Community Living BC (CLBC) and the BCGEU have ratified a two-year agreement under the Cooperative Gains Mandate.

The first phase of annualized earnings exemptions, which will give individuals on disability assistance the opportunity to use their earnings exemptions on an annual instead of monthly basis, will be effective Jan. 1, 2013.

Unemployed British Columbians receiving services through the Employment Program of BC (EPBC) may now be eligible for up to a maximum of $7,500 in tuition funding available to help them access skills training.

Individuals with developmental disabilities, their families and the community living sector are invited to participate in community engagement workshops to provide feedback on a proposed integrated service delivery model - an important step towards delivering on the 12-point plan for improving services for people with developmental disabilities.

A tentative agreement has been reached under the Cooperative Gains Mandate between Community Living BC (CLBC) and the BCGEU, the first at a Crown agency, Moira Stilwell, Minister of Social Development announced today.

Up to 25 students with developmental disabilities will now have the opportunity to attend classes and gain campus experiences at B.C. colleges and universities under a two-year, $400,000 investment with STEPS Forward's BC Initiative for Inclusive Post-Secondary Education, funded by Community Living BC (CLBC).

B.C.'s most vulnerable families are getting a helping hand thanks to income and disability assistance changes that take effect today. The changes, announced in June as part of the Families First Agenda, are designed to help vulnerable individuals and families attain better financial outcomes, assist people with disabilities to lead more independent lives, and help people capable of work avoid the cycle of income-assistance dependence.

Do you know someone with a developmental disability? October is Community Living Month, and this is the perfect opportunity to recognize and celebrate British Columbians living with developmental disabilities by attending one of the many events happening around the province.