Mazemaster Recruitment

You may be eligible for ODSP Employment Supports if you have a physical or mental disability that is expected to last a year or more and, as a result, makes it hard for you to find or keep a job.

You must also be:

willing and able to work
living in Ontario
able to work in Canada
16 years of age or older
or, if you are already working but having difficulty keeping your job because of your disability, you may also qualify for ODSP Employment Supports.

You do not have to be receiving ODSP Income Support to be eligible for Employment Supports.

If you are eligible for, or receiving disability or rehabilitation benefits from other public or private sources, you may not be eligible for ODSP Employment Supports.

People on Ontario Works are not eligible for ODSP Employment Supports. They can receive employment assistance from Ontario Works.

What type of help can I receive?

ODSP Employment Supports can help you with things you need to get a job like:

planning and preparing for a job - this could also include training;
technical aids ranging from mobility devices and reading aids to adapted computers - and the training to use them;
interpreter, reader, note taker, and intervenor services;
job coaching and help with job searches; and
transportation assistance while you are training for a job.

How do I apply?

You can print out an application package to complete on your own (See instructions below)
You can call your local ODSP office and ask about Employment Supports.
If you currently receive ODSP income supports, staff there can provide you with an Employment Supports application package.

Completing Your Application

If you need help filling out the forms, you can ask a friend or family member, or ask someone at the ODSP Employment Supports office.

There are 3 steps in applying for ODSP Employment Support: Please read the steps outlined below before you start completing the application forms

Step 1

Application form:
You must complete all parts of this form.

Verification of Disability / Impairment form:
A Health Care Professional (e.g. doctor, psychiatrist, occupational therapist, etc.) must complete this form. Please sign the "Consent to Release Medical Information" on page 2 of the form before taking it to your Health Care Professional.

Important: If you are already receiving ODSP income support, or registered as legally blind with the CNIB, or have attended a provincial school for students with disabilities (e.g. Sir James Whitney School for the Deaf, Amethyst School, etc.), you do not have to get the Verification of Disability/Impairment form filled out.

If you want, you can stop here and complete only the Application form and Verification of Disability/Impairment form (if required). Send these forms to your ODSP Employment Supports office.

Or,

You can go on to Step 2... and complete your Employment Plan now. If you decide to complete your Employment Plan, send it along with your Application forms.

You can get help with your Employment Plan. ODSP Employment Supports staff will arrange for a community service provider to give you a hand.

Step 2

Employment Plan:
The Employment Plan will help you:

outline your employment skills and interests
establish an employment goal
identify the type of barriers you face and the supports you need to prepare for an find a job
develop an Employment Action Plan to outline steps in your Employment Plan (the Employment Action Plan is a separate form but is part of the Employment Plan)

A shorter version of the Employment Plan is available for applicants who are already working but need employment supports to help them keep their job.

Employment Self-Assessment:
This form is optional. The Employment Self-Assessment questionnaire will help you identify your readiness for work and the supports you may need to reach your goals and develop your Employment Plan.

Step 3

Submit your application:
Send in your forms to the ODSP Employment Supports office that is closest to you.

ODSP staff will review your application. If you qualify for ODSP Employment Supports, an Employment Supports Specialist will contact you to discuss your Employment Plan - and how to get started on your way to finding a job!

Under the Canada/Ontario Agreement on Employability Assistance for People with Disabilities, the federal government funds in part supports and services, which are available through the ODSP.