Date: Tuesday, April 25th, 2023
Time: 11 am to 1 pm
Location: Queen’s Park, South Lawn, 110 Wellesley St. W, Toronto Ontario

Press Release Toronto, Ontario: Disability advocates across Ontario condemn the recent $40 increase in the Ontario Disability Support Program (ODSP) rates. With the poverty rate somewhere above $2200, $1270 a month for individuals fails to address the urgent needs of disabled individuals who rely on the program for their income. The current increase is insignificant, considering the rising cost of living and inflation, leaving many disabled people vulnerable to food insecurity and homelessness.

Tying benefit rates to the annual rate of inflation with a base amount this far below the poverty line will enshrine legislated poverty for ODSP clients in perpetuity – we need immediate action!”

Trevor Manson, Co-Chair, ODSP Action Coalition

“Our government must recognize that investing in ODSP will amplify the quality of life for people with disabilities and put them in opportunities to thrive, let alone just survive. Doubling ODSP allows for autonomy, agency, respect, and dignity, an opportunity for those able to be gainfully employed. To be active and valued members of the community.”

Anthony Frisina Ontario Disability Coalition Volunteer Media Director from Hamilton Ontario

“With this year’s 6% increase, high inflation will continue to erode the buying power of ODSP, especially on food. We need the Ford government to double ODSP now to get us out of legislated poverty. People with disabilities deserve to not just barely survive but thrive.”

Maddy Dever, Ontario Disability Coalition Volunteer

Investing in ODSP will amplify the quality of life for people with disabilities and give them opportunities to thrive. Join the rally to demand a better future for people with disabilities in Ontario.

The list of speakers & performers at the Rally will include voices of lived experience of disability & poverty, among other dedicated allies and supporters from various social justice organizations.

Event is to be live-streamed on social media.

*This is a medical-mask-friendly event; please stay home if you are not feeling well. Physical distancing is also recommended.

Contact:

For more information, please contact:

Anthony Frisina Volunteer Director of Media Relations, Ontario Disability Coalition info@anthonyfrisina.ca 905.741.2712.

Maddy Dever (they/them) Volunteer Director of Policy, Ontario Disability Coalition mdever@autisticrambler.com 613.700.8090

Trevor Manson Co-Chair ODSP Action Coalition ODSPactioncoalition@gmail.com Twitter: @ODSPAction

Image Description: The background is white with a colourful illustration of seven people and a service dog marching in protest with signs that read “Raise the Rates!” And “End Disability Poverty Now!”.  The text reads, “Rally 4 ODSP. Queen’s Park. April 25, 2023, 11AM – 1PM”. And “ASL interpreters will be on-site” At the bottom are the logos of Disability without Poverty, ODSP Action Coalition and Ontario Disability Coalition.

#DoubleODSPNow DoubleODSPNow.ca