“There is a mental health crisis in Ontario and it’s disproportionately impacting people with disabilities,” Schreiner said at a virtual news conference this afternoon. “Ontario needs to do better.”
A survey from the University of British Columbia showed that 82% of Canadians with disabilities said the pandemic is negatively impacting their mental health. Lockdowns cut off many people with disabilities from their support networks and worsened social isolation, while job and economic instability intensified pre-existing financial pressures.
“It’s safe to say: everything is not okay for many Ontarians with disabilities.”
Mike Schreiner is fully committed to doubling Ontario Disability Support Program (ODSP) rates and making mental health care affordable and accessible for people with disabilities.
“If you have to choose between putting food on the table or putting a roof over your head, it comes as no surprise that the vast majority of people with disabilities are unable to afford mental health care,” Schreiner said.