Article to share on bureaucracy eroding dignity of handicapped woman

[A Former User]

The Toronto Star recently had this article about a woman and her bureaucratic nightmare of getting adequate funding from the Ontario Disability Support Program. She is living independently, yet, she would receive more government funding if she stopped working.

The ODSP is due for a major overhaul, and I hope there will be people like her showing the way, striking a proper balance in supporting those who are unable to work, while encouraging those who can.

https://www.thestar.com/news/gta/2017/09/02/michelle-kungls-incredible-journey.html

[A Former User]

Thanks, Amy.

This is a brilliant documentary profile and should be mandatory watching for everyone who works or participates in outpatient programs.

Michelle demonstrates so very clearly how heavy the burden of self-advocacy can be on top of managing the rest of life. Her story underscores for me how much work we have ahead to enable these voices and interests to impact system reform.

Wouldn't it be remarkable if this film was made by ODSP seeking to understand the circumstances of its clients? And why not?? The input has immeasurable value in itself and the impact it would have on empowering the voices of other clients to speak up would be transformational.

I will use this video when I get a chance to respond to that age-old question about hard-to-reach patient groups. Michelle is articulate and insightful, as is her mother as carer. All that's needed is a great interviewer and videographer to place them at the policy table and in the boardroom.

Thanks again for this link!

Carolyn

[A Former User]

I saved the article for my Pilates teacher who is in a similar situation. She had a large roster of clients and she had to cut back because with no drug plan she could not afford to work that much and risk being cut off ODSP.

Then of course there are the times when she can't work due to surgery or sickness.

The story was a good example of where our bureaucracy should be more flexible

Annette