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

2. 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.

3. 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.

4. 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

5. 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

6. 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

7. 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

8. 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

9. 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.

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

11. 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

12. Thank You