Special Needs Planning
with Spectrum Financial
Fall 2023
Greetings!

We hope this email finds you and your family well and the transition into the new school term has been a positive one, for those households with students. We also hope that you had a lovely Thanksgiving weekend and have moved on to happily decorating your home with ghouls and an Autumn harvest.


If you know of anyone in this community that could benefit from our Special Needs planning expertise, please pass along our contact information.

Karen recently held another successful webinar, speaking to the important resources and planning areas that if accessed can provide peace of mind that your family members future is well in hand. If you belong to a support group and would like Karen to present to (whether in person or online), please let us know. We would be happy to assist in organizing this.

Please continue to stay safe, stay in touch, and stay positive.

Karen, Richard, Janet, Jeni & Cathy
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News & Resources
ADHD and Maintaining
Friendships

Why do children and teens with ADHD have difficulty maintaining friendships? Social interaction is surprisingly complex, involving various executive function skills! It requires showing interest in others, give and take in conversations, and flexibility in thinking. Combine these challenges with the impulsivity and inattention of ADHD, there's a lot that can go wrong. Fortunately, there are ways to improve social skills and practice being a good friend. 
RDSPs for Diabetics

As of 2021, all Canadians diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes are eligible to receive the Disability Tax Credit. In addition to potential tax savings, it allows you to participate in the Registered Disability Savings program (RDSP).
Depending on your age, you could benefit from up to $90,000 of "Free” grant and bond dollars. Click below to find out why an RDSP is an important part of planning for the golden years. 
Service Animal Laws

The recognition of service animals can vary greatly from federal, provincial & municipal legislations. This is why it's important to know the laws and regulations of your area, and anywhere you plan to travel with a service animal. Most provinces don't require certification, but in some cases where a guide dog or service animal does not wear a vest or harness, you may be asked to show acceptable documentation from a regulated health professional. 
The article below outlines the different types of service animals, and the various acts in place to ensure accessibility of the disabled.

Demystifying Psychological Educational Evaluations

We're now well into the first term of school, and your child's teacher is getting a good feel for their students. They may have noticed your child struggling and feel they would benefit from extra supports. In order to put supports into place, a Psycho - Educational Assessment needs to take place. These can be provided through the school board, or privately - which should you choose, or should you have both? 
How to Manage Your Money When Living with a Disability

The Financial Consumer Agency of Canada has compiled a number of great resources for those living with a disability. From finding a low cost bank account, to budgeting, managing your debt, and information on all the government grants, tax credits, and registered savings plans you may be eligible for.
Coming Soon - A New Website Dedicated Entirely to Special Needs Planning!