New Tax Credit for 2007 Tax Year

While this won't do you any good for your 2006 taxes, I've just learned that there is a new federal tax credit for a Children's Fitness Amount for 2007, with a special little bonus attached for children with disabilities.

You can claim to a maximum of $500 per child, the fees paid in 2007 that relate to the cost of registering your or your spouse or common-law partner’s child in a prescribed program of physical activity. The child must have been under 16 years of age at the beginning of the year.

And it appears that, unlike the Nova Scotia tax credit, the organization does not have to be registered or approved by government in order for you to claim the fees. It's only necessary that the activity meet the relevant definition.

But what's this special bonus for children with disabilities, you ask?

Children with disabilities – If the child qualifies for the disability amount and is under 18 years of age at the beginning of the year, an additional amount of $500 can be claimed provided that a minimum of $100 is paid on registration or membership fees for a prescribed program of physical activity.

That's right, Virginia, there is a Santa Claus ... if you're eligible for the maximum amount of the tax credit ($500), you can claim double that amount if your child qualifies for the disability tax credit. And even if you're not eligible for the full amount ($500), you can still claim an additional $500 credit provided your child qualifies for the disability tax credit and you spent $100 on fees for a prescribed program of physical activity.

And note that while the regular tax credit is only available for children under the age of 16 years, the extra credit for children with disabilities is available to children under the age of 18 years.

Just A Little Guilty ...

Feeling just a little guilty for not yet having posted the promised information on the prenatal screening campaign. But unfortunately life is short with only so many hours in the day. And numerous other responsibilities beckon.

However, never fear, I haven't forgotten ... I plan to get back to this topic over the Easter weekend. So please hang in and keep checking back.

Welcome To Canada - A Tale of Prenatal Screening

It's not about pro-abortion
It's not about pro-life
Its about pro-humanity

These are the words of Renate Lindeman, mother of April and Hazel (both have Down syndrome) and president and co-founder of the Nova Scotia Down Syndrome Society. Sounds like a busy, ambitious lady, doesn't she? She's also a woman with a mission.

I am going to be telling you more about Renate's mission, a mission she shares with many others in the disability community, and why that mission is so important over the next little while. But first I would like to share with you a poem Renate wrote. It an be found on her blog, Campaign for Down Syndrome.

I am seldom asked to describe the experience of raising children with a disability in Canada – to try to reach people who avoid this issue, to get them involved. It’s like this….

When we landed as Dutch immigrants at Halifax Airport six years ago, we were excited to start the first day of our lives in our newly adopted country. We found jobs, a home, made ‘Canadian’ friends and got involved in our community. Canada felt like the perfect place to live.

After years of successful integration, the day finally arrives that our own little Canadian was born. Several hours later, the nurse comes in and says, ‘your baby has Down syndrome, welcome to Canada.'

‘Canada?!?’ you say ‘what do you mean welcome to Canada’? We live here, our baby is born here, of course we are welcome here.

Go read the rest of it. It will bring a tear to your eye. And might just make you question what you think you know. We'll talk later.

Just Call 211?

"People need a better way to access hope and support through a system that doesn’t need to be re-created but only needs to be connected."

That's Catherine Woodman, president and CEO of United Way Halifax Region, speaking about the need for a 211 service in this Province.

So tell me, how do you feel about automated telephone answering systems? What about the labyrinth of voice mail from hell when you are trying to access or locate a particular government service? How would you like to try to access those same services if you were new to the province or had a disability?

Might you be interested in something that could short-circuit that process? Might you be interested in a service like 211?

211 is personal telephone access to information about the full range of social services offered in a local community. It is especially valuable to seniors, newcomers and persons with disabilities trying to navigate the maze of services delivered by multiple levels of government and private providers.

