British Columbia



PEOPLE IN MOTION

Opening Doors Today To Create A Better Tomorrow For People With Disabilities

Phone/TDD: 250 376-7878

Fax: 250 376-4689

Email: information@

Website:

182B Tranquille Road

Kamloops, BC V2B 3G1

Disability White Paper Public Engagement Initiative 2014

People In Motion Background Information:

People In Motion is a non-profit which offers programs and services to people with disabilities (PWD).

Our organization has 330 members and of these over 100 active members who participate in our programs. Most of our active members have moderate to severe disabilities. Several have multiple disabilities. Of the active members 25% are youth (19 and under); 25% young adults; 35% are in wheelchairs or have significant restricted mobility problems; 23% have autism and approximately 25% have learning delays. Most fall below the poverty line.

Fifty percent live with families or a family member, 5% independent and 45% live in a group home or have a care giver sponsored by the government

People In Motion is celebrating its 25th Anniversary; since 1989 it has promoted awareness, expanded opportunities, supported program’s and services that respect diversity and independence, and has been an advocate for people with disabilities.

Programs are community based learning opportunities; recreational, fitness and social activities that are specifically designed for people with disabilities. Trained staff and volunteers provide support and personal assistance to ensure members can safely access our program and are able to fully participate.

Transportation is provided to our program by People in Motion’s Para-Transit Bus; also charted out for day trips.

PIM operates Cedar Creek Camp (wheelchair accessible wilderness camping experience) for our members and rental.

PIM issues Disabled Parking to Kamloops and north and provides an education service for same. A minimum of 1000 Disabled Parking Permits (physician authorized) are issued in Kamloops (over last three years 3000) and over 500 a year areas north of Kamloops. People in Motion has significant contact with public who have mobility issues.

PIM provides an Information and Referral Service regarding disabilities services within the community.

As a community service People in Motion co-ordinates a Volunteer Income Tax Clinic for PWD as well as low income. Last year 270 Tax Returns were completed.

The Executive Director of PIM serves on The Mayor’s Advisory Committee.

Purpose:

The purpose of this paper is to identify significant issues which affect people with disabilities. PIM receives over 2000 calls a year regarding services available to PWD in the community.

Lack of Advocacy/Support Services For PWD. There is a similar theme to many of these calls:

• I’m applying for PWD. I don’t know how to fill out the application. Who can I call to get someone to help me?

• I am applying for Canada Pension Plan Disability. Who do I call to help me complete the application; I don’t understand it?

• I’ve been declined by Canada Pension Plan Disability or PWD. Who do I call/help me to appeal?

• I’m moving and there is no one to help me move; my partner and I have disabilities or I’m in a wheelchair.

Significant Barrier for PWD Accessing The Registered Disability Savings Plan for People with Disabilities

The Federal Government has an excellent program for people with disabilities. In short, people who have a disability can receive $1000 a year for up to 20 years if they are deemed to have a disability. It is also retroactive so a person would have $5000 put in their plan upon approval. However the approval process is extremely difficult.

Presently British Columbia has a rigorous review process when granting the designation of people with disabilities (PWD) (self-assessment; third party assessment and doctor assessment). In order for persons to receive the RDSP they must re-apply to the Federal Government for a Disability Tax Credit. This entails going to the doctor again and having a different application filled out requesting basically the same information. However if something is missed on the form, etc. the designation is turned down even though they have the provincial PWD designation. It also takes months to receive any feedback on the status of the application.

Often doctors charge $20 to $50 to complete the DTC form. This is money PWD don’t readily have. Many PWD are dependent on caregivers to take them to the doctor and assist them in applying.

Cathy McLeod and Terry Lake need to work together to simplify the process. The Federal Government needs to accept British Columbia’s PWD designation whose application process is more rigorous then (sic) the Federal Governments (sic). This would allow those who have the PWD designation to apply directly for a RDSP.

People In Motion as a community service is giving monthly information sessions on RDSP for PWD and their families/caregivers and helping with the difficult application process. We have partnered with Brant Hasanen (Financial Advisor with Edward Jones Investment). This is done on a no charge, volunteer basis.

Lack of Low Income Housing & Support Regarding Same

Calls are received by our office from PWD being evicted from their residences for various reasons. Usually we refer them to other non-profits who deal more directly in this area. There are obvious mental health or behavior issues related to same; however, there aren’t enough advocates to assist them.

Yours truly,

Heather Brandon, Executive Director

A disability resource providing:

Disabled Parking Permits – Active Living Programs – Cedar Creek Camp – Para-Transit Bus Charters, Day Trips – Information And Referrals – Internet Training And Access – Workshops – Awareness – Volunteer Opportunities

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