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February 2026 – Newsletter
RDSP and Disability Tax Credit
The Registered Disability Savings Plan is a long-term savings vehicle designed to support the financial future of Canadians with disabilities. An RDSP allows savings to grow over time with the support of federal grants and bonds, accelerating long-term value for eligible beneficiaries. Funds held in the plan are controlled by the beneficiary and can be used to support a wide range of personal goals and needs across the lifespan.
Access to an RDSP requires approval for the Disability Tax Credit, a non-refundable tax credit that helps reduce income tax for people with disabilities or those who support them. Eligibility is based on the functional impact of a disability rather than a diagnosis, with a focus on severity, duration, and the extent to which daily activities are affected.
This resource provides a clear overview of eligibility requirements, application steps, and practical next actions, including how to apply for the Disability Tax Credit, open an RDSP, and access trusted tools and supports to navigate the process with confidence.
“Someone is sitting in the shade today because someone planted a tree a long time ago.”
— Warren Buffett
Important Days in the Disability Community
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February: Heart Month
Focus on heart health, including higher cardiovascular risks experienced by many people with disabilities.
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February 9: International Epilepsy Day
Raises awareness about epilepsy and promotes understanding, inclusion, and access to supports.
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February 20: World Day of Social Justice
Highlights equity, human rights, and inclusion for marginalized communities, including people with disabilities.
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**February 28: **Rare Disease Day
Raises awareness of rare diseases and the lived experiences of people affected.
Invitation to Service Providers: Help Shape CLBC’s Next Strategic Plan by Hosting a Feedback Session
If you would like to participate, feedback needs to be submitted by March 31st, 2026.
As trusted partners in communities across B.C., service providers play a vital role in helping shape the future of CLBC services. Community Living BC (CLBC) is developing our 2026–2029 Strategic Plan, and we are inviting service providers to host a Strategic Plan feedback session with your staff teams and/or with the people and families you work alongside.
To make participation simple and meaningful, CLBC will provide:
- A small hosting stipend, and
- An Engagement Toolkit that includes:
- Planning checklists
- Discussion questions
- Promotional materials
- Feedback collection templates
These tools are designed to help you easily plan, promote, and facilitate a session while ensuring consistency across engagement activities.
By hosting a session, you can amplify the voices of your community and help guide CLBC’s priorities for the next three years.
Request an Engagement Toolkit: CLBC.StrategicPlan@gov.bc.ca
Learn more about CLBC’s community-led engagement approach on the CLBC website here:
Webinar: Late Life Planning & Transition to Seniors
When:
- February 25, 2026
- 10:00 am – 12:00 pm
**Register here: **Late Life Planning & Transition to Seniors
Home Sharing Support Society BC is hosting a virtual Late Life Planning and Transition to Seniors event to support people with disabilities, families, and caregivers as they navigate aging-related changes. As support needs evolve, families age, and caregiving roles shift, proactive planning becomes critical to reducing risk and strengthening long term stability. This session is designed to provide practical information, tools, and resources that enable informed decision-making and continuity of care.
The event brings together sector leaders with expertise in community living, legal safeguards, and financial planning. Speakers include David Wetherow, Co-Founder of the Star Raft Project, who will focus on building circles of support and planning for continuity, representatives from the Public Guardian and Trustee of British Columbia, who will outline legal and protective roles for vulnerable adults, and Rupin Minhas, who will address financial and estate planning considerations in complex situations.
This event is intended for home sharing providers, families, personal networks, service providers, and self-advocates who want to strengthen readiness for later-life transitions. Registration is now open, and participants are encouraged to attend to gain clarity, reduce uncertainty, and plan ahead with confidence.
Home Sharing Provider Awards Update
The Home Sharing Provider Awards recognize the commitment, professionalism, and impact of Home Sharing Providers across British Columbia. The awards celebrate individuals who support choice, stability, and quality of life for adults with disabilities through home sharing.
Nominations will be opening soon. More information, including award categories and nomination details, will be shared in the coming weeks.
Free Web Accessibility Widget
WideAccess is a Canadian web accessibility widget that helps make websites more inclusive in minutes. Using the widget, website visitors can personalize their experience with features like text resizing and spacing, contrast modes, readable fonts, text-to-speech, simplified navigation, and ready-made accessibility profiles — all fully user-controlled, with no extra workload for site owners.
It installs with a single script — no changes to your site’s code or structure required. On WordPress, installation takes just one click. For other platforms or custom sites, setup is just as simple, with technical support available if needed.
WideAccess is free to use, with a paid version offering additional features and five enhanced accessibility profiles. Inspired by WCAG and related standards, it does not replace full technical compliance, but provides a fast, practical way to improve usability right away — especially for people with visual, cognitive, or stress-related challenges. It serves as a modern, actively maintained bridge while longer-term accessibility improvements are implemented.
Website: wideaccess.ca
WordPress plugin: wordpress.org/plugins/wideaccess-accessibility-widget
Open Future Learning Access Transition Update
As of December 1, 2025, access and registrations are offered by the Home Sharing Support Society BC (HSSSBC) at no cost to the home sharing community.
If you are a service provider and would like your home sharing providers to access the service, you are encouraged to submit user information using HSSSBC’s OFL Registration Template. Each service provider will need to identify a key contact who will manage their users.
Home sharing providers can also request access directly through the HSSSBC website using the self-serve option.
If you are an existing OFL user and already have an email registered in the OFL system, please request to have it removed before requesting the HSSSBC set up your new account. Each user will receive a new password request link.
HSSSBC provides the administration & payment for users registered and is only free for users that are registered by the HSSSBC.
Transition Supports 0-25+ Years
Find Support BC
Need assistance? Email: executiveassistant@homesharingbc.ca
Download Registration Template
Open Future Learning Module: About Being in Control
This module focuses on what it means to be in control of your own life and why control matters for dignity choice and wellbeing. It explores how control shows up in everyday decisions and how it can be supported rather than taken away.
Through perspectives from self-advocates and experienced professionals including Dave Hingsburger participants examine common barriers to control and the impact these barriers can have on independence and quality of life. The module emphasizes that needing support does not mean losing control.
By the end of the module learners will better understand what control looks like how it can be undermined and what practical supports can help ensure people with disabilities remain active decision makers in their own lives.
Length: 28 minutes