Independent Living Vernon

11/19/2025

🌍✨ International Men’s Day – November 19 ✨🌍

Today we recognize International Men’s Day, a time to celebrate the men in our community and raise awareness about the unique challenges many men face—especially those living with disabilities.

At Independent Living Vernon, we honor men of all ages and abilities who show strength through vulnerability, resilience through adversity, and courage by asking for support when they need it. 💙

This year’s theme focuses on mental health, positive role models, and creating safe spaces for men to talk openly about their experiences.
Whether you’re navigating disability, isolation, stress, or life transitions—you’re not alone.

👉 ILV is here to empower men to live independently, access community resources, and feel supported.
👉 We encourage everyone to check in on the men in your life today—kindness and connection make a difference.

To all the fathers, brothers, sons, partners, caregivers, and community members:
We see you. We appreciate you. And we’re here for you.

Happy International Men’s Day from all of us at Independent Living Vernon! 💙

11/18/2025

As the work under the Accessible BC Act continues, DABC invites you to an online network dialogue in support of public sector accessibility committee members across BC.

11/18/2025

YOU Group at People Place today, 3:00-5:00! Theme today: History Trivia!

11/18/2025

Living with a disability or caring for someone who is? Join the Canada Revenue Agency on Wednesday, December 3, for an informative session covering federal benefits, credits, and programs designed to support you and your family.

The webinar will highlight:
• Disability Tax Credit (DTC)
• Child Disability Benefit
• Canada Workers Benefit – Disability Supplement
• Registered Disability Savings Plan (RDSP) & Home Buyers’ Plan
• Canada Caregiver Credit
• Ways to file your taxes, free tax help, and other CRA services

Session times vary by province/territory:
Newfoundland and Labrador: 3 pm (AT) / 3:30 pm (NT)
Maritimes: 3 pm
Quebec, Ontario, Nunavut: 2 pm
Manitoba, Saskatchewan: 1 pm
Alberta, Northwest Territories: 12 pm
British Columbia: 11 am (PT) / 12 pm (MT)
Yukon: 12 pm

A live Q&A will follow. Register today to secure your spot: https://bit.ly/4p8Pmpz

11/14/2025

Peer support group had an amazing lunch at The Curry Pot on Thursday! Delicious food, good people, fun conversations! Can’t wait until next time😁

11/14/2025

Starting Dec. 1, 2025, couples where both members receive disability assistance will receive the same support allowance as they would if they were two single people.

11/13/2025

Today is World Kindness Day. Be kind to one another.

Let’s teach our children and remind ourselves that kindness is a daily choice.
When we lift others up, we rise together.

11/11/2025

Reminder: Please note that we will be closed on November 11th in observance of Remembrance Day. We will resume regular hours on November 12th from 8:30-3:30.

11/10/2025

11/10/2025

💜 Join Us in Celebrating the International Day of Persons with Disabilities! 💜

Independent Living Vernon invites you to join us on Wednesday, December 3rd, 2025, from 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM at The People Place (Room #107) for a community event celebrating accessibility, inclusion, and connection.

Come enjoy a day filled with:
🌈 A Sensory Room for a calm and welcoming experience
🗣️ Informational sessions and a chance to ask questions with our staff
🤟 An Intro to Basic American Sign Language (ASL) — open to everyone who wants to learn!
🍎 Snacks and refreshments

This free community event is open to everyone — let’s come together to recognize the International Day of Persons with Disabilities and celebrate the importance of building an accessible and inclusive Vernon.

📍 Independent Living Vernon at The People Place – 3402 27th Ave, #107, Vernon, BC
🕚 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM | Wednesday, December 3, 2025

Let’s celebrate inclusion, accessibility, and community — together! 💙

11/07/2025

November 2 to 8 marks National Pain Awareness Week.

In 2022, 16.7% of Canadians aged 15 years and over had a pain-related disability. https://ow.ly/7amm50Xo5iN

11/06/2025

Good information!

📣 Federal Budget 2025 Update 🇨🇦
✅ Disability Relevant Inclusion Summary

It is possible this is a moot post with the uncertainty that parliament will pass the proposed Federal Budget 2025, but we’d like to highlight a few relevant inclusions in case you’ve missed them. We’ve been reviewing the extensive document and while few instances may seem relatable to everyday Canadians with disabilities, we believe the following are:

1️⃣ One-time Canada Disability Benefit Supplement
▪️One-time $150 payment for each Disability Tax Credit certification or re-certification
▪️Aims to reduce barriers to accessing the Canada Disability Benefit
▪️Payments issued to recipients by end of 2026–2027

2️⃣ Automatic federal benefits for low-income individuals
▪️Budget 2025: CRA authorized to automatically file tax returns for certain low-income individuals (starting 2025 tax year)
▪️Ensures access to GST/HST credit, Canada Child Benefit, and other supports
▪️90-day window to review and confirm pre-filled return before CRA files automatically
▪️Individuals may opt out
▪️Eligibility:
🔺Income below basic personal amount(federal or provincial)
🔺No return filed in past 3 years or for current year before/within 90 days of deadline

3️⃣ Home Accessibility Tax Credit
▪️Accessibility renovations may currently be claimed under both HATC and METC
▪️Budget 2025: starting 2026, expenses cannot be claimed for both credits

4️⃣ Personal Support Workers Tax Credit
▪️New temporary Personal Support Workers Tax Credit (2026–2030)
▪️Refundable credit: 5% of eligible earnings, up to $1,100/year
▪️Applies to workers providing one-on-one care under direction of a regulated health professional or organization
▪️Must assist with daily living and mobility
▪️Not eligible for earnings in BC, NL, and NWT (due to separate wage agreements)