Today residents in large cities like Toronto, Edmonton and Calgary, as well as smaller cities such as Windsor, Niagara Falls and Simcoe have access to 211, 24-7. Callers always talk to people and never a machine. Three more 211 initiatives will launch in 2008 in Ottawa, Thunder Bay and Quebec City. The premier of British Columbia has recently announced the commitment to the first provincewide 211 service in the throne speech.

Apparently the United Way has been advancing the project in Nova Scotia since 2004. They have now been joined by 181 other social and health organizations across the province, including community health boards, regional libraries, family resource centres, food banks, seniors’ centres, churches and fire departments.

Certainly, Lisa Elliott understands. Two years ago, Lisa’s life was turned upside down when both her parents developed major health problems at the same time. Among other services, they needed help with meals, housework, getting to appointments and snow shovelling.

Finding help was just as stressful as providing the help herself. Lisa began spending her evenings, weekends and lunch hours making phone calls and searching the Internet for the support she needed. "I felt very alone, very helpless." Lisa says. "I was so completely burnt out that I was physically exhausted. I ended up sick for an entire winter because my immune system was so compromised. I wish there had been a 211 service and I could have called to discuss my situation and found out what I could do. I had no idea where to turn."

Can you identify with those sentiments? Would you be surprised to learn that a recent poll revealed that 86per cent of Nova Scotians support a 211 system and 66 per cent stated they would use it?

You can find more information on 211 at the United Way website.

Latimer Case To Be On CBC Cross Country Check Up

Although not all 'advocates for the disabled' are necessarily on the same page on this one and, for example, my personal feelings are much more conflicted on this matter, I am passing along some info for your consideration.

Hi - we have word that tomorrow's [Ed. Monday, March 3, 2008] CBC cross country check up with Rex Murphy will focus on Latimer - so encourage all to listen and phone in if you can. As we discussed on our Board call earlier this week, our key messages are:

- the National Parole Board Appeals Division decision brings to a close this chapter in the story about Tracy Latimer

- We regret that Mr. Latimer has not expressed remorse or apparent understanding about his actions, because we believe this would have sent a message to the public that would help counter the view of many Canadians that he was justified in his actions

- We think it's time to turn to the larger story here - the apparent moral consensus among the media and many in the broader public that Robert Latimer's murder of his daughter was justified by her condition. That consensus will be more and more problematic as we face a future of a growing proportion of Canadians living with signficant and pain-related disabilities... 1.8 million (a number and proportion that is growing) of working age Canadians live with pain related disabilities - and over 70% of those (or 1.3 million Canadians age 15-64) indicate they experience pain constantly (thanks Cam for pulling these numbers together from the December 2007 release from Statistics Canada).

- We think the real lesson from the Tracy Latimer case is not, as many suggest, that we need to renew the debate about mercy killing. Because this was not euthanasia or mercy killing - Tracy was not dying. Her pain could have been relieved with more effective pain management medication if her parents had allowed a feeding tube to be inserted. They refused, which is why the pain management was so ineffective and the stories circulate that she could only take Tylenol... No, the real story is why Canadians with disabilities are so vulnerable to violence and abuse, to not getting the supports they need.

- Given the continued vulnerability Canadians with signficant disabilities face in our communities, the threat and experience of violence faced, we think it is time for a National inquiry into the status and vulnerability of people with disabilities in Canadian communities. This is one way that Canadians can come face to face with the realities, the voices, the lives of people with disabilities. To frame the Tracy Latimer issue as one of mercy killing, is to miss the core issue her life and death repesent - that of vulnerability to violence and abuse...

- Some have suggested that there is really something wrong with our justice system if Karla Homolka and other who have done horrific crimes get less time than Robert Latimer. If we are challenged on that point, one response might be that... if we think that is a problem maybe we should be looking at why others are getting out so early, and off so early... How the justice system dealt with Karla Homolka and others may not be the standard we want to hold ourselves to.

- So let's see if we can use this opportunity to get our message out, and to make a call for a National inquiry into the status of Canadians with disabilities a call that starts to 'stick'.

