Empowered Seniors Speakers Series

Disability Tax Credit 101 – What It Is, Who Qualifies, and How to Apply

Understanding the Disability Tax Credit (DTC) can feel overwhelming—but it doesn't have to be. If you or someone you care for is living with a disability, you may be eligible for significant financial relief through this underutilized benefit. The key is knowing where to start and what qualifies.

This month’s Empowered Seniors Speaker Series features Peter Curtis, an experienced paralegal and founder of Disability Tax Results, who has spent over two decades helping Canadians navigate the complexities of the DTC. Whether you’ve never heard of the credit or have been denied before, this session is designed to bring clarity and confidence to the process.

Peter will walk you through eligibility, common misunderstandings, and what to do if your case is more complex than average. You’ll leave with a better understanding of your options—and how to begin the process of applying or reapplying for yourself or a loved one.

Because accessing the financial support you deserve shouldn’t feel out of reach.

During this presentation you’ll learn:

• What the Disability Tax Credit is and who qualifies
• How to apply for the DTC—even if you’ve been denied in the past
• What conditions and medical circumstances meet CRA criteria
• How to access retroactive refunds and additional benefits
• The difference between simple and complex cases—and when to seek support

Join us on September 9, 2026 for this practical and empowering seminar. Reserve your free seat at the link below.

Free event, reserve your seat

Burlington Art Gallery - 1333 Lakeshore Rd. Burlington ON

MAiD (Medical Assistance in Dying): What You Need to Know and Where to Find Support

Medical Assistance in Dying (MAiD) has been legal in Canada for ten years, and many Canadians now have lived experience with this option. While MAiD involves a clear medical and legal process, it is also deeply personal and emotional for individuals and families navigating end-of-life decisions.

In this thoughtful and informative session, the Empowered Seniors Speaker Series will explore both the practical realities and the human side of MAiD. The first half of the presentation will focus on the current legislation in Canada as of 2026 and explain how the process is typically accessed. The second half will shift to the real-life experiences of those who support patients and families through this journey, offering insight into the emotional, ethical, and supportive aspects of end-of-life planning.

This session is designed to provide clarity, education, and compassionate understanding for seniors and their families who want to be informed about their options and the supports available.

We’ll explore:

• Current MAiD legislation in Canada and what it means today
• Steps involved in accessing MAiD
• Still-unresolved issues and ongoing conversations around the law
• The role of end-of-life doulas in supporting patients and families
• Other sources of emotional, practical, and community support

Join us on October 14, 2026 for this important and informative seminar. Reserve your free seat at the link below.

Free event, reserve your seat

Burlington Art Gallery - 1333 Lakeshore Rd. Burlington ON

Decluttering and Downsizing – Why, When and Where

Decluttering can feel overwhelming, especially when years of belongings have accumulated in one home. But downsizing your belongings doesn’t necessarily mean you’re preparing to move. In fact, starting before you need to can make the process much easier and help prevent it from becoming someone else’s responsibility later.

This month’s Empowered Seniors Speaker Series features Judy Rickey of Clutter Relief Services, who has spent the past 16 years helping people declutter and organize their homes. Through her work, Judy has seen firsthand how having too much clutter can affect our physical, mental and emotional well-being, as well as how procrastinating can turn decluttering into a much more stressful task when it suddenly needs to be done.

Judy will share practical ways to begin your decluttering journey, ideas for where unwanted belongings can go, and how to approach the often-emotional process of letting things go. She’ll also discuss when an online auction may be worth considering when moving or clearing an estate, and when it may be time to ask for help and support.

You’ll leave with practical ideas and a clearer sense of where to begin, whether you’re thinking about downsizing in the future or simply know it’s time to start working through the belongings you no longer use or love.

Because the best time to start decluttering is before you have to.

During this presentation you’ll learn:

• Why you should start decluttering now and how to begin
• How decluttering can support your physical, mental and emotional well-being
• Places in the local area where you can distribute unwanted belongings
• When an online auction may be an option when moving or clearing an estate
• How to approach the process of letting go of belongings
• When to ask for help and support

Join us on November 11, 2026 for this practical and encouraging seminar. Reserve your free seat at the link below.

Free event, reserve your seat

Burlington Art Gallery - 1333 Lakeshore Rd. Burlington ON

AI for Seniors: The Good, The Bad, and The Downright Ugly

Artificial Intelligence is no longer something from the future. It’s already part of everyday life, from Siri and Google Maps to online banking, healthcare technology and the recommendations we see online.

But as AI becomes more powerful, understanding how to use it safely is becoming just as important as knowing what it can do.

This month’s Empowered Seniors Speaker Series features Dave Oswold, who will break down AI in a practical, easy-to-understand way. You’ll explore some of the genuinely helpful ways AI can support independence, communication and everyday life, while also learning about the growing risks of scams, deepfakes, voice cloning, misinformation and privacy concerns.

Rather than fearing new technology, this session is about becoming a more informed and confident user. Dave will show you how AI-powered fraud works, what warning signs to watch for and the simple habits that can make you a much harder target for scammers.

Because when technology changes quickly, knowledge is one of the best forms of protection.

During this presentation you’ll learn:

• How AI is already being used in everyday life
• Ways AI can support health, independence and communication
• How scammers are using AI, voice cloning and deepfakes
• How to recognize increasingly sophisticated fraud and phishing attempts
• What AI-generated misinformation can look like
• How to better protect your privacy, accounts and personal information
• Practical steps to verify suspicious messages, calls and requests
• How to use AI as a helpful tool without relying on it as an authority

Join us on December 9, 2026 for this timely and practical seminar designed to help you better understand the changing world of artificial intelligence, without the tech jargon or scare tactics.

Free event, reserve your seat

Burlington Art Gallery - 1333 Lakeshore Rd. Burlington ON