CPABC Roundtable Summer 2003
CPABC Roundtable Summer 2003
CPABC Roundtable Summer 2003
The Roundtable
Volume V, Issue II Summer 2003
Presidents Message
By Carol Stinson We are often asked by people, What do you do at the CP Association? How does it benefit me or my child? This is always a bit of a surprise to us when we Inside this issue: feel like we are busy all the time! So New tax changes: RRSPs, what do we do? RRIFs and new child disabilIn the last year we have responded to ity benefit approximately 110 requests for Stats Can report: Needs of information varying from basic informafamilies unmet tion on Cerebral Palsy to professionals needing medical information. We have Occupational Therapy received requests from as far away as Information packages availPakistan, Indonesia, Germany, USA and able from CPABC Zambia just to name a few. We assisted CPABC support/information families moving to BC from other provgroup schedule inces who needed realistic answers to Your child has CP? Its not questions about our medical and educathe end of the world! tional system from fellow parents. Many Membership form requests are generated by our web site which is recognized as an excellent site that is frequently NOTICE linked to other CP and disability sites. CPABC We made presentaANNUAL tions on living with CP to: the Canadian GENERAL Deaf Blind Rubella MEETING Association, CoquitWhen: Monday lam School District September 22, 2003 Professional Day, 7 PM 9 PM Westcoast College of Where: Burnaby Association Massage Therapy, for Community Inclusion 2702 Norland Avenue New Westminster Burnaby, BC V5B 3A6 and West Vancouver Please RSVP by phone: 604.515.9455 Rotary Clubs, Prosoft or Email: info@bccerebralpalsy.com Training Institute and Everyone is welcome to attend but we will soon be proonly paid members may vote.
viding sensitivity training for the Self Help Resource Association. We have partnered with the Developmental Disability Association on a monthly support and information meetings (Please see Page 6 for this falls line-up of speakers). As well, we are active in the Bridges program which provides support for youth with physical disabilities to overcome the challenges they face when moving to adulthood. Staff, volunteers and board members are also active on committees in their communities often advising on accessibility issues. At the provincial level we advise on inclusive education as well as on disability issues to the medical and dental faculties at UBC. Recently, we have been actively advocating on the restructuring of the Ministry of Children and Families this may adversely affect the services many of our children receive. On the international front, we are sitting on a committee developing a tool which can be used locally to encourage the use of the United Nations convention on the rights of the child to support the rights of children with disabilities in communities in Canada. So next time you wonder, Why doesnt somebody do something about...? Whether its an insensitive doctor; a teacher who feels it is more convenient to have your child excluded from PE or doesnt know the difference between adapt and modify; a social worker who never really helps you know that the CPABC is doing something!
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OTTAWA, July 17 - The Canada Customs and Revenue Agency (CCRA) announced today the implementation of the new Child Disability Benefit (CDB) for children who have a severe and prolonged impairment. The first payment of the CDB supplement will be issued with the March 2004 Canada Child Tax Benefit (CCTB) payment and will include a retroactive amount from July 2003 to March 2004 inclusively. The CDB is a tax-free supplement, for eligible recipients, to the CCTB and the Children's Special Allowance. It helps families with the cost of caring for children un-
der the age of 18 who have a severe and prolonged mental or physical impairment. The CDB will provide up to $133.33 a month in financial assistance for each eligible child. The CCRA will automatically calculate and include the CDB in the CCTB payment in March 2004 for families who have already submitted Form T2201, Disability Tax Credit Certificate. They will not have to complete any other forms. If you receive the CCTB for a child with a severe and prolonged mental or physical impairment but have not submitted Form T2201 on behalf of that child, please
complete the form, get it signed by a qualified person, and send it to your local tax centre .In BC send it to: Tax Centre, Surrey,BC V3T 5E6 To find out if your child is eligible for the CDB, please see the eligibility conditions outlined on Form T2201. Families with an eligible child who have not submitted Form T2201 are encouraged to apply as soon as possible to prevent delay when payment of the supplement becomes effective. To get a copy of Form T2201, more information about the CDB supplement, or eligibility, and how to apply, visit the CCRA's Web site at: www.ccra.gc.ca/ benefits or call the CCTB enquiry line at 1.800.387.1193.