- Am hoping you can get a message out to your networks, and that PT Presidents and Executive Directors can circulate to our local membership news of the show and encouragement to call in...

Thanks
Michael

Michael Bach
Executive Vice-President
Canadian Association for Community Living
Kinsmen Building, York University
4700 Keele St., North York, ON, L9W 2Y8
416 661 9611 x. 237
416 661 5701 (fax)

The Tax Man Cometh ...

How do I know for sure?

By the number of Google hits for topics like the RDSP, RESPs for children with special needs and the Child Disability Tax Credit ... can it be backdated and are individuals with Aspergers and learning disabilities eligible to receive it, of course.

So while I contemplate my own income tax situation, I thought I would leave you with a few easy links:

• Learning disabilities and the Disability Tax Credit and the Caregiver Tax Credit(scroll down the linked page to see content below this post);
  
• The Henson Trust (always a popular query);
  
• The RESP for the child with special needs;
  
• The ever-popular RDSP (most definitely still a 'work in progress' in Nova Scotia); and
  
• Guardianship (an apparently popular search item of late)

Happy browsing, paper shuffling, hair-pulling and tax filing.

And may I suggest you try one of the computer-assisted* forms of making it through agony of tax season.

*No, I don't get paid to advertise their product. I just happen to like it.

Update: Article - Year 2007 Tax Benefits for Parents of Children with Learning Disabilities

Blogging Bleg

We've discussed a wide variety of topics on this blawg, from special education to RDSPs to guardianship to access to various programs offered by the Department of Community Services. Now I would like to know, once again, what YOU want to hear about. What's happening in your life? What's important to you?

How often do you get the opportunity to pick the legal topic?

What subject would you like to know more about? Here's your chance, for a limited time only. Drop a comment in the comment box (if you experience trouble posting a comment, there are some helpful hints in the sidebar) or use the profile button to drop me an email.

I'm all ears. Waiting for you.

Update: Unexpected company this week has resulted in a dearth of posting, but I am still here. And when the dust settles , we will be back with a new post. Thanks for your patience.

Blogging Within The Law

I received a question recently from a parent questioning what the limits are when someone blogs about their children and their experiences at school.

It was relayed to me that in at least one case, a parent was told that their blogs which contained school content had "breached the laws of confidentiality" and that they must remove the 'offending' content. And, of course, the dreaded implied threat came along with - the school was seeking legal advice. In this particular case, it appears that the parent was also suspended from helping out at their child's school.

So what's the scoop? Can a parent really get into legal hot water for blogging about their child's experiences and/or their discontent with their child's school?

It's a bit of a hard question to answer in the abstract because, as common sense might tell you, the answer will depend both on the actual content posted by the parent and the relevant laws where the parent resides. However, subject to the law concerning libel which I will touch on below, although a school may well be bound by duties of confidentiality, a parent is much less constricted.

Therefore writing that little Johnny is a student in Ms. Campbell's primary class at Rockland Heights School (as a totally fictitious example) should cause no concern. Nor should there be any problem with referencing the names of certain classmates (but common sense would tell you to stick with first names only when you are mentioning someone else's child). And if a parent was unhappy with the quality of the education little Johnny is receiving, sticking to factual details that you know (and can prove) to be true should also be kosher.

Where a problem could occur is were a parent to publish (publishing in a blog being much like publishing in a newspaper, for example) something about the school's actions or inactions which were false. At that point, chances are that you will have engaged the law concerning libel.

READ MORE

Picture Exchange Communication System (PECS) Basic Training

The Two-Day Picture Exchange Communication System (PECS) BasicTraining is coming to Halifax, Nova Scotia!

This intense two-day training, designed by Andy Bondy, Ph.D. and LoriFrost, M.S. CCC/SLP, is designed to teach participants to effectively implement the Picture Exchange Communication System. Participants will learn how to implement the six Phases of PECS, including attributes, through presenter demonstrations, video examples and role-play opportunities. Participants will
leave the workshop with a thorough understanding of how to implement PECS properly with individuals with autism, related developmental disabilities, and/or limited communication skills. This training is designed to be appropriate for those individuals just beginning to teach PECS and those individuals with prior experience teaching PECS who have not yet attended an official PECS training.

