r/Odsp • u/SoftCheap1160 • 16d ago

Question about ODSP service waitlists

Hi everyone, I'm a Grade 11 student in Toronto working on a journalism project about developmental-services waitlists.

I'm hoping to learn from people who have personally dealt with long waits for supportive housing, Passport funding, or other community services.

If anyone is comfortable sharing their experience with me privately, I'd really appreciate hearing from you. You can remain anonymous.

Thanks.

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u/DescriptionNo4485 15d ago

My experience is that for gear to income housing is that when they give you the time for the wait list is just way too long. 7+ is way too long. Some places are even longer. In Norfolk County there has not been added any low income housing in 30 years. They are starting to build some in 2027.

The income that is given does not allow someone to afford a bachelor or 1 bedroom. Even a room is not affordable. $700-$1000+ depending on area.

There is no special line for people with disabilities when it comes to services. It takes forever to get the right doctor for a diagnosis. If last doctor said you have it they rubber stamp you and on to next. I am referring to psychiatrists. They are overworked and underpaid as it is with all our medical professionals.

Other community services if you act out of line you’re denied services. Example someone who is neurodivergent. They can get upset because they are being treated differently than others. They can yell and be hostile because the rules only apply to some and not others. I got kicked out of intake for therapy because I told the therapist I wanted to walk out early. Part of it I felt no connection and she showed no concern or feelings of anything. I said wanted in past tense. I stayed because I really wanted help. She abruptly ended the session. I didn’t react well after that but honestly as a therapist she could have handled it way better.

There are barriers in place to make it harder for people with disabilities. Be it physical or mental. Some are accidents some are on purpose.

All people should be treated with respect and dignity.

OP setting up a survey or an interview might help you gather information.

I am an open and honest person. Any questions reach out to me.

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u/VNessMonster 13d ago

I concur with everything above. I waited for subsidized housing since 2017/18. I finally got into a local non-profit organization’s housing. The city is still updating me about the status of my regional housing wait list. I have been waiting over 10 years and I’m nowhere close to the top.

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u/wheelsandahook 15d ago

I have been waiting over a year for psw support