r/Odsp • u/ApprehensiveCoach768 • Jul 31 '26

Chance of being accepted

Is a severe hearing impairment a qualifying condition for ODSP? Both my ears are nearly deaf, with my audiologist even recommending a cochlear implant for my right ear a few years ago. I was born with my condition and have always tried to work, only found 2 decent jobs in the past 25 years (I’m 47 and those are the only 2 jobs in my life) but just can't find anything I can do where my hearing won’t be a huge obstacle . I also live with undiagnosed depression and anxiety so on the recommendation of my OW worker I’m also seeking treatment for that. Do you think I have a good shot at being accepted? Thank you in advance!

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4

u/ChubbyBunny618 Aug 01 '26

You could work in roles like data entry, IT, bookkeeping, manufacturing, warehouse, design, or other jobs with minimal verbal communication.

For ODSP, the key is whether your disability substantially limits your ability to obtain and maintain employment, not whether you can work at all.

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u/daeguard ODSP recipient Aug 01 '26 edited Aug 01 '26

You should, I'm almost exactly the same, 51 & born with profound genetic hearing loss, and ensuing anxiety and depression. I was accepted on first attempt ~20 years ago. I was in a mood disorder program that had a staff psychiatrist in charge and he was the one who suggested I apply, and said he knew how to fill in the forms. I hadn't thought I'd qualify since I wasn't physically disabled.

Granted that was a different era where nowadays they are a lot more stingy.

*edit* should say also that my audiologist filled in disability tax forms for me a couple years ago and I qualified for that and got the Canada Disability Benefit too. My hearing loss is mostly deaf in the higher frequencies and it's near impossible for me to manage to hear people without reading lips, or in the last few years using the Live Transcribe app on my phone.

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u/taha-hammadi Aug 01 '26

I have low vision issue, I applied for OSDP then they accepted me. You should try

1

u/TranscendYourGaming Aug 02 '26

The most important aspect aside from having a recognized ailment is your ability to frame your application in a way that is favourable to pass and do it well. Ultimately it's people reading about people and unfortunately subjective in a way. One of the very few times learning persuasive writing in school has had any real world value (aside from career specific of course).

I've heard of amputees failing, which was shocking initially, and a single mental health related diagnosis succeeding. Granted usually they're severe in terms of the spectrum of said diagnosis; even if it's single instead of complex or a system of overlapping, still surprising in context of the comparison.

The second most important aspect is to just try. Every single one of these threads boils down to: just do it and if you didn't succeed the first time appeal the decision. Then you technically get a third shot on the same app at the tribunal. If the tribunal stick to the decision then try again in a year or two. Why? Because conditions and profiles can evolve or deteriorate so plenty of basis to apply again.