FAMILY MATTERS
COLUMN TWO - JANUARY 2009

Q. What can I do for you?

A. I have a very important role in this Association, assisting you!  I can provide you with access to information, community resources and support services. Please contact me if you would like to learn more about:

  • Acessing MAPCL programs, services, workshops
  • Other community networks, programs or services
  • Connecting with other parents or families for support/information
  • Cutting through “red tape”
  • Advocating for services
  • Participating in school planning processes for your child
  • Presenting your concerns to elected officials
  • Benefits of  MAPCL membership
  • MAPCL Family Advisory Council

This service is free of charge to families.

Sarah Baumbusch continues to work with the Self- Advocate committee.

Question & Answer topic of the month: 
School Transitions

Q. Where can I learn more about preparing for my child’s transition into the school system, or from one level of school to another?

A. MAPCL’s Laurel Behaviour Support Services is planning to host a meeting for parents of children with intellectual or other developmental disabilities who are transitioning into school from a home therapy program.  If you would like to participate, please contact Jennifer Oliver, Service Coordinator: joliver@mapcl.org. 

In addition, there are a number of other meetings and workshops about school transitions being offered throughout the lower mainland this month.  Guides are also available on-line, links are included below for your convenience.

If you would like more information, please contact your community’s School District Office or myself at MAPCL.

Other News & Information

An Important Note Regarding the Registered Disability Savings Plan
Who is offering the Registered Disability Savings Plan?
This update is provided courtesy of the Planned Lifetime Advocacy Network (PLAN), see www.rdsp.com for complete and current information. 

On December 1, 2008 the Registered Disability Savings Plan (RDSP) officially became a financial savings mechanism in Canada. The RDSP can now be issued to Canadians by Financial Institutions interested in offering the plan.  Due to the timing and requirements of the plan, few financial institutions are expected to be ready to issue the RDSP in December of 2008.  As of December 17, two Financial Institutions are approved by the Federal Government to issue the plan to Canadians

  • Bank of Montreal (BMO Financial Group)  - offers starting on December 22, 2008. This will be available through BMO to Canadians from across the country. To contact BMO and set up an RDSP you can call the BMO Investment Centre at 1-800-665-7700.
  • a regional bank in the province of Quebec.
  • In the next year, it is expected that there will be 14-16 financial institutions issuing the RDSP.

Please note that as RDSP applications become available, families should carefully research the options on the market before deciding which Financial Institution to go with.  It appears that there could be significant variance between how financial institutions administer RDSPs.  Please contact PLAN if you have specific questions or to discuss contributions for 2008.  Remember to book-mark the web-site www.rdsp.com and check if frequently for the most up to date information on this product.

Read More - Update

“End Waitlists Now”
A new Facebook Group for family members and loved ones of children with disabilities and adults with developmental disabilities is available on-line: http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=44368011114

Calendar of Events

The following school transition meetings are being co-hosted by the Simon Fraser Society for Community Living and the School District of Coquitlam for families whose children have intellectual or developmental disabilities:

Transition to Kindergarten – Thursday, January 15th/09
6:30 – 8:30 p.m. in the Gallery Room at Winslow Centre

Transition to Middle School – Thursday, January 22/09
6:30 - 8:30 p.m. in the Gallery Room at Winslow Centre

Transition to Secondary – Thursday, January 29th/09
6:30 – 8:30 in the Gallery Room at Winslow Centre.

Registration for these sessions will begin later in December. Watch for a detailed flyer!

For those of you who like to prepare in advance, you can view the parent handbook “Transition to Middle School” by clicking this link:
http://sites.sd43.bc.ca/district/studentservices/...parents.pdf

You can view the parent handbook “Transition to Secondary School”
by clicking this link:
http://sites.sd43.bc.ca/district/studentservices/...Parents.pdf

Transitions To & Through Adulthood Parent Group will meet next on:
Wednesday, January 28th, 2009 from 7:00 – 9:00 at our Salisbury Building
1551 Salisbury, Port Coquitlam, topic to be announced. For more information, contact Helen at hstovell@sfscl.org or call 604-525-9494.

Transition to Kindergarten – New Westminster
The New Westminster Supported Child Development Program is hosting
a Transition to Kindergarten information session for New West Families.
Date: Thursday January 29th, 2009
Time: 6:30 – 8:00 p.m.
Location: Simcoe Office, 811 Royal Avenue, New Westminster.
For more information contact Chris Duggan at 604-521-0878 EXT. 320

Resource Links

STEPS FORWARD – Inclusive Post Secondary Education Society:
www.steps-forward.org

UNTAPE is a site where people come to share practical tips for cutting
through red tape and getting the help you need from government or
community agencies. www.untape.com

ACT – Autism Community Training at www.actbc.ca

Inspirational Quotes

Can you guess who said,

“Hope is like the sun, which, as we journey toward it, casts the shadow of our burden behind.”

Answer:

Contact

To share your questions, comments, news or network links with other families through this newsletter, contact Monique Nelson, Family Resource Coordinator:

Tel (604) 299-4001 local 262 ; email to mnelson@mapcl.org

Note - Meetings to discuss individual family needs are available by appointment.