In an interview with The Varsity, I raised awareness of the petition to the provincial government to increase funding for ODSP.

During 2020-2021 there were about 520,000 beneficiaries in the Ontario Disability Support Program.

However, “the support provided by ODSP is 30% below Ontario’s poverty line with a single person can recive a maximum of $ 1,169.”

The Varsity

This led to a potion to be shared, demanding Ford’s government to increase funding for ODSP and other support programs.

“The creation of these programs [was] meant to try to solve the problem of unemployment and lack of income [among people with disabilities].” 

Catherine Dumé

The problem is that not every person with a disability is able to use ODSP as “back up funds” usually to cover certain disability related costs. But that is under the impression that they have a steady income, either through their caregivers ( parents/family) or personal income.

Most persons with disability struggle to get and maintain jobs. This is due to workplaces not being accessible to their disability needs.

Which is why programs like ODSP exist. However, the funding they provide is not enough to support individuals and to grant them the independence they deserve.

I hope the provincial government improves this issue. Ontarians with disabilities deserve to have financial independence.