They chanted on the sidewalk , in the parking lane and under the hoardings in front of the Ellen Fairclough and ServiceOntario buildings, some tentatively, others with robust, rousing voices.

Some were in wheelchairs, others standing, some wearing hearing aids, others with mental health challenges. What knit them together, the 20 to 30 protesters who rallied on King West on Friday, was the urgency of their demand that Premier Doug Ford abandon planned changes to the definition of disability in Ontario, which they fear will narrow eligibility for the Ontario Disability Support Program (ODSP).

"We have to push together," exclaimed an impassioned Raven Bridges, co-chair of ACORN's east-end Hamilton chapter, ACORN (Association of Communities For Reform Now) being the organizer - with allies - of the demonstration. It was one of several across the province this week.

Raven Bridges addresses those who gathered at 119 King St. W. | Barry Gray/The Hamilton Spectator

"With the changes that are going to be happening, mental health will not be covered," Bridges told the crowd.

That - mental health - is one of the criteria that some disability advocates fear the Ford government will try to eliminate from the definition of disability for purposes of benefit eligibility. The proposed definition change was announced last fall, and details of those changes, not yet disclosed, are expected soon, say ACORN spokespeople. But not if they can help it.

After almost an hour of speeches, chanting and holding up of signs and placards, the protesters went up to the Ministry of Health offices on the third floor of the ServiceOntario building and presented their list of demands to the Ford government.

They consisted, essentially, of two statements:

1. Keep the current provincial ODSP definition of disability and;

2. Raise the rates of ODSP.

Any narrowing of eligibility will mean people could be "left without income which will create a mess in this city," said Mike Wood, chair of ACORN's downtown Hamilton chapter.

"With growing mental health issues, it's more apparent every day that ODSP has to cover mental health," said Bridges. "We need to make sure it (ODSP) is inclusive. We need to keep up the fight. If not, what will tomorrow look like?"

Signs at the rally said things like Doug Ford, Listen To The People and Stop The War On The Poor.

"I'm not on disability but I'm on lower income ... and I'm worried about the cuts Ford is making," said Marnie Schurter. "I'm here in support and solidarity. It's difficult to survive."

"I'm fighting to raise the rates," said protester Joanne Johnson. Her shirt said Campaign for Adequate Welfare and Disability Benefits. She said cuts and inadequacies lead to people ending up on the streets. "Homelessness has got to stop."

Between 20 and 30 protesters rallied on King West on Friday in Hamilton against planned changes to the definition of disability in Ontario. | Barry Gray/The Hamilton Spectator

Some motorists honked in support, but there was also a group of about six hecklers across the street whose beef was not exactly clear. Demonstrator Lindi Zamisa confronted them, engaged in conversation, sometimes heated, and eventually they moved on.

Kalia Douglas-Micallef, speaking for Disability Justice Network of Ontario, an allied organizer with ACORN, said, "The government should not be allowed to police disability," adding that it is harder and harder, with reduced ODSP cheques, for the disabled to struggle by.

"Many disability aids are not covered by OHIP. I have hearing aids - they cost $2,000 each - and they're not covered by OHIP."

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John Harper, carrying a sign upside down - "it's the international distress signal," he quipped - said that on top of everything else, there is a rental crisis in the city. "In my building a lady moved out, and the rent went up from $450 a month to $800" for the new tenant who moved in.

jmahoney@thespec.com

905-526-3306

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