With this investment, the Alberta government’s four family centres received grants to help Albertans with the RDSP application process. (File Photo:
ThisisEngineering RAEng/Unsplash)

Alberta’s government is making it easier for Albertans with disabilities to open Registered Disability Savings Plans (RDSP).

The province is acting on a platform commitment and will invest $500,000 annually for two years to provide support to Albertans with disabilities and their families to enable them to open an RDSP. An RDSP is a long-term savings plan for people with disabilities, providing up to $90,000 in federal grants and bonds over a person’s lifetime.

“We are following through on a promise to help Albertans with disabilities. Many eligible Albertans are missing out on this valuable federal funding due to an overly complex application process. This funding will help provide disability-serving organizations with the capacity to do this important work.”

Jason Luan, Minister of Community and Social Services

With this investment, the Alberta government’s four family centres received grants to help Albertans with the RDSP application process. The Alberta Ability Network, Alberta Association of Immigrant Serving Agencies and Alberta Native Friendship Centres received grants to will also promote RDSP awareness and capacity building within their communities. The goal is to help as many Albertans with disabilities as possible with the complicated RDSP application process.

RDSPs are one aspect of the federal Disability Tax Credit and can be used to provide long-term financial security for parents of children with disabilities or to help adults with disabilities save for the future.

Family resource centres

Family resource centres assist people with disabilities and their families with accessing and navigating the variety of disability supports and services in Alberta.

They offer tools, resources and information to help families manage their Family Support for Children with Disabilities (FSCD) and Persons with Developmental Disabilities (PDD) services.

“Autism Society Alberta welcomes investments in supporting families in their efforts to ensure a best quality life for a loved one with a disability. Addressing extraordinary care needs and the day to day challenges can limit a family’s time, energy, and capacity to apply for programs like the RDSP.  Assisting families in accessing the RDSP with support from Family Resource Centres and other programs will reduce some of the barriers to preparing and planning for the future.”

Lyndon Parakin, Vice President, Autism Society Alberta

“The Family Resource Centre – Red Deer provides a wide range of supports and resources to individuals with disabilities and their families who reside throughout the Central region. During this upcoming year, we will also enhance our attention on providing information and assistance regarding the Registered Disability Savings Plan (RDSP), ensuring that individuals/families have the support required to complete the application process.  We are excited to be part of the provincial initiative.”

Cindy Jensen, Executive Director, STEPS Society of Red Deer

Quick facts

Approximate funding breakdown (2021-22)

• Family resource centres – $60,000 each o Autism Society of Alberta o Gateway Association          o Inclusion Alberta o STEPS Society
• Alberta Ability Network – $100,000
• Alberta Association of Immigrant Serving Agencies – $80,000
• Alberta Native Friendship Centres – $80,000

Family resource centres in Alberta

• Autism Society of Alberta: o Calgary o Fort McMurray o Lethbridge o Crowsnest Pass o Paul o Chinook, Medicine Hat  Gateway Association:  o Edmonton
• Inclusion Alberta:
  • Grande Prairie
  • Darrell Cook Family Managed Supports Resource Centre (Calgary)  STEPS Society:
  • Red Deer