In Episode 2 of Dollars Seen Differently, Prosper Canada, a national charity, offers financial empowerment tools for Canadians, including the Benefits Way Finder and the Disability Benefits Compass. These free, accessible tools help users identify and apply for government benefits, particularly those often overlooked by low- to moderate-income individuals. The discussion emphasizes the importance of these tools in enhancing financial well-being by providing easy access to various financial supports across Canada.

Show notes: https://www.cnib.ca/sites/default/files/2024-11/Dollars%20Seen%20Differently%20Episode%202%20-%20Finding%20Government%20Benefits%20With%20Prosper%20Canada.pdf

Dollars Seen Differently – Episode 2: Finding Government Benefits With Prosper Canada

Episode 3 of Dollars Seen Differently discusses two significant financial benefits available to Canadians with disabilities: the Disability Tax Credit (DTC) and the Canada Pension Plan Disability (CPPD). The DTC is a non-refundable tax credit aimed at individuals with severe, prolonged disabilities, helping reduce taxes and access other programs like the Canada Workers Benefit (CWB), Child Disability Benefit (CDB), and the Registered Disability Savings Plan (RDSP). The CPPD provides financial assistance to individuals unable to work due to a disability, provided they have made sufficient contributions to the CPP and have a severe and prolonged disability. The speakers emphasize the importance of filing appeals if applications are denied and provide tips for the application process.

Show notes: https://www.cnib.ca/sites/default/files/2024-11/Dollars%20Seen%20Differently%20Episode%203%20-%20Disability%20Benefits%20%28Disability%20Tax%20Credit%20%26%20CPP%20Disability%20Benefit%29.pdf

Dollars Seen Differently – Episode 3: Disability Benefits

In Episode 4 of Dollars Seen Differently, Ryan Chin from Sun Life Financial and Peridot Financial Solutions explains the Registered Disability Savings Plan (RDSP), designed for Canadians with disabilities to save long-term and grow tax-free until withdrawal. The RDSP offers government benefits through grants and bonds, potentially providing up to $90,000 in combined contributions over the plan’s lifetime. Ryan discusses eligibility requirements, making contributions, and how contributions can be matched through the Canada Disability Savings Grant (CDSG). And he shares how the Canada Disability Savings Bond (CDSB) can offer additional money to low-income individuals, even if they don’t contribute. He also emphasizes that knowledgeable advisors can be valuable in navigating RDSP complexities.

Show notes: https://www.cnib.ca/sites/default/files/2024-11/Dollars%20Seen%20Differently%20Episode%204%20-%20Registered%20Disability%20Savings%20Plan%20%28RDSP%29.pdf

Dollars Seen Differently – Episode 4: Registered Disability Savings Plan (RDSP)

In Episode 5 of Dollars Seen Differently, financial expert Selene Mathews-Negash discusses various registered accounts available in Canada, including the Tax-Free Savings Account (TFSA), Registered Retirement Savings Plan (RRSP), First Home Savings Account (FHSA), and Registered Education Savings Plan (RESP). She debunks common myths, such as the misconception that RRSP funds are locked in until retirement and explains the importance of using these accounts to maximize savings. Selene also highlights the significance of starting an emergency fund and offers advice on where to begin investing based on individual goals, emphasizing the importance of government-provided grants and bonds in accounts like the RESP. The episode provides listeners with practical insights into choosing and utilizing the right accounts for their financial needs.

Show notes: https://www.cnib.ca/sites/default/files/2024-11/Dollars%20Seen%20Differently%20Episode%205%20-%20Registered%20Accounts.pdf

Dollars Seen Differently – Episode 5: Registered Accounts

In Episode 6 of Dollars Seen Differently, Joanna Angelidis from BCIT and Ellis Parsons from CNIB discuss financial aid options for students, especially those with disabilities. They explore various resources, including the Canada Student Grant for Students with Disabilities and provincial student loans, while emphasizing the importance of early planning, understanding eligibility requirements, and staying organized throughout the application process. They advise students to consult both financial aid and accessibility services at their post-secondary institution to receive comprehensive guidance. Ellis explains that students can customize loan amounts and avoid loans if grants meet their needs. The discussion covers the six-month grace period for student loan repayments post-graduation, suggesting students aim for grants to avoid repayment altogether. Persistence, organization, and leveraging support networks are highlighted as crucial to navigating financial aid.

Show notes: https://www.cnib.ca/sites/default/files/2024-11/Dollars%20Seen%20Differently%20Episode%206%20-%20Financial%20Aid%20For%20Post-Secondary%20Students.pdf

Dollars Seen Differently – Episode 6: Financial Aid For Post-Secondary Students

In Episode 7 of Dollars Seen Differently, Sheldon Brown highlights CNIB’s wide range of scholarships and bursaries, which support students across Canada, addressing both financial need and accessibility requirements for those with sight loss. Katja introduces NEADS’ financial assistance program, which offers grants and partner-funded scholarships, aimed at reducing student debt and improving accessibility on campus. Both speakers emphasize the importance of early preparation, meeting eligibility criteria, and making an emotional connection in scholarship applications. Katja also mentions disabilityawards.ca, a useful resource to search for additional disability-specific scholarships.

