Social Enterprises and the Ontario Disability Support Program: Policy Perspective on Employing Persons with Disabilities

Last Updated on May 21st, 2009

Project Title: Social Enterprises and the Ontario Disability Support Program: Policy Perspective on Employing Persons with Disabilities

Project Number: CL5-02-NO

Term of Project: 2006/2007 to 2008

Status: Completed

Academic Researcher:

Gayle Broad, Algoma University College (principal investigator)

Student Researchers:

Madison Saunders, Algoma University College (internship)

Community Researcher:

Community Partner:

Canadian Community Economic Development Network (CCEDNet)

Project Summary:

The purpose of the research is to identify areas for policy improvement related to social enterprises that employ persons receiving assistance under the Ontario Disability Support Program (ODSP).

Specific Project-Level Research Objectives:

To expand the knowledge of policy challenges facing social enterprises that employ ODSP recipients
To strengthen models of employment and training service delivery to recipients of ODSP
To facilitate peer learning of social enterprise practitioners, and ODSP employment service delivery agents
To improve income security programs across Canada through conducting high-quality research on services and programs delivered to low-income people with disabilities living in the Province of Ontario

Expected Deliverables:

Policy Paper (published online at the CCEDNET Website - note to site manager - get link)
Four Case Studies

Findings:

Neo-liberal policy environment has created a “culture of fear,” which restricts access by ODSP recipients, by creating fear of loss of benefits

Processes of separating employment services from employers does not reflect the reality of employment obstacles for ODSP recipients

Social co-operatives appear to be a valid employment solution for ODSP recipients

Successful social enterprises employing recipients of ODSP do exist, including Out of This World Café and Sistering’s artisan co-operative

Policy Recommendations

Governments should create a culture that supports the employment of persons with disabilities

ODSP should be amended to be more supportive of recipients and also of collective/group employment opportunities for persons with disabilities

Policies should acknowledge the expertise, funding, and support required to make appropriate workplace accommodation

There should be increased funding to organizations that provide support services to social enterprises

Government should take a proactive role in the development of new social enterprises, including social co-ops and worker co-ops, which show promise for employment opportunities for persons with disabilities

Procurement policies should identify social enterprises as preferred service providers

There should be recognition of social enterprises as stakeholders in communities and in policy making, and public education about the role social enterprises play in building a cohesive and inclusive society

Project Poster: Poster (pdf)

Final Report: Final Report (pdf)

Projected Expenditures: $15,000 (internships)

In-Kind Contributions:

Publicity:

Dissemination Activities:

Additional Notes:

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Social Enterprises and the Ontario Disability Support Program: Policy Perspective on Employing Persons with Disabilities