March 2021

Summary of directive

To identify the goods and services that are not funded under ODSP employment supports.

Legislative authority

Intent of policy

To maximize the amount of ODSP employment supports funding available to help people with disabilities obtain and retain competitive employment.

Application of policy

ODSP employment supports does not provide goods and services that are available through other public or private sources of funding.

The following goods and services are not eligible for funding under ODSP employment supports:

  • Educational programs where financial assistance is available under the Ontario Student Assistance Program (OSAP), and any goods or services necessary to enable a person to attend such a program.
  • Educational programs established under the Education Act and any goods or services necessary to enable a person to attend such a program.
  • Goods and services available to a person, including home care, community services and attendant services, that are funded by the Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care or by a local health integration network under the Local Health System Integration Act, 2006.
  • That portion of the cost of devices and supplies available to a person under the Assistive Devices Program (administered by the Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care) that is paid by the Program.
  • Medical, dental and nursing treatment and procedures, including prescription drugs.
  • Goods and services that the person’s employer is required under the Human Rights Code to provide.
  • Structural modifications to a person’s place of employment.
  • The purchase or modification of a home or vehicle. Note: assistance for home and vehicle modifications is available through the Home and Vehicle Modification Program funded by the Ministry of Children, Community and Social Services and administered by the Ontario March of Dimes.
  • Goods or services that are available to ODSP income support recipients such as dental and vision care, prescription drug coverage, hearing aids, mobility device repairs, Employment and Training Start Up Benefit, and the Work-Related Benefit. Employment supports clients who are receiving ODSP income support should contact their ODSP caseworker to determine their eligibility for these benefits.
  • Services provided under a drug and alcohol recovery program or other substance abuse programs administered by the Ministry of Health and Long Term Care. Applicants who are currently participating in addiction treatment or recovery programs may also be able to receive employment assistance (e.g., vocational counselling, case management, help with job searches, etc.) and should be advised to investigate the employment support available through these programs before ODSP employment supports funding is provided.

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