Planned Lifetime Advocacy Network

Disability Without Poverty Rally at Parliment Hill
2023-06-07 12:30 - 14:30 (America/Toronto)
People with disabilities can’t wait any longer!
Poverty doesn’t take a vacation, and there are just a handful of sitting days left for Parliament.
We can’t have another summer without concrete plans to make Canada Disability Benefit a reality.
WHAT: Bill C-22 needs Royal Assent ASAP! We will also call on our elected leaders to Budget the Benefit.
WHEN: Wednesday, June 7, 12:30 PM EST
WHERE: Parliament Hill (Ottawa, Ontario)
ASL interpretation available
Bus transportation from Toronto offered. Same-day service.
Email ontario@disabilitywithoutpoverty.ca to book your spot on the bus!

2023 Rehabilitation Research Colloquium - Pushing the Boundaries of Rehabilitation Science: Intersection and Innovation.
2023-06-06 14:00 - 15:00 (America/Vancouver)
Rebeccca will be presenting along with Caitlin Piconne from Queen University with the finding from the scoping review as part of the Redefining the Social Contract: Rebalancing Formal and Natural Support for People with Disabilities and their Families study.
Please connect with us if you would like further details.

PLAN Okanagan: Run Through the Vines 2023
2023-06-04 10:00 - 23:30 (America/Vancouver) | off the grid winery, Kelowna, BC, Canada
PLAN Okanagan’s Run Through the Vines 2023.
Sunday, June 4th at 10:00 am, starting at Off the Grid Organic Winery in West Kelowna.

Join us for this family-friendly event. There will be games for the kids. Enjoy the wine tastings and refreshments for the adults as you walk, wheel, or run along scenic Glencoe Road on the Westside Wine Trail at the Upper Bench Wineries. Enjoy the offerings of Ciao Bella Winery, Kalala Organic Estate Winery and Off the Grid Organic Winery while supporting PLAN Okanagan. And there will be prizes, too!

OUR DREAM IS THAT NO ONE BE ALONE

Please stay after the run to enjoy the Food Truck fare or bring a picnic lunch. This is a beautiful opportunity for families and friends to reconnect to renew friendships, meet new people, and have fun.

RAIN OR SHINE – THE EVENT IS ON! See you there!

REDUCE, REUSE, RUN … wear your favourite shirt from a previous event you’ve attended.

Click here for more information and to register

Staying Connected Call (Weekly Zoom Call)
2023-05-31 16:00 - 17:00, 2023-05-24 16:00 - 17:00, 2023-05-17 16:00 - 17:00, 2023-05-10 16:00 - 17:00, 2023-05-03 16:00 - 17:00, 2023-04-26 16:00 - 17:00, 2023-04-19 16:00 - 17:00, 2023-04-12 16:00 - 17:00 (America/Vancouver) and 1 more date
You’re invited to gather with long-time and new friends, learn about current advocacy opportunities, connect with others during fun sharing activities, and exchange ideas.
Please join the conversation, either by video or phone, and visit with other families looking to connect with families like YOU!
Email hello@plan.ca for the link!

PLAN Community Connector Meeting (In-Person)
2023-05-27 10:30 - 12:30 (America/Vancouver) | Barb Goode Training Room, 3223 Kingsway, Vancouver, British Columbia, V5R 5K3, Canada
Community Connectors Meetings are hosted four times a year and a time for the entire PLAN team to come together.
These meetings are a chance to connect and spend time together to build relationships, tell stories, create ideas, and share learning and resources.
The focus of these meetings is on PLAN’s Network Development process, meeting themes will include:

Gifts
Relationships
Community,
Important Considerations,
Goals and Priorities
Network Work Plans

Please email us at hello@plan.ca to let us know if you are able to participate!
Thank you!

Plan Institute: RDSP Level 2
2023-05-23 19:00 - 20:30, 2023-04-20 11:00 - 11:30 (America/Vancouver)
This Advanced RDSP workshop is for those who already have a RDSP or have already taken level 1 and would like to deepen their knowledge and learn how to maximize growth. This workshop includes more complicated financial information so attendees should already understand RDSP basics and review our glossary of terms before attending this workshop.
Click Here to Register

Please visit the Plan Institute website for more information:
The Registered Disability Savings Plan Webinars

PLAN Calgary: Supporting our Loved Ones in Grief
2023-05-23 18:00 - 19:30 (America/Edmonton)
How do we support our loved ones with loss & transition? What is secondary grief and how do we recognize it?
Here with expert Arlen Gaines, MSW, LCSW-C, APHSW-C, Director of Hospice Social Services, JSSA Hospice Maryland, US; Author; PhD Student, we will explore the topic of grieving people with developmental disabilities.
Objectives:
– Describe ways that people with developmental disabilities are impacted by grief.
– Explore the impact of a death for people with developmental disabilities.
– Provide examples of inclusive grief support for families and professionals.
– Opportunity for Q & A
Click Here to Register