With its focus on practical strategies and hands-on practice, it will strengthen participants’ ability to problem-solve challenges that may arise during PECS’ implementation and enhance participants’ ability to teach PECS most effectively.

When: June 9 & 10, 2008

Early Registration (before April 28, 2008): Professional $400, Parent/Student $350

After Early Registration: Professional $450, Parent/Student $400

(Registration includes The Second Edition PECS Training Manual - a $69 value, the PECS Data Sheets CD – a $20 value, detailed handouts with space for notetaking, certificate of attendance, continental breakfast on both days).

Group Discounts: Pyramid offers discounts to groups of five individuals or more and has several attractive group packages, please contact us directly at 416-546-7327 to learn more.

For more information about this training, or other available training dates and locations, please visit our website at www.pecs-canada.com or call us at 416-546-PECS.

Belated Good News for Special Education

You might recall our review of the Special Education Report (more accurately the Review Commmittee Report and Recommendations arising from the Minister's Review of Services for Students with Special Needs) which was released in August, 2007. One of its many recommendations was that the Minister announce the end of the Tuition Support Program effective June 30, 2010.

And although it's never a good feeling to realize that you missed an important news item for your community, thanks to EEANS, at least now I know. As will you.

On November 7th, Nova Scotia's Minister of Education announced that she would NOT get rid of the Tuition Support Program. This was a long awaited and substantial win for EEANS, parents and their children who desparately need this program. We have been working hard to educate politians and the public on the TSP as well as putting pressure on government to reject the recommendation of the Review Commitee to cancel the program ever since it's release in September. We applaud Ms. Casey for doing the right thing by keeping the program.

In the words of Ms. Casey:

In the short term, we are not prepared to take away the opportunity for those who can benefit from the program. My commitment will be to continue the program until we are able to provide, in our public schools, one that is equal to it or better."

Well, that could take a while, couldn't it?

Unfortunately, the Minister refused to extend the three year time limit. And although I don't quite agree with Brian's analysis as to how helpful Ms. Casey's comment, above, might be to a parent wishing to litigate the matter of the time limit, it is good to see that the program will continue.

PLAN Announces New Online Courses

FEATURE WORKSHOP - TAX TIPS
Wednesday, February 6, 2008
PLAN Office, Vancouver, BC

Chartered Accountant Eric Fielden will share his expertise with families. He will explain the Disability Tax Credit, the Medical Expense Tax Credit, the Caregiver Tax Credit, and discuss Tax Planning including RRSPs, RESPs and the new Registered Disability Savings Plan.


I. TAX TIPS WORKSHOP
Date: Wednesday, February 6, 2008
Time: 7pm - 9pm (PST)
Location: PLAN office: Suite 260-3665 Kingsway, Vancouver, BC
Cost: $60.00/Individual $90.00/Couple (CDN)

Click here to register online.

Register early! Registration is limited to 12 participants so that all questions can be answered.

For more information or to register by phone, call: 604.439.9566
or email: inquiries@plan.ca

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II. PLANNING TO SECURE A GOOD LIFE

Planning for the future changes the present. Join Pat Tesan, parent and family leader, for a one-hour telelearning conversation that will explore the elements of a good life: loving relationships, financial security, creating a home, supported decision-making, and the importance of contribution. During this interactive session, you will start to develop a plan to secure a good life for your relative.

Available anywhere by telephone

Date: Wednesday, February 6, 2008
Time: 12:00pm - 1:00pm (PST)
Cost: $30.00 (CDN) includes a copy of Safe and Secure ($15 value)

Click here to register online. Registration is limited to 12 participants.

