Practical Strategies for Supporting Patients on OW & ODSP
2026-02-19 12:00 - 13:00 (America/Toronto)
Family physicians regularly support patients navigating Ontario Works (OW) and the Ontario Disability Support Program (ODSP)—systems that can be complex and time‑consuming.

This session clarifies the key difference between OW and ODSP, walks through ODSP application and medical review processes and demystifies additional income benefits. Designed for family physicians and primary care providers across Ontario, this session focuses on actionable strategies to improve patient access to income and health benefits.

By the end of the session, participants will be able to:

Differentiate OW and ODSP and identify when each program is most appropriate for a patient’s situation.

Complete and support ODSP applications and medical reviews using clear, eligibility‑aligned clinical documentation.

Identify, explain and initiate SD, MSN and DTC processes and connect patients to associated health benefits (physio, dental, vision).

The Health Equity Community of Practice for Ontario Family Physicians Community of Practice has been certified by the College of Family Physicians of Canada and the Ontario Chapter for up to 1 Mainpro+ credit. This Community of Practice includes a series of planned webinars. Each session is worth 1 Mainpro+ credit, for up to a total of 6 credits.

Learn more about this CoP here: https://ontariofamilyphysicians.ca/supports-for-family-doctors/health-equity-cop/

Panelist:

Dr. Ritika Goel

Moderator:

Dr. Vanessa Redditt, Family Physician, Crossroads Clinic, Women’s College Hospital, Toronto, ON

Our Partners

The Ontario College of Family Physicians has partnered with the Department of Family and Community Medicine to deliver this community of practice.

This Community of Practice has been certified by the College of Family Physicians of Canada and the Ontario Chapter for Mainpro+Ⓡcredits.

Self-Learning Program:

This session is part of the Health Equity Self Learning Program. Visit the Self Learning Program page to learn more and to participate.
