Class 2: The ODSP Criteria: Impairments & Restrictions

1. Breaking down ODSP’s definition of a person with a disability

To qualify under ODSP’s definition of a person with a disability, your patient has to have a substantial impairment expected to last one year or more, and a substantial restriction. We'll break down each part of this definition.

2. What is an impairment?

Impairment means "symptom". You can qualify for ODSP with a mental impairment, a physical impairment, or both. Here are some examples of impairments: "feeling depressed", "low motivation", "poor concentration", "chronic pain", "stiffness", "reduced range of motion". Please see our impairments and restrictions resource for more examples.

3. What does "expected to last one year or more" mean?

To qualify for ODSP, the impairment must be expected to last one year or more. This means you must assess the most likely or expected outcome using your best professional judgment.

4. What is a restriction?

Restriction means "functional limit" or "impact to the activities of daily living". Restrictions in personal care, community functioning, or workplace are all relevant. Here are some examples of restrictions: "unable to function in workplace or recreational activities", "cannot regularly show up for work", "unable to walk 10 mins without stopping for a break", "unable to sit 10mins without pain". Please see our impairments and restrictions resource for more examples.

5. What does "substantial" mean?

ODSP requires your patient have a “substantial impairment” and “substantial restriction”. So what does "substantial" mean? It means something akin to medium, or moderate. It means that impairments and restrictions do not have to be severe or life threatening to qualify for ODSP.

Here are two examples to help illustrate the meaning of substantial:

• Elena: Her impairments include feeling anxious, worrying, ruminating. Her restrictions include unable to socialize, unable to make phone calls, difficulty going grocery shopping alone. These impairments and restrictions seem moderate, and so generally fit within the meaning of substantial.
• Tyrone: He was working as a roofer until suffering a bad break in his ankle about a year ago. At first he had a lot of pain, but it’s gotten better over time. His impairments now include mild pain with prolonged activity, and stiffness in the morning. His restrictions include unable to stand more than 1 hour straight, unable to lift more than 50 lbs. Although it might be hard for Tyrone to go back to his work as a roofer, these impairments and restrictions seem mild overall, and likely do not fall within the meaning of substantial.