Statistics Canada released a report July 29 that confirms the challenges facing children with disabilities and their families. Using information gathered in the 2001 Participation and Activity Limitation survey, the report identifies 155,000 Canadian children with disabilities, aged 5-14, who are living in households. It gives a snapshot of their social and economic status and that of their families. For example, over 50% of parents reported that their employment situation has been affected by the need to care for their child, including working fewer hours or adjusting work schedules to care for their child. Among families whose employment situation was affected, 71% of mothers experienced impact on their employment. Mothers are also the primary source of care in the home. In 62% of cases where a child required assistance with personal care, it was the mother who provided most of the help. The report makes clear that families need more supports with housework, family responsibilities and time off for personal activities. About 40% of parents report that they receive no help but need some. Access to specialized aids remains an issue for children largely because of cost. About one half of children with disabilities requiring specialized aids did not have all the aids that they needed. Of these children, 55% reported cost as a factor in acquiring the specialized aids they need. The additional costs of caring for a child with a disability has direct impact on household income. The average income of households with children with a disability was over 10% less than households with non-disabled children. Carol Stinson, President of the Cerebral Palsy Association of British Columbia (CPABC), said, This report makes it clear that children with disabilities and their families remain marginalized in Canadian society. The sacrifices and contributions families make on behalf of their disabled children are not recognized by either the public or the government. The federal government has made a first step with the recent introduction of the Child Disability Benefit, (see elsewhere in this newsletter) but this important first step is just that. As the parent of a child who lives with cerebral palsy I know that much remains to be done to expand family supports and improve benefits for parents raising children with disabilities. Read the full report at: http://www.statcan.ca/english/freepub/89-585-XIE/free.htm
Needs of Children with Disabilities and their Families Still Going Unmet
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By Jack Styan In the Spring 2003 edition of PLAN facts we reported that RRSPs and RRIFs could now be transferred, under certain circumstances, to our sons and daughters with a disability on a tax deferred basis. Planned Lifetime Advocacy Network (PLAN) has worked hard over the past few months to fully understand the implications of these changes and how they will be implemented. We have further information to report, although as usual with the new tax rules, we continue to have new questions that require even more investigation. Why is this change important to families? RRSPs and RRIFs are one of the more significant assets Canadians have. Under the usual tax rules, when a person dies the full amount held in the RRSP or RRIF is taxable in the year of death. Under the new Federal Government changes an RRSP or RRIF can be passed to a son or daughter (or grandchild) with a disability. It can also be used to purchase an annuity to benefit the son or daughter with a disability. If you put the RRSP or RRIF in the name of the son or daughter with a disability, it will be found as an asset and so will disqualify them from provincial disability income. However, if the RRSP or RRIF is used to buy an annuity, and the annuity is paid into a discretionary trust of which your son or daughter is sole beneficiary, the transfer will take place on a tax deferred basis and your son or daughter will still qualify for disability income. What kinds of trusts can receive income from the annuity? All types of trusts can receive income from the annuity, provided the individual with a disability is the only person to benefit (sole beneficiary) from the trust. Thus you want to pass funds in an RRSP or RRIF to a son or daughter with a disability and continue to defer the payment of taxes but dont want to jeopardize their provincial disability income, you can direct that an annuity be purchased and a discretionary trust established to receive payments from the annuity. If an individual is on provincial disability income, the existing laws and regulations (BC Employment and Assistance for Persons with Disabilities Act) permit a nondiscretionary trust of $100,000 to be established to benefit a person without affecting
