COULD YOU LIVE ON $1,169 PER MONTH?

AS WE ENTER THE PROVINCIAL ELECTION, THE LIVES OF PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES ARE IN THE BALANCE YET AGAIN, WRITES ANTHONY FRISINA

It's been largely documented that over the last several decades, the disability community has been left out, isolated, subject to increased mental health issues and seclusion. The system is broken and is in need of repair.

Disability is represented by 2.6 million people in Ontario and the number changes daily. As we enter the provincial election, the lives of people with disabilities are in the balance yet again. As the cost of living rises, the Ontario Disability Support Program must rise in line with it. We must shift our mindset from a minimum wage to a livable wage.

The poverty line is listed at $24,058 and with Ontario Disability Support Program payments for a single person at $1,169 per month (minus claw backs), it amounts to $14,028 a year

or more than $10,000 below the poverty line. The need for accessible and affordable housing in Hamilton is greater than ever. Food banks must be eradicated

and in their place, the nourishment of fresh food from a grocery store. The number of long-term care facilities need to be reduced and replaced with

livable homes, which can provide the necessary care for those living in them. Ontario Works and Ontario Disability Support Program's caseloads are on the rise, and the need for affordable and assistive living is climbing as well. It's time everyone be privy to the respect of a quality of life.

The Ontario Disability Coalition launched the $1,169 challenge, which asks candidates to draw up a budget based on where their party would set the Ontario Disability Support Program benefit level. Based on the proposals from some of the parties it will be a difficult ask. Now imagine if that was your life.

I hope that on June 2, we all take our right to vote in earnest and work to make the changes needed to include everyone — including the 2.6 million Ontarians with disabilities.

Anthony Frisina is director of media relations for the Ontario Disability Coalition, founder of Above & Beyond and a candidate for Hamilton's Ward 8 in the 2022 municipal election.