NEWS & NOTES

Driving hours for a checkup shouldn't be the hardest part of caregiving. From gas prices to spotty Wi-Fi, rural & remote caregivers face unique hurdles. Whether you're caring for an aging parent, a child or adult with disabilities, someone living with a chronic illness, or a loved one facing other health or life challenges, caregiving comes in many forms. This resource is here to help you navigate that journey. Designed for providers like you, it’s your roadmap to supporting

One of my goals with this website is to help families spend less time searching for information and more time enjoying the opportunities available in their communities. I recently received the following update from our Special Olympics program and thought it would be helpful to share it here for anyone who may be interested. I've included it in its original form so all of the details, dates, and information remain accurate. Special Olympics Ontario July Community Connect News

Evening Session: Wednesday, June 24th at 7:00 PM EST Click here to register. Daytime Session: Thursday, June 25th at 12:00 PM EST Click here to register. It's that time of year again. Bring your questions and tune in as Ken and his team outline important information including recent and upcoming changes regarding special needs & disability estate planning. TOPICS INCLUDE: ODSP benefits & increases. Canada Disability Benefits Disability & Caregiver tax credits RDSPs and how th

Ontario Government Expanding Benefits for Care Providers In April, 2026, the Ontario government announced plans to expand mandatory WSIB coverage to an additional 29,000 frontline care workers in privately operated residential care facilities, retirement homes and group homes. Read the Ontario Government announcement on expanded WSIB coverage for frontline care workers: https://news.ontario.ca/en/release/1007264/ontario-expanding-wsib-coverage-to-more-frontline-care-workers C

Federal Updates Spring Economic Update 2026 and Budget 2025: What Was Announced Budget 2025: Two CDB-Related Measures Now Law The Budget Implementation Bill (C-15) received Royal Assent on March 26, 2026. With that, two measures tied to the Canada Disability Benefit (CDB) are formally in place: CDB payments are now exempt from the income calculation under the Income Tax Act, and a one-time $150 supplemental payment to offset the cost of applying for or renewing the Disa

Federal Updates Budget Implementation Bill Update The federal government tabled Budget 2025 in November, committing to two measures related to the Canada Disability Benefit (CDB): Not treat the CDB as income under the Income Tax Act , thereby protecting recipients from clawbacks in other federal income-tested programs such as the Canada Child Benefit, and; To introduce a new one-time $150 supplemental payment to help offset the cost of applying for or renewing the Disab

If interested, email: Martha Beach at mbeach@dsoser.com

Effective February 16, 2026 the price of the Access2card will be $25 for a three year card and $35 for a five-year card. Any cards purchased before this date will remain at the current price of $20 for a three year card and $30 for a five-year card to help improve the program and support accessibility for years to come.

Federal Updates Budget 2025 Highlights The government tabled Budget 2025 on November 4. Here’s what we saw related to disability poverty: New one-time $150 payment Budget 2025 introduces a one-time supplemental payment of $150 to help offset the cost of applying for or renewing the Disability Tax Credit (DTC) . Applies only to people who qualify for both the DTC and the Canada Disability Benefit (CDB) . Retroactive to the launch of the CDB and expected to roll out

It happens quietly, without warning, to families everywhere. One day, you’re given news that flips your world upside down. The words spoken in that moment can feel heavy, even devastating. Too often, the message is painted in shadows—limitations, losses, and impossibilities. But what if the story began differently?