News & Events

MEMBER HIGHLIGHTS

Community Venture

Abilities Manitoba member Community Venture is pleased to announce its Golden Connections pilot project. Funded by the Government of Canada’s New Horizons For Seniors initiative, the program seeks to connect isolated seniors with social and recreational opportunities; member outcomes will be evaluated using tools from CQL Canada. For more information, please call Lori at (204) 795-0619.

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On January 3, 2008 two men moved from the MDC institution in Portage la Prairie to Steinbach, Manitoba, the home community of their parents. They now share a home with one other man, and by all accounts are very happy and have adjusted well after spending most of their lives inside the institution.

The planning and negotiation for the move took over two years from initial discussions to move-in date. One of the keys to the success of the move was a fairly lengthy and carefully planned transition. Several visits were made with the men, back and forth, until a level of comfort was established for all involved.

One of the benefits of the move is that as the parents are advancing in age; visits to their sons’ home is much easier now that they don’t have to drive from Steinbach to Portage la Prairie. Another is that the men now have the dignity of living in their own home in the community.

OTHER NEWS

Registered Disability Savings Plan

In 2008 the Government of Canada created a new tax deferral vehicle for individuals with disabilities to save for their long term financial security. This is also a benefit to families who want to save money for a child with a disability. If the beneficiary is eligible, the government will make an annual matching contribution. For more details visit the Human Resource and Skills Development Canada website.

Note this website is broad in scope, but RDSP information is available here.