Facing the Future Together: Montreal Family Group Meeting
2023-05-18 19:00 - 20:30 (America/Vancouver)
More details to be added soon,

Contact:
Rebecca at rpauls@plan.ca for more information

Plan Institute: RDSP Level 1
2023-05-18 19:00 - 20:30 (America/Vancouver), 2023-04-13 10:00 - 11:00 (America/Toronto)
Beginner RDSP workshop for those who want to learn what an RDSP is, who qualifies, how to apply for the Disability Tax Credit, and how to open an RDSP. This is best suited to people who want to learn the basics of RDSPs and get general information about the plan. No background knowledge is needed to get the most out of this workshop.
Click Here to Register

Please visit the Plan Institute website for more information:
The Registered Disability Savings Plan Webinars

Plan Institute: Wills, Trusts and Estate Planning in BC (Webinar)
2023-05-18 10:00 - 23:30, 2023-04-20 19:00 - 20:30 (America/Vancouver)
Becoming well-informed about wills, trusts and estate planning is necessary to secure the financial future of your loved one with a disability. In this workshop, you will learn how to arrange your estate, prepare a will, and the various ins and outs of setting up a trust specifically for your relative or loved one with a disability. Because laws vary from province to province, this workshop may only be relevant to those within British Columbia. See more info below.
*Please note that all times are listed in Pacific Time.
Upcoming Dates: (Click to register)
Thursday, May 18th, 10 am to 11:15 am
Thursday, June 15th, 7 pm to 8:15 pm

What you’ll learn:

Why and how to write and update a will when there is a family member with a disability
Ways in which to ensure your loved one with a disability is protected when family passes away
The types of trusts available for people with disabilities, including the differences between discretionary and Non-discretionary, Testamentary and Inter-vivos
The various tax rates differences between Trusts, including recent federal changes, and their implications
The roles and responsibilities of Executors and Trustees
Tips for finding the right lawyer for you and your family

Please visit the Plan Institute website for more information and to register:
Wills, Trusts, and Estate Planning (BC) Webinar

P4P: Intro to the RDSP
2023-05-16 10:00 - 23:00 (America/Toronto)
The Registered Disability Savings Plan (RDSP) is a made-in-Canada, long-term savings vehicle designed specifically for individuals with disabilities.
What’s in it for You:

An understanding of the RDSP and potential government contributions
Knowledge of the latest updates and changes to the RDSP
Tips and advice on free resources that can be consulted for additional information

The webcast will run approximately 45 minutes with time for questions. Registrants will receive an email with a link to join the online webcast 24 hours before the event.

Register here:
https://events.r20.constantcontact.com/register/eventReg?oeidk=a07ejo496zn704ce277&oseq=&c=&ch=

Bridges to Belonging: Pathways to Belonging
2023-05-16 10:00 - 16:00 (America/Toronto)
Pathways to Belonging is a full day of sharing, story telling, activities and learning about the various paths and intersections a person with diverse identities including disability can explore for meaningful connection and contribution on their journey to belonging.
Who Should Attend

Persons with diverse identities including disability
Family members with a loved one with a disability
Members of a Circle or Network of Support or Microboards
Professional Staff and Support Workers
Staff and Volunteers serving equity-deserving groups

Stops along our journey include:

1st Stop – Path to Belonging through Social Roles
2nd Stop – Path to Belonging though Leisure Identities – Self Expression & Empowerment
3rd Stop – Path to Belonging through Meaningful Relationships & Authentic Friendships
4th Stop – Path to Belonging – through Connections & Supportive Relationships
5th Stop – Path to Belonging – Voice, Choice, Confidence & Personal Power

The day includes a Community Resource Fair where you can to access valuable information about local programs and services and speak directly with the providers.
Rebecca Pauls from PLAN BC will also be joining us to launch Facing the Future Together Waterloo Region in collaboration with PLAN BC and 6 other PLAN Affiliate Organizations across Canada.
An agenda and bios of our special speakers will be sent out before the event.
This is a PASSPORT ELIGIBLE EVENT
Click here for tickets

