Researchers with the Pandemics and Borders Project (Simon Fraser University) and the Border Policy Research Institute (Western Washington University) are conducting a survey to better understand the impact of public health measures applied to travel between Canada and the United States during the COVID-19 pandemic, between March 2020 and May 2023. They are, in particular, interested in the experiences and perceptions of equity-deserving communities including people with disabilities.
They are studying the impacts of four types of travel measures: travel restrictions (to control who is and who is not allowed to travel), testing requirements, quarantine (to separate infected or potentially infected travellers), and vaccination (to limit travel by unvaccinated individuals). Their research will support policy-making about the effective use of cross-border measures during pandemics.
You can participate by filling out a survey, which is available here: https://pilotsurveysfu.limesurvey.net/855841?lang=en. To be eligible to complete the survey, those interested must be 18 years or older and have resided in the US or Canada between March 2020 and May 2023.
The Spring 2024 edition of Transitionmagazine is here!
The theme of this edition is Challenges and Supports for Newcomers with Disabilities.
Download it from our website in PDF format here and in text only format here.
OurTransition team is always glad to receive feedback and to consider articles or creative work from our community partners and from people living with a disability.
Since 1977, Disability Alliance BC (DABC) has been a provincial, cross-disability voice in British Columbia. We champion issues impacting the lives of people with disabilities through our direct services, community partnerships, advocacy, research, and publications.
Our mission: to support people, with all disabilities, to live with dignity, independence, and as equal and full participants in the community.
Program Description
Tax AID DABC partners with the Together Against Poverty Society, the Ki-Low-Na Friendship Society, and the Active Support Against Poverty Society, to provide free support to people with disabilities across BC to file their taxes.
Job Description
DABC is seeking several volunteers who are passionate about community work to join our Tax AID program, year-round. Volunteers will work one-on-one to assist people with disabilities with their income taxes, with supervision of the Senior Tax Advocate. Volunteers will work remotely and will be able to set their own schedule.
Skills and Assets
Successful Volunteers must have:
2+ years of experience with client tax filling, including self-employment taxes
Good computer and technology skills; (Microsoft Office Suite, experience working with UFile is an asset)
Excellent attention to detail
Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
A strong desire to help and serve our community of people with disabilities
An ability to maintain strict confidentiality
Successful Volunteers must also be able to:
Pass a Criminal Record Check
Obtain an EFILE number (personal tax filings are current; no outstanding tax debt; not in bankruptcy)
Duties
Complete income tax returns in accordance with Revenue Canada guidelines
Report questions or concerns to the Income Tax Clinic supervisor
Benefits of Volunteering
Help individuals get or maintain uninterrupted access to benefits and credits
Give back to the community
Increase personal tax knowledge
Gain new skills and improve existing ones
Receive training, support, and reference materials including free tax software
Training and Orientation
Orientation to Tax AID DABC programs, policies, and procedures
Canada Revenue Agency online webinars
Virtual supervision by Income Tax Clinic supervisor
Application Deadline: rolling application until all spots are filled
DABC is an open and diverse organization that promotes inclusive hiring practices. We encourage applications from qualified applicants who identify as visible minorities, Indigenous persons, and of all sexual orientations, gender expressions and identities. People with disabilities are especially encouraged to apply.
If you are interested in applying, please submit a resume to Cynthia Minh, Director, Tax AID, cynthia@disabilityalliancebc.org (Please indicate “Volunteer Tax Preparer” in the email subject line).
