Disability Support
Ontario Disability Support Program (ODSP)
The Ontario Disability Support Program (ODSP) is intended to meet the needs of people with disabilities and help them to become more independent. ODSP provides financial assistance to people with disabilities. The amount of benefit depends on size of family, shelter costs, income, and assets. The program also assists people with disabilities in finding and keeping a job, and advancing their careers.
To Qualify for ODSP
Adults who are 18 years and older and a resident of Ontario must have a verified physical or mental disability that is expected to last a year or more. Their disability must make it difficult for applicant to care for him/herself, go into the community, or to work. Medical documentation and proof of income is required.
To Apply for ODSP
Step 1)
Application
You can start the application process either online, by phone or in person.
Once you’ve started the process, a caseworker will contact you within five days to schedule an in-person meeting. Those currently receiving Ontario Works benefits should apply at their local OW office.
You'll meet with your case worker, and be asked to bring specific documents to the meeting.
During the meeting you will be asked to sign forms and answer some questions.
A decision notice will be sent to you within 15 business days of your meeting informing you whether you are eligible for OSDP financial support. If eligible you proceed to step 2, if ineligible, you can appeal the decision.
Step 2) Determining Disability
Your caseworker will give you a Disability Determination Package for you and your health care provider to complete. Specialized ODSP staff—called adjudicators—review your completed Disability Determination Package to determine if you meet the program’s definition of a person with a disability. The adjudication process can take from 10 days to 90 days depending on the complexity of the disability.
Local ODSP Offices
Hours: 8:30 am to 4:30 pm
North Bay - 200 McIntyre Street E. Tel: (705) 474-2151
Sturgeon Falls- 94 King St. Unit 15 Tel: (705) 753-5400
Mattawa - 540 Valois Dr. Tel:705) 744-0395
District of Parry Sound - 1 Beechwood Drive Tel: (705) 746-8886
South River- 16 Toronto St. Tel: (705) 386-2358
Bracebridge- 70 Pine Street Tel: (705) 645-2412 Summer Hours 8am-4pm
Huntsville- 110 Main St. E. Tel: (705) 645-2100 ext. 257
Community Living
Community Living provides a range of programs and services for people with intellectual disabilities and their families. All of the services and programs they offer add quality to the lives of people we support. They are committed to creating a supportive and accepting community.
Community Living Offices
North Bay
Mattawa
West Nipissing
Parry Sound
Muskoka
Developmental Services Ontario (North East Region)
DSO NER is funded by the Ministry of Children, Community and Social Services, and is administered by Hands TheFamilyHelpNetwork.ca. They have offices in North Bay, Bracebridge & Sturgeon Falls.
Their agency’s mission: To provide comprehensive client-centered, professional and skilled services to infants, children, youth, families and adults with a developmental disability that address social, emotional, behavioural, physical and developmental difficulties, and make a positive difference on their quality of life.
To find out more about us visit thefamilyhelpnetwork.ca.
Indigenous Communities
North Bay & Area
North Bay Indigenous Hub
The North Bay Indigenous Hub is a new service provider that will be offering Primary Health Care and Early Childhood Development and Learning Service
s to First Nations, Inuit, Metis People, without distinction of status, non-status or residence.
North Bay Indian Friendship Centre
The North Bay Indigenous Friendship Centre provides a wide array of programs and services to support Aboriginal people of all ages. They serve as a gathering place for Aboriginal and Non-Aboriginal people. The Centre is a place where Aboriginal culture is celebrated, friendships are made, knowledge and skills are shared and good times are enjoyed.
Nijaansinaanik Child and Family Services
Nijaansinaanik Child and Family Services is a culture-based organization responsive to the holistic needs of all children, youth and families. They are committed to providing culturally centered protection, prevention, advocacy, care and cultural services for all families, infants, children and youth who experience abuse or are at risk.
Metis Nation of Ontario- North Bay Office
156 McIntyre Street West
North Bay, ON, P1B 2Y6
Phone: 705-474-2767
North Bay Area First Nation Community Links
Dokis FN
Nipissing FN
Temagami FN
Parry Sound & Area
Parry Sound Friendship Centre
The Centre is here to support Aboriginal and Non-Aboriginal people meet their needs and the planning of services within the Centre and surrounding area.
Parry Sound Area First Nation Community Links
Magnetawan FN
Henvey Inlet FN
Shawanaga FN
Wasauksing FN
Muskoka Area
Muskoka Area First Nation Community Links
Moose Deer Point FN
Wahta Mohawk FN
Employment Services
Yes Employment Services North Bay
Yes truly is “Your Employment Service.” As North Bay and area’s primary employment service provider, they help thousands of people of all ages find work, get training or access post secondary education. For businesses and organizations, they serve as their first call for filling positions of all levels of skill, education and experience. They run many programs aimed at supporting youth in care.
March of Dimes Canada Employment Services
March of Dimes will help you avoid discouragement, keep up your energy and motivation, and secure the best job possible, as quickly as possible. Whether you are looking for work for the first time or going back to work, their full range of staff will support you every step of the way.
YMCA of Simcoe Muskoka Employment Services
With many locations in Simcoe, Parry Sound, North Bay & Muskoka, you can meet with a YMCA employment specialist to get some one-on-one help with your job search. Services include: job finding, exploring your job skills and interests, improving your job hiring skills, developing resumes, obtaining certifications and training, and much more.
