OFCP Position Statement on COVID-19 Vaccination

Many of our members have contacted us to inquire about the priority framework in Ontario for vaccination, and when people with disabilities will have the opportunity to receive the vaccine.

Although OFCP does not sit at those decision-making tables, we encourage our members to:

1. Check “Populations Eligible for Phase Two COVID-19 Vaccination - Phase Two to Vaccinate Groups Based on Age and Risk” - released by the Ontario Government on March 5th , 2021 at https://news.ontario.ca/en/backgrounder/60570/populations-eligible-for-phase-two-covid-19-vaccination

2. Contact your local Public Health unit to access information specific to that geographic location.

3. Once eligible to receive the vaccine, we encourage our members to access COVID-19 Vaccine Support Fund at https://www.ofcp.ca/programs/funding to assist in costs related to vaccine access.

If you think you may be experiencing symptoms of COVID-19, please take the self-assessment at www.ontario.ca/coronavirus and follow all directions from your medical provider or your local health unit at one of the following phone numbers:

Telehealth Ontario: 1-866-797-0000
Toronto Public Health: 416-338-7600

New OFCP Vaccine Support Fund

Important announcement for OFCP lifetime members.

Opening March 15th, 2021
 
OFCP is working hard to anticipate and support our members in accessing services, PPE and other supports as we all navigate through the COVID 19 pandemic and the issues that face people with disabilities.

As you know, we developed funding opportunities like the LEAF Life Emergency Action Fund, assisting members to purchase food, supplements, PPE and cleaning supplies to help address scarce inventory and address higher costs for these items. We then established the Life Enriching Education Fund, assisting members in addressing barriers to accessing supports related to online or in person schooling. Both have been so well received and members have told us how instrumental these funds were in helping them and their families.

In that spirit of anticipating where future barriers may lie, we are opening a new funding opportunity to assist our members in accessing the vaccine, if they choose to do so. This fund is called the COVID Vaccine Support Fund. The purpose of this fund is to provide one time assistance to help members cover additional expenses related to costs associated with receiving the vaccine. These eligible expenses include but are but not limited to transportation costs, attendant services, parking, or other related costs.

Our members will be able to access up to $200.00 per application, beginning March 15th, 2021, until the funds are utilized. For more information and instructions on how to access the funds, see link below.

COVID 19 Vaccine Support Fund Application Form

Research Institution: Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital

Research Institution: Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital - Bloorview Research Institute

We are looking for feedback on an online self-determination toolkit for youth with disabilities. Please consider participating in our research study: click here.

Participants will receive a small token of appreciation. If you are interested in participating in this study or have additional questions, please contact Hiba Ahmed at hahmed@hollandbloorview.ca or 416-425-6220 x6362 with your interest, and they will get back to your shortly. Contacting us does not obligate you to participate in the study.

Announcement for our members: OFCP Staff New Cell Phone Numbers

We are pleased to announce to our members that they can now call the staff directly. New cell phone numbers are listed below.

Planning Services Program: planning@ofcp.ca
Cindy DeGraaff, Program Manager: cindy@ofcp.ca
Office Phone: (416) 244-9686 ext. 236
Cell Phone: 416-936-3147

Children and Families Program: families@ofcp.ca
Cathy Persons, Program Manager: cathy@ofcp.ca
Office Phone: (416) 244-9686 ext. 224
Cell Phone: 416-936-6003

Assistive Devices Funding Program: adfp@ofcp.ca
Biswatie Oodal, Executive Assistant: biswatie@ofcp.ca
Office Phone: (416) 244-9686 ext. 221
Cell Phone: 416-936-6007

Life Enriching Activity Funding Program (LEAF): leaf@ofcp.ca
Biswatie Oodal, Executive Assistant: biswatie@ofcp.ca
Office Phone: (416) 244-9686 ext. 221
Cell Phone: 416-936-6007

Membership Services Program: membership@ofcp.ca
Lynn Addae, Program Manager: lynn@ofcp.ca
Office Phone: (416) 244-9686 ext. 231
Cell Phone: 416-896-0256

OFCP and Canadian Mental Health Association: Mental Health Workshop

OFCP, in partnership with the Canadian Mental Health Association, are proud to invite our members, their families, and their caregivers, to attend the following, free upcoming webinar.

Resiliency During Extraordinary Times - March 17th, 2:00-3:00 p.m. with Jeanette Schepp

Help build resiliency during extraordinary times, by understanding the mental health impacts of change throughout uncertain and ever-changing circumstances. This presentation has been designed to offer insights into the impact of change on your mental health. Learn about the characteristics of resiliency and how to incorporate strategies to improve and maintain your mental well being. This presentation is designed to share positive mental health strategies and promote mental well-being.

To register follow this link: https://zoom.us/meeting/register/tJckc-2rrzkvH9GQE5ovpo6efurCr5vJLPq4

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