“They say I am supposed to keep a pouch full of feces on me for five days, as that’s what other clients do,” said Bottineau, appalled at the suggestion. “Sorry, but I can’t stand that smell.”

In November, ODSP won’t come. Bottineau has been cut off entirely.

“This month I have nothing. They will not allow me anything,” she said.

As of Oct. 31, she had about four days’ worth of supplies left and was stressed about what to do.

Bottineau lives in subsidized housing. She receives $1,200 a month to live off of and doesn’t have the money to cover the costs of the required medical supplies on her own.

“I just don’t know where to turn anymore,” said Bottineau.

Unfortunately, ODSP funding cuts are quite common right across the province, according to Kyle Vose, co-chair of the ODSP Action Coalition.

“It is a program that denies by design. We always say that if you are getting denied you are normal,” said Vose.

The ODSP Action Coalition advocates to the government about policy and program changes related to ODSP and works to educate the public on how to advocate for coverage.

Individuals in Bottineau’s position don’t have many quick options.

“Unfortunately, there are not a ton of options,” said Vose. “We always tell them to go to their local MPP and get them to advocate on their behalf. They could also seek legal aid.”

ODSP representatives couldn’t directly talk about Bottineau’s case due to privacy considerations. They did state that extended health benefits are reviewed yearly to ensure individuals continue to be eligible. Changes in amounts received could be the result of a change in circumstances.