News Release: new transportation supplement provides annual bus pass for provincial disability recipients

October 2, 2017 by DABC

The BC Government has announced that beginning Jan. 1, 2018, annual bus passes will be available to people on disability assistance through a new transportation supplement.

The Ministry of Social Development and Poverty Reduction has issued a media release with more details, which can be accessed here on the BC Government website or downloaded here in PDF format.

From the media release:

“People who have the Persons with Disabilities (PWD) designation can use the new supplement for an annual bus pass or for other transportation needs, such as HandyDART.

As individual needs can change over time the supplement will also provide flexibility. People can apply for the B.C. Bus Pass at any time during the year. They can also cancel their bus pass at any time and use the supplement for other transportation costs.

The new supplement responds to requests from the disability community to fix changes that were made to transportation supports for people on disability assistance. Government committed to addressing their concerns and consulted with stakeholders on the best approach.

The transportation supplement is $52 per month and will be on monthly assistance payments, starting with the Dec. 20, 2017, payment. It is expected to cost government approximately $70 million annually.

The B.C. Bus Pass can be used in both TransLink and BC Transit areas.”

Jane Dyson, executive director, Disability Alliance BC –

“Disability Alliance BC is pleased with today’s announcement of a new $52-monthly transportation supplement for people with disabilities receiving assistance. The additional $52, on top of the recently implemented rate increase, and increase to the annualized earnings exemption are very encouraging first steps from B.C.’s new provincial government. We appreciate the fact that the minister consulted and listened to stakeholders in designing the new supplement and look forward to working with his ministry to develop more poverty-reduction initiatives.””

Accessible Voting Information: Vancouver By-Election

September 28, 2017 by DABC

DABC has received the following information from the City of Vancouver Election Office regarding the upcoming Vancouver By-Election:
 
1. Persons with a physical disability, illness, or injury that affects their ability to vote in person can now apply to vote by mail on the City’s website: https://vancouver.ca/your-government/vote-by-mail.aspx. 
2. There will be an assistive ballot marking device available during both days of advance voting at Vancouver City Hall, on October 4th and 10th, from 8 am to 8 pm. The device has the following features to supports users:
• Audio instructions
• Tactile interface with Grade 1 Braille
• Use of sip and puff, paddles or head pointer
• Screen that enables users to increase the size of text and contrast levels
3. On Election Day, October 14th, curbside voting is available for people who are physically unable to enter a voting place. Persons wishing to use this service can send someone into the voting station to request assistance or call the City’s 3-1-1 information centre to request a staff person come out to them
4. Voters requiring assistance are able to bring someone with them to help cast their ballot or can request assistance from staff working at any voting location
 
More information on how to vote and candidate profiles are available on the City’s website: http://vancouver.ca/byelection

New Future Planning Tool

September 27, 2017 by DABC

Plan Institute and Prosper Canada have launched the online Future Planning Tool to help persons with disabilities and those who support them to plan for the future. The Future Planning Tool is intended to promote long-term well-being for Canadians with disabilities by helping them and their families to accomplish their future planning goals, including financial planning, housing, relationships and more. Try the tool out for yourself: https://goo.gl/51oKXw