Personal Support Network Facilitation Course Starts
2023-05-15 09:00 - 10:00 (America/Vancouver)
Shelley Nessman moderates this course that welcomes Learners from all around the globe.
Here is a little more information:
Finding friendship and making personal connections in one’s community can present challenges for us all under the most robust of conditions; for those who are isolated due to disability, illness or old age, developing a personal support network can seem insurmountable. At the heart of Plan Institute is the belief that in creating a caring community with the knowledgeable assistance of a Network Facilitator, a person in isolation can have an active social network playing an important role in bringing resilience, purpose and joy to an otherwise solitary life.
Building on over 25 years of experience in facilitating hundreds of personal support networks for people living in isolation, this online course uses PLAN’s proven approach to provide participants with the knowledge and skills necessary to become a Personal Support Network Facilitator. As a Network Facilitator, you will have the tools to re-chart a life of isolation towards a life at the centre of an active and caring personal support network.
Please head over to the Plan Institute website for more information and to register:
Personal Support Network Facilitation

Spring Lifetime Membership Luncheon
2023-05-06 10:00 - 15:00 (America/Vancouver) | Bonsor Recreation Center, 6550 Bonsor Ave,, Burnaby, British Columbia, VV5H3G4, Canada
Family Leadership is at the heart of our work at PLAN and our annual Spring Members Meeting is an important event to discuss priorities, share ideas, make plans and get coordinated for the year ahead.

Here are the details for this meeting:
Date: Saturday, May 6, 2023
Location: Bonsor Recreation Center
Address: 6550 Bonsor Ave, Burnaby, BC
Time: 10:00am-2:00pm
We plan to start our time together at 10am with a delicious Pancake Breakfast.
Then from 11am-2pm, we will meet as a large group to hear stories, and share updates and information. In the afternoon there will be an opportunity for smaller groups to discuss ideas and priorities related to Network Development, Planning for the Future, Aging, and Staying Connected.
The theme for this year is “Facing the Future Together”.
Please email us at hello@plan.ca to let us know if you are able to make it, or if you have any questions.

PLAN Calgary: Information Session
2023-05-04 18:30 - 20:00 (America/Denver)
PLAN Calgary is a non-profit organization, whose main objective is to secure the future of people of all abilities by creating a good life now and in the future. We help parents and families plan for tomorrow by building community around people of all abilities.
PLAN helps families answer the question: “Who will support your loved one with a disability when you cannot?” We believe in building a strong community around people of all abilities by supporting them, their families, and caregivers to have peace of mind for the future.
Join us on Thursday March 30th, to learn more about how we support our families in 5 key areas and how you can join an incredible parent-led organization to benefit you, your family and your loved one with a disability.
Hosted by Lindsay Pierre.
Click Here to Register

Peak Parent Center Conference
2023-04-18 08:00 - 17:00 (America/Vancouver)
Shelley and Rebecca will be leading a session at the Peak Parent Conference in Denver, Colorado.

Come for Coffee
2023-04-15 15:00 - 16:30 (America/Vancouver) | Mount Pleasant Neighbourhood House, 800 E Broadway, Vancouver, British Columbia, V5T 1Y1, Canada
It has been almost 3 years since we have been able regularly to be together in-person as a PLAN community and we miss each other! As a network of networks we understand how important it is to be present with one another to share experiences, ideas, and support for each other. We are so pleased to be able to return to the tradition of gathering together!
We’d like to invite you to “Come for Coffee!”
On Saturday, April 15, 2023 from 3:00pm to 4:30, we will be meeting in the Chocolate Lily room at the Mount Pleasant Neighbourhood House for a casual and fun time of visiting or reconnecting.
Please email hello@plan.ca to let us know if you can make it!
Hope to see you there!

ArtWork: “Coffee Time” by Liz Etmanski

P4P: Disability Tax Credit
2023-04-11 19:00 - 20:00 (America/Toronto)
The Disability Tax Credit (DTC) is a special credit for people with a disability and those that support them. On its own, the DTC can help reduce income taxes in order to offset some of the extra costs people living with a disability may incur. But perhaps an even greater benefit are the other programs you may be eligible for once you have been approved for the DTC. Programs like the Registered Disability Saving Plan (RDSP) which can provide you with up to $90,000 of bonds and grants from the Government of Canada or the Child Disability Benefit which is a tax-free monthly payment to families with a child with a disability are available to people that qualify for the DTC.
Learn more about the Disability Tax Credit and application process.
Presented in partnership with Disability Alliance BC.
The webcast includes a live Q&A with our panelists.

Click here to register

Disability Without Poverty: Update on the CDB
2023-04-04 09:00 - 10:00 (America/Vancouver)
On April 4, join Disability Without Poverty for an update on the Canada Disability Benefit.

This Fireside Chat will be hosted by Michelle Hewitt, DWP Chair, and Rabia Khedr, National Director, on Zoom, at 9am PT/12pm ET.

Click Here to Register