For more information or to register by phone, call: 604.439.9566
or email: inquiries@plan.ca

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III. WILLS, TRUSTS and ESTATES SEMINAR

PLAN has a new online course to enable you to learn from the convenience of your own home. Through a combination of videos, interactive activities and forms, you'll learn everything you need to know about how to set up your will, including the different types of trusts you may want to include to leave an inheritance for your child with a disability. You'll also learn about the Registered Disability Savings Plan and how it will impact your estate planning.

This course will be offered every other month starting in March 2008 and takes between 3-5 hours to complete.

An up-to-date will ensures that your wishes for your relative with a disability are honoured after you are gone. Co-presented by an experienced lawyer and parent, these seminars answer your questions about discretionary trusts, planning your will, and choosing executors, guardians, and trustees. By the end, you’ll be better prepared to have a lawyer draft your will, saving you both time and money.

FEBRUARY WORKSHOP
Date: Tuesday, February 12, 2008
Time: 7pm - 9pm (PST)
Location: PLAN office: Suite 260-3665 Kingsway, Vancouver, BC
Cost: $60.00/Individual $90.00/Couple (CDN)

Click here to register online for the February workshop.

MARCH WORKSHOP
Date: Tuesday, March 11, 2008
Time: 10:30am - 12:30pm (PST)
Location: PLAN office: Suite 260-3665 Kingsway, Vancouver, BC
Cost: $60.00/Individual $90.00/Couple (CDN)

Click here to register online for the March workshop.

Register early! Registration is limited to 12 participants so that all questions can be answered.

For more information or to register by phone, call: 604.439.9566
or email: inquiries@plan.ca

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IV. TRUSTS

This new telelearning seminar will teach you about trusts and non-discretionary trusts, and will also discuss the impacts on disability benefits – all from the convenience of your own telephone! This seminar is most applicable to BC residents, and we invite registered participants to email their questions to us prior to the seminar.

Date: Wednesday, February 20, 2008
Time: 12pm - 1pm (PST)
Cost: $30.00 (CDN)

Available anywhere by telephone

Register early! Registration is limited to 12 participants

To register online, click here

For more information or to register by phone, call: 604.439.9566
or email: inquiries@plan.ca

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V. THE JOY OF STRESS

Presented by Ted Kuntz, M.Ed, Past President of PLAN

The Joy of Stress workshop will explore:

the difference between stress and distress
strategies to increase your peace, joy and happiness
thinking that feeds your negativity

For everyone going through the stresses of today’s fast paced world, this presentation is a must.

Date: Wednesday, February 20, 2008
Time: 7pm - 9:30pm (PST)
Location: Peter Kaye Room
Vancouver Public Library
350 West Georgia, Vancouver, BC

SPECIAL WORKSHOP FEE ONLY $15.00* (CDN)
*Because of the special discounted fee this workshop is not available for any further discounts.
We recommend that you register early!

To register online, click here

For more information or to register by phone, call: 604.439.9566
or email: inquiries@plan.ca

Ted Kuntz
Ted and his family became one of PLAN’s first younger Lifetime Members and he has grown to become an active part of PLAN’s corps of volunteers. He served on the Board of PLAN for many years as President. Ted is a psychotherapist in private practice in Vancouver.

He is also the published author of Peace Begins With Me and his successful workshop “The Joy of Stress” has been presented across Canada to corporations large and small.

Ted embodies the spirit of community, which is in fact the name of the award he has established to honour community contribution in the Tri-Cities area. His community activism has won him many awards.

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VI. HOME OPTIONS

Owning a house and creating a home are two different things. This one-hour telelearning session will help you learn about different housing options so your relative with a disability can have choice, control, and security in their home. You will hear about solutions other families have used, look at the issues involved with the coordination of home and support, and explore options for ownership.

Date: Wednesday, February 27, 2008
Time: 12pm - 1pm (PST) or
4pm - 5pm (PST)
Cost: $30.00 (CDN)

Available anywhere by telephone

Register early! Registration is limited to 12 participants

TWO TIMES TO CHOOSE FROM:
Click here to register online for the 12pm session.
Click here to register online for the 5pm session.

