Susan Mader, Executive Director Accessibility Secretariat RDSP Action Group Susan Mader, Executive Director Accessibility Secretariat

The RDSP in BC The RDSP is a long-term savings plan created by the federal government to help people with disabilities and their families save money for the future. B.C. was the first province to support the RDSP and currently has the highest per capita uptake in the country. Money held in or paid out of an RDSP does not affect people’s income or disability assistance.

The RDSP in BC Over 31,000 British Columbians with disabilities - 40% of individuals who are eligible - have set up an RDSP to help them save for the future. 17% of all RDSPs in Canada are held by British Columbians. The average value of an RDSP in B.C. in December 2016 was $24,300 – $2,050 above the national average.

History 2013 province-wide disability consultation revealed a significant lack of awareness of the RDSP in BC Creation of the RDSP Action Group was a commitment in the 10-year accessibility action plan

What is the RDSP Action Group? Advisory committee to the Minister of Social Development and Poverty Reduction Part of the leadership team supporting government’s commitment to build a better BC for people with disabilities Mandate – Champion financial security and increase uptake of the RDSP in BC

Membership Membership comprised of people with disabilities and the disability community, government, business, Indigenous community, financial institutions, legal and academia Champions of the RDSP in their sector and range of influence Chaired by Norah Flaherty

Focus Identifying opportunities to raise awareness and share RDSP information Examining the RDSP process to identify priorities for action and make recommendations Exploring opportunities to increase RDSP uptake

Raise Awareness Celebrate RDSP Awareness Month in October - since 2014 Member events and marketing activities Government proclamation Created ‘How to Start and Manage a Registered Disability Savings Plan”, a 10-step guide to the RDSP Third edition now available Accessible formats

Make Recommendations The group provides recommendations to the federal government around improvements to the RDSP and the Disability Tax Credit The Canadian Senate has recommended that the Government of Canada adopt a model similar to the RDSP Action Group, where people with disabilities, their families and other stakeholders can inform and improve federal programs.

Increase Uptake Access RDSP Partnership Toll-free Hotline Free RDSP info sessions Indigenous Navigation One-on-one support for DTC and RDSP Endowment 150

Moving forward Identifying priorities for action in the RDSP process Exploring opportunities to increase RDSP uptake Marketing the RDSP guide Increasing collaboration with Federal and pan-Canadian partners Increasing awareness of the RDSP

Thank You