Information::Gynecological Programs

ODSP EMPLOYMENT SUPPORTS

ODSP employment supports are designed to reduce or eliminate disability-related barriers to finding and keeping a job. He program provides supports to people with disabilities who can and do want to work. A wide variety of supports and services are available to assist clients to reach their goal of becoming employed.

If you have a disability, ODSP Employment Supports offers you the opportunity to work, to become independent, and to reach your employment potential.

Your disability much be verified by the appropriate professional (e.g. doctor or psychiatrist) when applying for employment supports. However, this is not necessary if you are already receiving ODSP income support. And HIV+ diagnosis allows you to be eligible for employment supports.

You do not have to be receiving ODSP income supports to be eligible for employment supports.

You must be 16 years of age or older, a resident of Ontario, and legally entitled to work in Canada. If you are receiving, or are eligible to receive, disability or rehabilitation benefits from other public or private sources, you may not be eligible for employment supports. People on welfare are not eligible for ODSP employment supports. They can receive assistance under Ontario Works, the government's mandatory workfare program

How do I apply?

Ask a worker at your local Ministry of Community and Social Services office for an application package. You can find the phone number of the office nearest you in the blue pages of your phone book.

If you currently receive ODSP income supports, your worker can provide you with the application package. ODSP employment supports staff is available if you need help completing the application package.

The Following Employment Supports are Available to Clients

Help Developing an Employment Plan
- Identifying supports people with disabilities need to over come the barriers they face getting a job
- Improving communication skills
- Identifying employment strengths and career goals
Employment Preparation and Training
- Learning a job skill
- Specialized computer training
- Training on adaptive technology
Job Coaching
Coaches are available to help people with disabilities become familiar with their work environment and responsibilities.
Job Placement
- Learning job search skills
- Job opportunities found or developed
- Supportive follow-up services provided to employees and employers
Transportation Assistance While a Client is Training for a job
Financial training assistance to cover the costs of getting to and from training opportunities; travel, route and orientation training.
Child Care
Clients should apply for child care subsides through the municipality as the need ongoing child care. However, they may apply for child care funding under Employment Supports to participate in the program while long-term child are is being pursued.

This information has been provided by Gillian Burman of the Toronto ODSP Employment Supports Office