For more information:
Contact Alanna Gemmell
Phone: 780-452-4661
Email: AGemmell@schizophrenia.ab.ca
See our Online Program Guide for technical details.
Learn ways to better support your loved one and yourself from experts in the field of schizophrenia.
Our online educational speakers forum provides SSA family members and caregivers with the opportunity to hear doctors and other experts speak on important topics related to schizophrenia.
Because the program is run online with the presenter on live video chat, you can attend from wherever you are as long as you have an internet connection.
Questions will be taken throughout the forum. You can participate through instant messaging, via microphone, or with full video chat. You're free to choose whatever format feels most comfortable to you.
**Please note that these programs are not recorded to maintain confidentiality for participants. **
Guardianship and Trusteeship
Date: January 30, 2025
Time: 5:30-7:00pm
Speaker: Annie VanderLeek and Michaela Summers
Session Description: Speakers will be covering the following topics:
1. What is guardianship and trusteeship
2. Why is this important for an individual without capacity
3. Capacity Assessment Report
4. Process for the application and determining who should be on the application
5. Court Order
Speaker Bio:
Annie VanderLeek:
In the fall of 2009, the VanderLeek Law established a division named “Disability Advocates”, which is championed by Annie VanderLeek. Annie provides support services to families with special needs children in such areas as guardianship and trusteeship applications and reviews, AISH Applications and appeals, Disability Tax Credit application and reviews, educational supports and general advocacy. She is the mother of 5 adopted children, 3 of whom have long-term disabilities.
Michaela Summers:
Michaela joined VanderLeek Law as an Articling Student in May 2021. She was called to bar in June 2022 and is now an Associate with VanderLeek Law. Prior to attending law school at the University of Calgary, Michaela worked as a disability support worker, research assistant at the Child Development Centre, and website content manager at a private wealth management office. It was working at a wealth management office that initially sparked her interest in trusts and estate planning. Michaela is a volunteer lawyer with Calgary Legal Guidance and is actively working towards her Trust and Estate Practitioner (“TEP”) designation.
Disability Tax Credit and Related Benefits
Date: February 4, 2025
Time: 3:00pm-4:00pm
Speaker: Manny Kaur
Session Description:
Join us for this session which will be covering:
-Disability Tax Credit Application & Eligibility
-Canada Caregiver Credit
-Home Accessibility Tax Credit
-Medical expenses
Speaker Bio:
Manny Kaur is a CVITP and Benefits Outreach Officer at Canada Revenue Agency (CRA). This is her fourth year working with the agency. Manny started her career as an Individual Income Tax Enquiries agent at the CRA Contact Centre. Manny now travels Alberta teaching people about the benefits, credits, and tax deductions that are available to them from the CRA when they file a tax return.
