This project requires a consultant to work with the partners to facilitate a policy process connecting lived experience with ODSP to policy recommendations, and develop a policy paper that integrates both personal and policy perspectives. The Partners The project is sponsored by three partners: the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (Public Policy Unit), the Dream Team, and Houselink. The Project The objectives of the project are:
- To explore barriers in obtaining earned income experienced by
people who live with mental health issues and who are ODSP recipients - Persuade the provincial government to make policy changes to ODSP
that improve real income of those who depend on ODSP. - Provide compelling stories and evidence that persuade all political parties to include ODSP improvements in their platforms.
The project is divided into three phases:
a.. Part 1, documenting ODSP narratives – This part of the project will be carried out by the Dream Team and Houselink, with support from CAMH. In this phase, the project partners will recruit individuals to tell their personal stories about ODSP, with an emphasis on the experience of working part-time or on a temporary basis. It is expected that the partners will
document the narratives of 10 – 15 people.
Timing: November/December Expectations of project consultant: In this period, the bulk of the work will be carried out by the Dream Team and Houselink, with support from CAMH. The project consultant will be expected to attend meetings of the steering committee, organize at least one meeting of a policy advisory group, and provide input to the interview process. a.. Part 2, linking narratives to policy recommendations – In this phase, documented narratives will be integrated with policy analysis to produce a policy paper. The paper is expected to make specific recommendations concerning ODSP, and particularly policies that can promote the workforce participation of people with mental health problems.
Timing: January/February/March Expectations of the project consultant: In this period, the project consultant will be expected to produce a report (approximately 10 to 15 pages) that integrates personal narratives with policy analysis and recommendations. The deadline for the submission of a first draft is scheduled to be the end of the first week of February. Following the production of a first draft, Presentations will be made to the policy advisory group and the steering committee, and individual consultations with
members of both groups may be required. a.. Part 3, dissemination and advocacy – In this phase, the partners will determine the most effective way to distribute the report and advocate for its key recommendations.
Timing: March and beyond Expectations of the project consultant: The project consultant is expected to provide advice on the release and dissemination of the report, and on an advocacy strategy. The responsibilities of the project coordinator are expected to be complete by the end of March. Contact The consultant will be reporting regularly to a project steering committee of representatives from the three partner organizations. The project will be coordinated by the Dream Team. Budget The sponsors have budgeted a maximum of $5000 for the project consultant to support this project. Deadline Proposals must be received no later than October 29, 2010, at 5:00.
Proposals are to be sent to the RFP Review Committee: 805 Bloor Street West,
Toronto, ON M6G 1L8 or info@houselink.on.ca.