their benefits. Discretionary trusts are not considered assets of an individual, therefore you can establish a discretionary trust of any size without affecting the individuals disability income. You also need to be aware of expenditures that are permitted from trusts without affecting provincial disability income or resulting in income tax payable. What kinds of annuities can be purchased? Only two types of annuity are permitted. The annuity may be either a life annuity or an annuity of a term equal to 90 minus the age of the individual. Thus if the individual with a disability is 55, either a life annuity or an annuity with a term of 35 (9055) years is permitted. How will the income from an annuity be treated for tax purposes? If an annuity is purchased and the individual with the disability is the direct beneficiary, then it seems that the payments will be considered as taxable income for the individual. The tax rate will depend on their total net income. If the annuity, however, makes payments to a discretionary trust, the tax treatment is not clear. We are seeking clarification from Canada Customs and Revenue Agency (CCRA). What if the son or daughter receives Old Age Security (OAS) and the Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS)? Provided the son or daughter with a disability qualifies, all of the above mechanisms are available for future planning. There are however, significant implications. For each dollar of income the GIS will be reduced by 50 cents. That is the same as being taxed at a rate of 50%. Who is eligible? There are two parts to the test for eligibility. The individual must be considered mentally or physically infirm by Revenue Canada (CCRA) and must be financially dependant. It is not yet clear exactly how mentally or physically infirm will be determined. Generally, however, the test for the Disability Tax Credit (DTC) is more stringent, therefore it seems safe to conclude that an individual who is eligible for DTC will be eligible for the rollover provisions. The test for financially dependant is clearer. The individual with a disability must have an income of less that $13, 814 per year in the year prior to the parents death. If an individual is only slightly over the income limit, the situation can be
evaluated by CCRA to determine whether financial dependency exists. What if a parents spouse is still alive? Both RRSPs and RRIFs are eligible to transfer to the individual with a disability even if the deceased is survived by a spouse. It is also possible that an RRSP or RRIF can be split between a spouse and a disabled son or daughter. When will this come into effect? Two changes have been proposed by the Ministry of Finance. Once they are passed by the House of Commons and become law, the change to allow an annuity to be held by a trust applies to taxation years after 2000. The increase in the financial dependency threshold for an infirm child will apply to deaths that occur after 2002. Other Questions: There remain many questions regarding the implementation and use of this mechanism. Because questions remain unanswered and because every situation is unique, we recommend that you consult with your lawyer, accountant, or financial planner to ensure that your future planning takes best advantage of this new provision. Future Work: Families have indicated that they would like to see more flexible options available to permit the use of their RRSPs in future planning for their sons or daughters with disabilities. For example, permitting the parents RRSP or RRIF to be moved directly to a discretionary trust for the individual with a disability and extending the planning tool from parents and grandparents to siblings would both be helpful modifications. Please Note: Details with respect to this option are still being discussed with authorities in Ottawa. If you are at the stage of making critical planning decisions, please ensure you discuss your options with your planning professional. ********************************** This article was reprinted with permission from PLANfacts, the newsletter of: Planned Lifetime Advocacy Network 260 3665 Kingsway Vancouver, BC Phone: 604.439.9566
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g soon: Ad ult Mon Networking Group for p thly eople with CP in area. A nig the Vancouver ht sharing info of stories, fun, rmation, an d port. W e n eed your in supput for location, tim Please call e, and day. T Kamp at th ammy van der e office for information more .
Support the CPABC by playing Bingo at Burnaby Bingo Country Bingo Hall Middlegate Mall Tu e sd ay S e pt . 1 6 , 2 003
7155 Kingsway The CPABC holds a certificate of affiliation under the GPEB of the Ministry of Public Safety and Solicitor General
Some say its an art, others say its a science but everyone agrees that effective listening is an essential skill for everyone in the self-help world. Whether you are a facilitator or a group member, there are always new techniques to learn, so here are a few helpful pointers from Kathy Porter, the in-house Trainer at the Self Help Resource Association: 1) Attend: Send the message that you are willing to listen fully and completely. Example: Yes, go on. Nod your head and look at the speaker. 2) Empathise: Show understanding of what the person has said and how they feel. Example: You seemed upset when. 3) Clarify: Get more information or make sure you understand. Example: What do you mean when you say.? 4) Acknowledge: Recognize the reactions or feelings of another. Example: I can see you are angry about. 5) Paraphrase: Reflect the content and encourage the speaker to say more. Example: So what you are saying is.
