ODSP and AADHD

[jedi]

Hi: I’m new to this forum and have a few questions about odsp. How are
learning disabilities looked at by odsp? If a person’s learning
disability affects greatly the types of work that they are able to do
is that enough to qualify for income support? What if they are on
employment supports first how does that effect things thanks for your
help. Also how is diabetic neuropathy viewed by odsp in terms of
being a disability? Thanks

[bjr]

You are eligible to receive income support from the Ontario Disability
Support Program if the cumulative effect of diagnosed disorders,
ailments and chronic persistent conditions impedes your ability to
secure sustainable employment in your community.

I don't think it matters why you are diabetic, the rates are the same.
There is no special needs recognition for neuropathy's....maybe they
have it confused with neurosis.

How much is a persons pain and suffering worth if they have to face
the rest of their life with peripheral neuropathology due to
malnourishment and exhaustion? Apparently nothing if they were never
in the workforce to begin with.

[Andrea Heward]

Heres how it works applying for ODSP with a developmental disability or learning disability. 

I know all this because my 17 year old son who will be 18 very soon is going through the exact same thing.

The first thing they look at is functioning ability.  This is determined by a psychological assesment.  These assesments are not covered by OHIP unless you are referred by a person from the School Board or an outside agency that has funding for that sort of thing.  Psychological assesments are different from Psychiatric Assessments.  Psychiatric Assessments are covered by OHIP. 

A psychological assessment determines a few things

Your intelligence, my son scored a 72, which is just a little above moderately mentally retarded
Your ability to reason
Any possible mental health issues, my son was also diagnosed with Ashbergers Syndrome, and depression

Then this assessment goes to the ODSP medical review board.

The medical review board looks at it and says to each other

Can this person be gainfully employed for a reasonable amount of time in order to support themselves

Can this person further educate themselves beyond what education they already have (this question is only asked if developmental delay is in question, or in your case ADHD)

and finally,  Will this diagnosis and or disability be lifelong and what is the prognosis. 

If your assessor, or psychiatrist determines your condition as lifelong and guarded, you can be pretty sure that you will be able to get ODSP. 

One other thing they look at in terms of a developmental disability is your ability to look after yourself.  You get points based on what you can and can not do.  This is the questionnaire you fill out yourself. 

1.  Can you bathe yourself, if you answer yes you get a point if you answer no you get no points and the less points you have the better your chances of getting ODSP.

Heres my advice to you.  Be as honest as you can when filling out your questionnaire.  Dont be ashamed of your answers, and no answer is right or wrong.  Call your local association for community living, they are able to get psychological assessments and are given funding from the government to get people these assessments if they need them.  If you do not have a association for community living in your area call your local city hall and ask them for developmental disabilities support services information.  If all else fails, look in your yellow pages or go to canada411.com and type in social service organizations.  One of those places should be able to send you in the right direction.  Also, there should be adult ADHD support groups in your area, if there isnt, ask your doctor or clinician if you have one if there is something like that avalible.

Hope that helps and good luck

Humbly yours Andrea :)

[Andrea Heward]