Show notes: https://www.cnib.ca/sites/default/files/2024-11/Dollars%20Seen%20Differently%20Episode%207%20-%20Scholarships%20For%20Students%20With%20Disabilities.pdf

Dollars Seen Differently – Episode 7: Scholarships For Students With Disabilities

In Episode 8 of Dollars Seen Differently, we cover the essentials of financial literacy, focusing on debts, loans, and taxes. The episode discusses different types of loans—such as credit cards, lines of credit, mortgages, and payday loans—highlighting their pros and cons. The speakers emphasize the importance of managing debt responsibly, understanding interest rates, and the dangers of consumerism. They also explain how poor financial decisions can lead to long-term consequences, including damaged credit scores and mental stress. The episode wraps up by discussing the importance of filing taxes annually, even for those without income, and how missing tax deadlines can result in lost government benefits and penalties.

Show notes: https://www.cnib.ca/sites/default/files/2024-11/Dollars%20Seen%20Differently%20Episode%208%20-%20Debt%20and%20Taxes%20-%20The%20Basics.pdf

Dollars Seen Differently – Episode 8: Debt and Taxes - The Basics

In Episode 9 of Dollar Seen Differently, Ryan Chin from Sunlife Financial and Peridot Financial Solutions explains the importance and types of life insurance available for individuals, including those with disabilities. Chin shares that life insurance is often sought to cover debts, leave a legacy, or handle final expenses, and it can help protect loved ones financially. He introduces three main types of life insurance: Term Insurance (temporary, covering a set period), Permanent Insurance (covers an individual’s entire life), and Participating Permanent Insurance (a policy that grows in value over time through dividends). He discusses eligibility, the application process, and how risk factors like age, health, and lifestyle impact premiums and policy approval. For those with pre-existing conditions, some policies may still be available with risk assessment. Chin encourages consulting with a knowledgeable advisor to determine the right coverage based on personal needs and goals.

Show notes: https://www.cnib.ca/sites/default/files/2024-11/Dollars%20Seen%20Differently%20Episode%209%20-%20Life%20Insurance.pdf

Dollars Seen Differently – Episode 9: Life Insurance

In the final episode of Dollars Seen Differently, Graham Dobbs from TMU discusses the basics of cryptocurrency. Graham explains that cryptocurrency, unlike traditional currency, is a decentralized digital form of money, often managed through blockchain technology. He explores types of cryptocurrencies, such as Bitcoin, altcoins, and stable coins, and discusses the security risks, volatility, and privacy features that distinguish them from traditional currencies. Graham also considers how cryptocurrencies may act more as a speculative investment than as practical currency substitutes. This episode offers listeners an informative look into cryptocurrency’s complex role in today’s economy, highlighting both its potential and challenges.

Show notes: https://www.cnib.ca/sites/default/files/2024-11/Dollars%20Seen%20Differently%20Episode%2010%20-%20An%20Introduction%20To%20Cryptocurrency%20.pdf

Dollars Seen Differently – Episode 10: An Introduction To Cryptocurrency

In this episode of the Hope in Focus Podcast, host Ben Shaberman is joined by Kara Fick, Director of Patient Advocacy at Atsena Therapeutics, and Andy Bolan, Director of Patient Advocacy at Sepul Bio. Both Kara and Andy work closely with families affected by inherited retinal diseases, helping them better understand the clinical trial process and the realities of drug development.
They share how they entered the field, what patient advocacy looks like day-to-day inside biotech companies, and why this work is essential for bridging the gap between researchers and the patient community. Together, they highlight how advocates support families through the clinical trial journey—making sure the patient voice remains at the center of gene therapy development.

Hope in Focus Podcast | Episode 3 - Behind the Scenes: Patient Advocacy in Gene Therapy

The Hope in Focus Podcast, hosted by Ben Shaberman, brings monthly stories and insights to the Leber congenital amaurosis (LCA) and inherited retinal disease (IRD) community.  Together, we discuss personal stories, research and scientific updates—including gene therapy and drug development—tools and resources that support accessibility and independence, and insights to help families better understand early-onset vision loss.

Hope in Focus is dedicated to generating awareness, raising funds for research, and providing support, education and outreach to the LCA and IRDs.

The CNIB Podcast Network is a collection of audio programming designed to give a voice to people across the CNIB community as they share their personal stories of life with sight loss. Listen to the episodes on any of the platforms listed below. If you enjoy what you hear, subscribe!

New tracks tagged #Vision Loss