Contributing Writers: Carol Stinson, Feri Dehdar, Tammy van der Kamp Cerebral Palsy Association of British Columbia (CPABC): 102-317 Columbia St. New Westminster, BC V3L 1A7 Phone: 604.515.9455 Toll-Free: 1.800.663.0004 Fax: 604.515.9466 Email: info@bccerebralpalsy.com Website: www.bccerebralpalsy.com Office Hrs: 9 AM to 5PM, Mon Thur
The Cerebral Palsy Association of British Columbia is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to promoting and enhancing an environment where individuals with cerebral palsy are able to maximize their potential and improve their lives. The Roundtable is the official newsletter of the CPABC. The CPABC and the editor of this newsletter take no responsibility for, nor do they necessarily agree with, the opinions contained in this publication.
Wanted: ls ofessiona r P l a ic d s/Me Physician mber of ceived a nu re y tl n e c icians re We have ing for phys ed k o lo le p o e nc mp inquiries fro al professionals experie l ic bra d e re or other m live with Ce of o h w le p o e in treating p ld like to compile a list ou e Palsy. We w sionals from all over th s d fe e medical pro s on to people who n e s pa you province to . If you know someone van tion this informa d, please call: Tammy n e can recomm er Kamp at d 55 604.515.94
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C P A B C B O A R D O F D I R E C T O R S 0 2 / 0 3
CAROL STINSON (President) Burnaby CAROLYN ARMSTRONG (Vice President) Courtenay JUDY BRITON (Treasurer) North Vancouver LORRAINE GUNN (Secretary) Prince George PETER SHIPLEY White Rock NELLIE WONG Burnaby JONN OLLDYM Vancouver YOSHI TANABE Vancouver MIKE LANG Powell River
CPABC CPA of BC Clothing Clothing Program Pick-up 604.515.9467 Service Call: 604.515.9467 In the Vancouver area? Do you have used clothing and small household items that you need to get out of the house? Call us, and well pick it up for free! Or use one of our friendly drop boxes located in the Vancouver area.
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When
Tuesday September 16th 7 9 PM
Topic
Sarina Keir: Hands-on IEP and Advocacy Workshop Just in time for the school year!
Douglas Park Community Centre 801 W 22 Avenue Vancouver Richmond Caring Place 7000 Minoru Blvd Richmond
Cindy Sanford, Carol Stinson & Maria Glaze: Create your own personal binder system and some personal sharing/support time
Jay Yip: Tips and Techniques Dental Care for Children with Extra Support Needs. Yes, our kids mouths are more sensitive! So what can a parent do to help?
VOLUME V, ISSUE II
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Finding Out Your Child Has A Disability: Its Not The End of the World By Dr. Mark Nagler, Ph.D.
Finding out that a child has been born with a disability, or that a previously healthy child has suffered an injury or disease that causes a disability can be the most traumatic moment in a parents life. Shock is usually the first thing people experience. It can temporarily paralyze you, preventing you from taking action, or even making rational decisions. In this difficult first period it is always wise to take the counsel of professionals and family members with experience or others whom you trust, while always maintaining the right to make the final decision yourselves. After coming to grips with the shock of their situation, many parents come to feel that their expectations have been dashed, that they are failures as parents or that their family has been destroyed. Uncertainty, blame or jealousy may arise. Parents may worry about hundreds of questions that have few immediate answers which can lead to an unbalanced and overly bleak view of the opportunities, potential, and joy that can be found in raising a child with a disability. These emotions however are normal; part of a mourning process that many parents of children with disabilities go through. If you have these feelings, remember that you are not the only ones who feel this way, and that you will get over them. You can adjust more quickly by obtaining accurate information, sharing your feelings openly with others, seeking professional counseling, and, most importantly, having open discussions with all members of your immediate family. With time, love, and support, any negative emotions you feel can be replaced by positive ones leading to productive actions that will benefit your child.
