About the Office for Disability Issues (ODI)

Vision

The Office for Disability Issues (ODI) is a focal point within the Government of Canada for key partners working to promote the full participation of Canadians with disabilities in learning, work and community life. We strive to provide leadership in this area of shared responsibility.

Mandate

As a focal point, ODI’s mission is to advance the Government of Canada’s Disability Agenda through:

Fostering policy and program coherence Building the capacity of the voluntary sector Creating cohesive, action-oriented networks Providing knowledge and building awareness

Excellence: Underlying its mission, ODI strives for excellence in all of its activities, as well as in the workplace.  The Office values learning, creativity and diversity; recognizes the contributions of individual staff members; and is focused on achieving results for Canadians.

Organization

Programs & Network Development Division

The Programs and Network Development Division is responsible for the delivery and administration of programs and the ongoing development of networks with and between external partners including national disability organizations, provinces and territories, and the research community. 

The Division delivers several programs:

·       Social Development Partnership Program - Disability Component (SDPP-D), which provides funding to eligible non-profit organizations working to meet the social development needs of persons with disabilities. Learn more about the SDPP-D program  

·       Opportunities Fund (OF) for Persons with Disabilities, which helps eligible persons with disabilities to prepare for, obtain and keep employment or self-employment.  Supported activities include encouraging employers to hire workers with disabilities, helping individuals start their own business, providing skills and work experience.  Learn more about the Opportunities Fund (OF) for Persons with Disabilities  

·       Multilateral Framework for Labour Market Agreements for Persons with Disabilities, which are successor agreements to the Employability Assistance for People with Disabilities (EAPD).  The goal of the Multilateral Framework is to improve the employment situation of Canadians with disabilities, by enhancing their employability, increasing the employment opportunities available to them, and building on the existing knowledge base.  Learn more about the Multilateral Framework for Labour Market Agreements. 

Policy Coordination and Knowledge Management Division

The Policy Coordination and Knowledge Management Division leads the development of knowledge on disability issues and provides leadership on the horizontal coordination disability-related initiatives within the Department of Social Development and the Government of Canada.  In addition, the division supports the Government of Canada’s position on international efforts to protect the rights of persons with disabilities.

The division is comprised of two units:

·     The Knowledge Development Unit is responsible for developing knowledge and research on disability-related issues, which inform policy and program development and build awareness.  The unit works with key partners across the Government of Canada and the disability community to build a disability knowledge base, disseminate research results and provide leadership in the development of the federal report on disability.

See the latest information from the 2001 Census.

·     The Policy Coordination and Information Management Unit provides leadership and direction to improve horizontal management, collaboration and policy and program coherence within the Department of Social Development and across the Government of Canada.  The unit also manages the design, development, and distribution publications which inform Canadians about government policies and programs for people with disabilities.

See our Publications

Strategic Planning and Corporate Services Division

The Strategic Planning and Corporate Services Division provides the overall corporate support.  This includes budgeting, staffing, business planning, contracting, as well as briefing and correspondence functions.

Disability Policy Division

The Disability Policy Division is responsible for the analysis and development of policy options and directions, as well as for ongoing consultations with stakeholders.  The team advises the Minister of the Department of Social Development, as well as the Deputy Minister and senior management, on a broad range of disability policy issues.

Contact us:

Please contact the Office for Disability Issues if you would like to:

• send us ideas and comments about the Government of Canada Disability Agenda;
• make suggestions for improvements to our website; or
• request one of our publications.

The Office for Disability Issues may be contacted by mail: