Due to improvements in life expectancy for people living with a disability, many are now outliving ther parents and close relatives. While this is a welcome change, it presents a new problem as it pertains to saving for health related costs into the future. Strict benefit guidelines prevent them from building financial assets that will allow for independence in their later life.
The Registered Disability Savings Plan (RDSP) is a powerful savings tool similar to a registered education savings plan, but designed specifically for people living with a disability. The Plan allows those living with a disability financial security well into older age avoiding the poverty trap and enabling independence.
The RDSP allows anyone eligible for the Disability Tax Credit to invest up to $200,000 in savings tax- free until withdrawal, and to spend the money in whatever way will benefit them most. Family mem- bers and friends can contribute to someone’s RDSP, and help plan for that person’s long-term financial security. The federal government matches contribu- tions through Canada Disability Savings Grants and Bonds. The Bonds – available without contributions – are especially valuable for people with limited financial means.
Tags: Registered Disability Savings Plan, RDSP
Photo Credit: Melanie Gordon
The Empathy Deficit: The absence of empathy underlies war, genocide, neglect, racism, abuse and marginalization of all kinds. Without empathy there is insufficient traction for conflict resolution and altruism is not possible. Empathy – the ability to understand how others feel – is at the core of our humanity.
Roots of Empathy’s mission is to build caring, peaceful, and civil societies through the development of empathy in chil- dren and adults. Developing empathy is the key to building understanding and breaking cycles of violence. The Roots of Empathy innovation is the discovery that we can do this most effectively with a tiny baby providing experiential learning for children in their classrooms.
Tags: Roots of Empathy, ROE
Photo Credit: Marko Peterlin
Jane’s Walk is directly addressing problems associated with the walkability of cities and neighbourhoods. Walkability is a measurement of how inviting or un-inviting an area is to pedestrians. Improving walkability creates better social cohesion and stronger neighborhood relations.
Jane’s Walks are neighborhood tours coordinated and lead by local people. Jane’s Walks value local knowledge and community building. Part of the innovation of Jane’s Walk is acknowledging that everyone has a perspective on their neighborhood – no matter how long they have lived there. Underlying Jane’s Walk is the premise that people actually know more than they think they do about their city. One need not visit the central library to find out about a neighborhood’s history. Jane’s Walks use walking as a way to connect neighbours, local merchants and the broader community.
Tags: Jane's Walk, social innovation, community
