The RDSP – Making a Difference

2010 has been a remarkable year for me, highlighted by experiencing first-hand the Winter Olympics and Paralympics to walking down the aisle with my oldest daughter, Cathy, in October.

On the business side of things I was blessed with the opportunity of being involved in a proactive, community awareness initiative that is first of its kind in Canada and in the world.

Contracted by COMPAS, a customer service and research firm, headquartered in Toronto (www.compas.ca), I have been facilitating information sessions on the new Registered Disability Savings Plan (RDSP), a federal initiative that was introduced late in 2008.  
 
In reaching out to all Canadians, I have had the pleasure of speaking directly to disability groups, public service groups, associations, foundations and organizations/companies involved in servicing the disability community.   Included in these sessions have been persons with disabilities, their direct families, attendants, social workers, lawyers, bankers, financial planners, board members & management staff and friends who want to help/make a difference.  
 
In addition to creating awareness, our goal is to ensure that there is clarity about the program and to get feedback on the program as it exists so we can go back to the federal government with proactive suggestions to enhance it (as it is early days).
 
I have talked about this program with many of my colleagues over the last year and have been taken back by their willingness to assist in introducing this program to individuals and related organizations.   Like me, they too saw the value of this program and that it can make a difference.