A letter to ODSP (Maybe I can get a service dog!!!)
Hi (My Case Worker),
I am registered with Carleton as a special student for the Fall of 2025.
I have applied for OSAP. I gave them the documents of my bankruptcy from 2021 and name change (back to my name at birth).
The estimate is a $11,800 grant for the 2025-2026 school year and a $2,000 loan (which I have declined).
I have an appointment with TD for the 2nd of July at 14:00.
I will go to Service Ontario the same day to get my Driver's License.
I will go to Capital Optical to continue the process of getting my glasses.
(Provided Dr. Rogers, my in-patient psychiatrist, permits it)
I would like to secure funding for a Trained Service Dog (with all the required shots and training).
I am getting The Royal's policies regarding this from the Client and Family Relations Team Manager and I cleared with the Paul Menton Centre at Carleton University (provided I can get Dr. Rogers to sign off on it).
My lawyer and the Consent and Capacity Board say I could be indefinitely detained or die in the hospital if I do not consent to taking the pharmakeia.
I am a Christian, and since I wrote an advance directive (available on my website reynen.ca) I'd rather die than take it.
I would also prefer being 'indefinitely detained'. In the interim I will get an undergrad in Philosophy and then apply to Law School.
Perhaps right a book called 'To God be ALL the Glory'. (One day at a time).
Thank you so much for all of your help with the Canadian Government Assistance. (Perhaps if I can finish school I can finally get off ODSP).
I would really like to get an appropriate service dog.
It would help me with my trauma.
And it would give me something to love, since staff are instructing me not to interact with the patients on hospital property.
I'd like a 'low-rider' dog like a Corgi/Newfie mix.
I'd like to call him Ernest (Ernie if he is being silly) in memory of my late beagle/basset mix Watson.
Jesus loves you!
(And so do I)
-- Steven Reynen
https://reynen.ca
UPDATE: A REPLY FROM MY ODSP CASE WORKER (JUNE 27th, 2025)
Hi Steven,
Thank you for the message and the updates. I also got your phone message.
I'll respond to your message here but if you'd like a phone call as well please let me know.
Congrats on registering for school! When you do get any OSAP funding please send your OSAP Assessment summary for ODSP to review.
Here are a couple of resources for service dogs in Ontario:
- National Service Dogs: https://nsd.on.ca/
- K9 Country Inn: https://www.k-9countryinnservicedogs.com/
Please note that the guide dog benefit through ODSP of $84.00 per month is only for dogs that are trained at an accredited training facility. You can find by information about the ODSP guide dog benefit here: https://www.ontario.ca/document/ontario-disability-support-program-policy-directives-income-support/99-guide-dog-benefit
I had a beagle mix growing up as well - they are great dogs : )
Have a nice day,
(name)
I am so thankful for her thoughtful and timely response!