BIST members had the opportunity to learn about Team Theraputix’s ODSP Program – which allows people on fixed incomes to receive physiotherapy for just $50 a month – at a Community Meeting last fall.
At our meeting, many of us were amazed at the generosity of the program, which was created to ensure people who would otherwise not be able to afford crucial physiotherapy services, access the support they need. Many of Team Theraputix’s clients have brain injuries.
Like any private physiotherapy clinic, Team Theraputix is a business, they need to watch their bottom line in order to survive. But their ODSP Program literally puts people before profits. How often do you see a business do that?
Now Team Theraputix needs your help – they are being forced to raise the cost of their ODSP program due to financial constraints. They don’t want to. As many of us know too well, when you’re on a fixed income, literally every penny counts.
You can help Team Theraputix by attending and making a donation at their Barbecue on Saturday August 5th, at the Team Theraputix Office or by sending an e-transfer to: info@teamtheraputix.ca
And you can read why and how Victoria Tolmatshov, owner of Team Theraputix, decided to start the ODSP Program, below. Let’s do what we can to keep this amazing program going.
Imagine, for a moment, that you or your loved one have sustained a traumatic injury. Imagine getting that phone call from the hospital or being rushed there. Imagine that your family is in a state of crisis, but doing everything to keep it together. Imagine that conversation with the doctor when you are told that your life will never be the same again.
Fast forward to the discharge from the hospital. There is nothing else they can help you with. You take a few days to settle into your new life. You start making phone calls. You realize that OHIP will not take you very far. You realize that your journey will be very difficult.
You finally find a private rehabilitation centre which can offer you assistance in your recovery process. You become hopeful. Now, imagine seeing how much this new hope will cost you and suddenly your heart drops into the pit of your stomach. You realize that you do not have that kind of money. Imagine feeling that disappointment while pushing back tears.
I have sat across the table from too many individuals to count who are in that very situation. My heart broke watching them leave my clinic knowing that there was nothing I could do to help. Constantly reminding myself that this is a business and there was a fee for services- just like everywhere else. I stayed awake at night thinking about these people. Rehabilitation is just one of many things a person with a traumatic injury has to deal with and there weren’t any options available to make the process easier.
In January of 2014, after another meeting with a family unable to pay for our program, I decided that it would be the last time I ever disappointed someone in need of help.
I started doing my research and found that most people who were unable to afford private therapy were receiving Ontario Disability Support. I was shocked to find out that the maximum funding was just over $1100.00 per month. I realized that we live in a society where many people in a vulnerable situation just fall through the cracks and do not receive adequate support from the government.
I decided to make a difference. I created a low cost physiotherapy program for those receiving ODSP. The program offers one on one physiotherapy two to three times per week (eight to twelve per month) for $50.00* per month.
I am unbelievably proud of this program and all of our clients who have made amazing progress finally getting the help they need and deserve.
I am happy to know that we can now offer people options and I am overjoyed knowing that I will never have to disappoint someone in need of my help again.
*Victoria wrote this piece before needing to change the fee structure of the program.
Victoria Tolmatshov is the owner of Team Theraputix
Support The Team Theraputix OSDP Program!
Barbecue – Saturday, August 5th, 12-4 pm, Register HERE
send an e-transfer to: info@teamtheraputix.ca
FEATURED IMAGE COURTESY OF VICTORIA TOLMATSHOV
Filed under: Community Meetings, Women + ABI Tagged: ODSP, Physiotherapy, Team Theraputix, Victoria Tolmatshov 