For more information or to register by phone, call: 604.439.9566
or email: inquiries@plan.ca

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VII. REGISTERED DISABILITY SAVINGS PLAN

In planning for the future, you need the most current and relevant information. The Disability Savings Plan will become available in 2008. It will provide another tool for you to plan with. Join us in this FREE telelearning seminar to learn about the details, its implementation and how it will work for your family.

Date: Wednesday, March 19, 2008
Time: 12:00pm - 1:00pm (PST)
Cost: FREE

Available anywhere by telephone

Click here to register online. Registration is limited to 12 participants.

For more information or to register by phone, call: 604.439.9566
or email: inquiries@plan.ca

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VIII. SUPPORTED DECISION MAKING

Families often walk a balancing act between respecting choices and ensuring the safety and well-being of our family members. Although stressful, families and individuals alike gain freedom as they explore decision-making. We will discuss how you can support your relative to make good decisions. We’ll discuss decision-making tools, including Representation Agreements. There will be plenty of time for questions and discussion.

Date: Wednesday, March 26, 2008
Time: 12pm - 1pm (PST)
Cost: $30.00 (CDN)

Available anywhere by telephone

Register early! Registration is limited to 12 participants

Click here to register online

For more information or to register by phone, call: 604.439.9566
or email: inquiries@plan.ca

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IX . HOME IS WHERE THE HEART IS

This interactive engaging online course explores the different home options available for your relative with a disability. Videos and stories showcase inspiring living situations, checklists and interactive forms help you think about everything you need to consider when thinking about creating a home for your relative with a disability. This course comes with a downloadable practical guide and lots of inspiring ideas to help you start dreaming. The first course will be offered in May, 2008

For more information about this new online course, please call the PLAN office at 604.439.9566 or send an email to: inquiries@plan.ca

For Our American Friends

Seeing as we do get a fair number of American visitors (thanks to Google), I thought I would pass this on for their benefit.

The American Association of People with Disabilities (AAPD) is a national nonprofit cross-disability member organization that works in coalition with other disability organizations for the full implementation and enforcement of disability nondiscrimination laws, particularly the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990 and the Rehabilitation Act of 1973.

Recently, AAPD, ADAPT, National Council on Independent Living (NCIL), and Self Advocates Becoming Empowered (SABE) worked collaboratively to create a list of questions for the presidential candidates that reflect the issues most important to their members. They sent a letter signed by all four organizations to the presidential
candidates, requesting their responses as soon as possible but no later than May 31, 2007.

As of today, only some of the candidates have responded - you can visit their 2008 Presidential Election Action Center at:

http://www.aapd.com/News/election/peac2008.php

"Wisdom is Knowing When You Can't Be Wise"

This isn't our usual type of post but it it something that disturbs me (in various, conflicting ways) and it certainly does deal with legal rights and our children.

Some of you may be familiar with this story from the UK, having seen or heard news coverage of it last year.

The mother of a severely disabled teenager has asked doctors to give her daughter a hysterectomy to stop her from starting menstruation. Alison Thorpe, 45, from Essex, says 15-year-old Katie, who has cerebral palsy, would be confused by periods and they would cause her indignity.

Doctors are now seeking legal approval before carrying out the surgery.

The disabled charity Scope said the operation would set a "disturbing" precedent for other disabled girls.

If approved, it will be the first time in the UK a hysterectomy is carried out without it being medically needed.

As it turns out, after Britian's National Health Service took legal advice, the procedure was not approved.

But as unusual as this story may sound, it's not unique. Ashely's mom, at Pipecleaner Dreams (a blog I would recommend, by the way, for any parent of a challenged child seeking like-minded company) tells the tale of a second Ashley, in Seattle.

READ MORE

Cross-posted on Free Falling