DABC has received the following notice from Kwantlen Polytechnic University:

Introduction to Parts and Warehousing Foundation for People with Disabilities.

Overview: This is a six week pilot program introducing disabled people to the parts and warehousing industry. It will focus on the basics of warehousing and an introduction to the parts industry. The program has been developed with the disabled student in mind. It is assumed that students may wish to carry on training into the full parts and warehousing foundation program, where a more in depth study of the industry is completed.
Content will include but is not limited to:

• Introduction to apprenticeship
• Careers in Parts and Warehousing
• Study Skills
• Safety skills and knowledge
• Introduction to: warehousing, the parts industry, parts and warehousing tools and
equipment, parts catalogues, measuring and measuring tools
• WHMIS
• Introduction to Transportation of Dangerous Goods (TDG)
• Introduction to trade related math
• Resume writing and interview skills

Upon successful completion, students will receive a Statement of Completion.
This program will run February 1, 2016 to March 11, 2016

Pilot Dates: Feb 1, 2016- March 11, 2016
Instructional Hours: Monday through Thursday 8:00 am to 3:00 pm
Seat Availability: Limited to 12
Cost/tuition: No charge.
Books: Approximately 200.00
Supplies: Students will need to purchase steel toed work shoes. Students will need a computer memory stick, and various pens, markers.
Means of Assessment: Ongoing evaluation through completion of tasks and participation in activities. Students are expected to maintain a high level of participation and attendance to complete the program.
Expected Outcome/Certificate: Grading system of mastery and a certificate of completion of the program.
Pre-requisites/Requirements: Individuals will be evaluated for suitability for entrance to the program by the instructor.
Class Size: 12
Course Developer: Mary Wilton

For more information contact Mary Wilton at 604-598-6136 before Dec. 18th 2015

Disability Alliance BC (DABC) is writing a guide to disclosure in the workplace for people with all types of disabilities. Disclosing Your Disability: A Guide for People with Disabilities In BC will address legal rights and responsibilities of disclosure and provide a reference list of sample accommodations and resources.

DABC is seeking employers to talk to about their experiences with employees with disabilities. Do you have a “success story” you would be willing to share? Do you have preferences or recommendations regarding when or how employees or job applicants disclose their disability or chronic illness? What should employees/job applicants know when disclosing their disability to employers/prospective employers?

You may participate anonymously.

Contact Shelley at DABC: Shelley@DisabilityAllianceBC.org or phone 604-875-0188.

November 2015

Dear Community Partner,

Starting December 1^st 2015, people receiving the Persons with Disabilities benefit (PWD) will be able to have up to $100,000 in assets without it impacting their eligibility for assistance. For couples where both individuals have the PWD designation this amount will be $200,000. In addition PWD recipients will be able to receive cash gifts without it impacting their disability designation. As well, the annual cap of $8,000 on trust payments wiIl be eliminated.

DABC believes this change represents a very positive and significant change to the way in which the Province provides disability assistance to British Columbians with disabilities. It will give people with disabilities who receive assistance more flexibility, choice, dignity, and hope for the future. DABC congratulates and thanks the Province for making this innovative change.

The change means that families and friends of people with disabilities will be able to provide financial support to their loved ones without impacting their eligibility for assistance. It will also help people with disabilities who have fewer financial resources or opportunities. DABC receives requests for help from many PWD recipients who find themselves in difficult situations when it comes to financial windfalls.

People call us for help when they have been left a few thousand dollars. A relatively small amount, it can be both a wonderful event and a great challenge to someone receiving disability assistance. The amount is often too small to make it feasible to open a trust, but too high to remain eligible for assistance.

Often they will have to leave assistance for a month or two until they fall below the $5,000 asset limit. It’s very sad to see these wasted opportunities for people with so few resources. This will all change on December 1^st. For more information on the Ministry’s announcement, please go to: https://news.gov.bc.ca/releases/2015SDSI0069-001847

While DABC is thrilled about this change, we will continue to urge the Province to increase the PWD rates. An increase to the PWD rates is long overdue and needs to be urgently addressed.

Over the next while we will be updating all of our publications to reflect this change to the rules on assets for PWD recipients.

Best regards,

Val Stapleton, Membership and Outreach Coordinator
Jane Dyson, Executive Director