It is not the end of the world, and many families have become stronger, more 2003 loving, and more closely knit because of a disability in the family. The disability gave them the opportunity to work together to help out their loved one, and the entire family shares in the gains that are made by the child. Many of the negatives that parents imagine that go along with having a child who has a disability simply do not occur. While you will have to make some sacrifices, you will still have time for your friends, family, and hobbies. After awhile, many of the activities you once viewed as sacrifices will come to be seen as part of every life, rather than an exceptional burden. Developing a positive attitude is very important, and although children with disabilities will inevitably become aware of their limitations, they should always be encouraged to take on new challenges. This is sometimes difficult as children with physical limitations may be reluctant to participate in physical activities out of fear of failure. Despite these fears, both the childs and the parents perspective should be have fun, and do your best. Some parents of children with disabilities are unable to have their special child live at home with them, but the vast majority is able to successfully manage within the home. If you are finding you cannot cope, there are alternatives available that will allow you to maintain a loving relationship with your child while maximizing appropriate care. The most important factor in a familys success is the motivation to succeed. If a child realizes that his parents always encourage success and will not be satisfied with anything less than his best effort, he will be motivated to succeed. Never settling for failure becomes part of his character, and his self-esteem will be enhanced and maintained.
There is a wide range of disabilities that affect children but the constant emphasis on always trying your best, reinforced in an atmosphere of warmth and support, will help any child with a disability triumph over the challenge that he will face. Instilling this confidence will help him have faith in himself and work on his own behalf throughout the course of his entire life.
RESOURCE BOX: Dr. Mark Nagler is an acknowledged expert for people with disabilities. He was born with Cerebral Palsy and has triumphed over his disability by becoming an expert in the Disability Studies field. He has a B.A. from the University of British Columbia, a Masters degree from the University of Chicago and a Ph.D. from Stirling University in Britain. Dr. Nagler approaches disability from a different perspective than that offered by most experts and, although he has never been able to write, he was able to achieve his impressive array of degrees. He taught at Hamilton's McMaster University and the University of Waterloo and he has lectured across Canada, the United States, Britain, Sweden, Hungary and Israel. He has used his cerebral palsy to empower students, parents and anyone else with whom he comes in contact. His book, Yes You Can, illustrates his own experience in over coming disability and his other work, What's Stopping You?, conveys strategies that adults can successfully use in living with disability. www.marknagler.com
www.
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Speak Up! Tips for becoming an effective advocate Guardianship Legislation A guide to making a representation agreement BOTOX Information on this pharmaceutical treatment of cerebral palsy HBOT Information on Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy Cortical Visual Impairment Exploring the difficulties and challenges of cortical visual impairment Understanding Special Education IEP planning, advocacy and strategies for the classroom Planning Your Will Information on writing your will Equipment Funding Package Guidelines for funding your childs equipment needs Early Intervention around Cerebral Palsy A collection of important articles A Review of Special Education in BC Ministry of Education report on the Special Education System CSIL Program A type of Individualized Funding through Ministry of Health BC Parks and Camping Guide Camps for children and adults Accessible Transportation & Travel A guide of transportation for people with disability in BC Welcome Kit A kit explaining CPA-BC services and the condition of cerebral palsy-No Cost Putting the Puzzle Together A helpful tool for parents and educators-$30.00 Living with CP Resource manual for persons living with cerebral palsy-$10.00 Transition Made Easier A transition package to adult services- $35.00
Packages are available free of charge to all members. Members with expertise are available for public speaking engagements. Call the office for more details at 604.515.9455
Membership Options: Individual $20 Family $30 Organization $50 Donation: I would like to make a donation to support the services and programs of the Cerebral Palsy Association of British Columbia. Income tax receipts are only issued for donations of $10 or more, unless requested. $100 $75 $50 $25 My choice: _________ Method of Payment: I have enclosed a cheque payable to the CPABC or: Visa #:________________________________ Expiry Date: _____________________ Name on Card: _________________________ Todays Date: ____________________ Signature: _____________________________ Please mail to: Cerebral Palsy Association of British Columbia 102 317 Columbia Street, New Westminster, BC V3L 1A7
Charitable Registration Business Number 10690 4204 RR0001