Individuals with disabilities have a right to access a properly funded social assistance program. Inflation rates have rose to their highest level since the early 1980’s and citizens are experiencing a cost of living crisis.

The Ministry of Community and Social Services have not properly increased funding to the Ontario Disability Services Program, which illustrates an extreme lack of apathy toward those who rely on this allowance in order to live a healthy life of well-being.  The Ministry of Community and Social Services has also not increased funding to Community Living programs such as Lifeshare (Homeshare), which is an alternative living program that offers people with developmental disabilities the opportunity to live within a family or person's home.  Participation in such programs are shrinking drastically. 

Rental rates have increased, grocery prices have skyrocketed, gas and hydro services have risen, yet the ODSP cheques were adjusted with a 5% increase.  That increase was made in 2022 to keep up with inflation, and it gave recipients approximately $58.00 more per month. This small increase is insulting and sickening.  This simply cannot be justified. 

Individuals with disabilities are being evicted from their apartments, choosing between going hungry or paying rent, resulting in serious financial stress. 
The Ministry of Community and Social Services, funded by the government of the province, are supposed to be helping those who qualify, and the polar opposite is happening. 

Citizens all over the world are protesting for better wages due to the soaring cost of living.  
It is time to fight for what is right. I am ready to fight for the individuals we support. The lack of change by our government is disgusting and insulting toward an extremely vulnerable population.  As a support worker for individuals with disabilities and exceptionalities, I will not stand idly by and watch human beings be dehumanized by a program that is supposed to be helping.