have a simple tax situation.  Many communities in BC have free tax clinics.  The CRA keeps a list of volunteer tax filing clinics on its website at:
http://www.cra-arc.gc.ca/tx/ndvdls/vlntr/clncs/bc-eng.html.

Do you cringe at the thought of preparing your tax return?  If so, Tax Aid DABC may be able to help!  We can file up to 10 years of simple tax returns for people who receive provincial disability benefits (PWD or PPMB), no matter where in BC they live.  We can also provide information about and assistance accessing the Disability Tax Credit for anyone in BC who would be eligible to open the Registered Disability Savings Plan if they are approved for the Disability Tax Credit.

Are you comfortable using a computer? If so, you can prepare and file your tax return yourself using one of the multiple income tax preparation programs available.  One option we like is Simple Tax (https://simpletax.ca/) a by-donation service that you can access through an internet browser. We’ve produced a handy help sheet in several languages about how to file your return using this program.  You can find it on our website: www.disabilityalliancebc.org.

We’re here to help you access the tax benefits you are entitled to.  If you or someone you know receives PWD or PPMB benefits and needs help catching up on filing their income taxes, contact Tax AID DABC at: taxaid@disabilityalliancebc.therightfitbc.org or call (604) 872-1278 or toll free at: 1-800-663-1278.

DABC has received the following information about an upcoming Poverty Reduction Community Meeting in the Downtown Eastside.

Hello from SPARC BC,

We hope that you will join us and participate in a Community Meeting for B.C’s first Poverty Reduction Strategy that will take place in Vancouver, BC.

Date and Time:  Saturday March 10, 2018 from  10:00 AM to 1:00 PM
Location: Ray-Cam Co-Operative Centre, 920 E Hastings Street, Vancouver, BC V6A 3T1

You are invited to come and talk about how to reduce poverty in your community and the province. We want to know:

• What are the issues facing you and people in poverty right now?
• What would work to help you and people out of poverty?

Your ideas will help inform B.C.’s Poverty Reduction Strategy.

The Social Planning and Research Council of BC (SPARC BC) has been engaged to plan and deliver these community meetings on behalf of the Ministry of Social Development and Poverty Reduction.

Please pre-register for the event by e-mailing:
https://povertyreductioncommunitymeeting-vancouver-dtes.eventbrite.ca
A hot meal will be provided.

Supports are available to help you participate, including transportation, child care, disability and healthy supports, as well as secure storage for belongings.

If you need supports to participate, please contact Jayd by phone at 604-718-7745 or email: Vancouver_DTES_Poverty_Meeting@sparc.bc.ca

Please help us spread the word in your community.

Learn more about the BC Poverty Reduction Strategy and find other ways to share your ideas by visiting: https://engage.gov.bc.ca/bcpovertyreduction/

If you have any questions or comments that you would like to share around the event please do not hesitate to reach out.

We have also received information about other Community Meetings in Greater Vancouver and the Fraser Valley: