Maya closed her laptop, lay down on her couch, and whispered to herself: “You did it. Whatever happens next, you did it.”
Maya, 34, has severe rheumatoid arthritis and treatment-resistant depression. For two years, she’s worked part-time from home, but after a recent flare-up and hospitalization, her doctor said: “You need to stop working for now. Apply for ODSP.” Maya felt relief, then dread. The application felt like a mountain. odsp online application
She typed: “On bad days, I cannot lift a mug of tea. I need help getting dressed. I forget to eat until my partner reminds me. I cannot stand long enough to cook a meal or shower without a stool. I have cancelled social plans for months because exhaustion and pain make me feel like I’m carrying concrete.” She saved the draft and stepped away to make tea. Maya closed her laptop, lay down on her