Income Supports and Disability Benefits (Canada & BC)
Who this is for: Adults with disabilities who need income support or financial stability.
Transitions Timeline
Printable checklist
Use this checklist as a planning aid and confirm current details directly with the relevant provider.Ages 25+
Employment & Volunteer Opportunities - Community Involvement
Review/research/secure employment and volunteer opportunities.
Self Description
As much as possible, teach the person how to describe their uniqueness to others.
Recreation, Leisure, & Entertainment
Pursue hobbies and opportunities for leisure and recreation.
Income Taxes
Filing income taxes.
Creating a Care Plan
We suggest you make a plan both for yourself as a caregiver and your loved one. Remember, any plan is better than no plan.
Resume/Portfolio Update
Update of the individual's resume and/or portfolio of their work and volunteer jobs.
Housing
Research and review housing options.
Post Secondary Education
Review interest in post secondary options.
Research and apply for post secondary education/ training, vocational skills and employment preparation.
Research school grants, bursaries and scholarships and apply.
Access RESP funds if applicable. If post secondary will not be considered, learn about options to transfer funds into other savings vehicles.
Research and apply for post secondary education/ training, vocational skills and employment preparation.
Research school grants, bursaries and scholarships and apply.
Access RESP funds if applicable. If post secondary will not be considered, learn about options to transfer funds into other savings vehicles.
Representation Agreements / Power of Attorney
If applicable, review and/or update representation agreements and enduring power of attorney by consulting a lawyer.
Already in Place
By the age of 21, the following items will likely already be in place.
Family Support Institute of BC (FSI)
Connect with the Family Support Institute for support, guidance, and information. This provincial not for profit organization can connect you with a volunteer Resource Parent (RP) in your community. All RPs have a family member with a disability. This network supports and connects with families by sharing experiences, expertise, and guidance.
Advocacy and Self Advocacy
Learn about advocacy and self advocacy. Research organizations that specialize in these areas.
Health and Medical Information
Establish a system whereby person's medical information and ongoing follow ups are noted and flagged.
Health Care and Ongoing Care Coordination
Who this is for: Adults managing chronic conditions, multiple providers, or complex care needs.
Health Transitions After Diagnosis in Adulthood
Who this is for: Adults diagnosed later in life (e.g., autism, ADHD, mental health conditions).
FSI Event Calendar
FSI has regular online support groups, workshops, and information sessions with a wide variety of guest speakers for individuals and their families to explore.
Added Care Funding
Added Care Funding is the funding that supports adults with disabilities who are considered to have High Intensity Health Care Needs."
Ways to Talk to Your Doctor
We often wait for some time to obtain an appointment with a doctor or specialist. Here are some tips to prepare for a visit and partnering with a doctor and feel more confident about the chosen treatment.
Microboards
Microboards and Individualized Funding are tools that can assist people with disabilities to take greater control of their lives; living the life they choose. Vela Canada is a not-for-profit based in British Columbia that offers support for these tools.
Supports for Seniors
Resources and agencies that support seniors