OHRC policy provides guidelines for mental health disabilities and addictions

The Ontario Human Rights Commission (OHRC) has released a new policy concerning disabilities related to mental health and addictions.

The policy, which is known as, Policy on Preventing Discrimination Based On Mental Health Discrimination and Disabilities was approved by the OHRC in January, but was officially released on June 18, 2014.

The OHRC has found that people with mental health disabilities and addiction have faced “considerable and longstanding discrimination, stigmatization and social exclusion”, both in Canada and worldwide.

According to a press release issued by the OHRC, the purpose of the policy is to provide user-friendly guidance on how to assess, handle and resolve human-rights complaints concerning disabilities relating to mental health and addictions. The policy is meant to be proactive and to help avoid human rights complaints.

This policy is significant because it speaks to the seriousness of mental health and addictions disabilities.

Long-term disability claims can arise from physical and psychological illnesses, including disabilities relating to mental health and addictions. With long-term disability claims for mental-health and addictions, it is important that the insured person is under continuous care of an appropriate specialist and receiving appropriate treatment – including attending a recognized rehabilitation centre.

If you have applied for long-term disability benefits, and your application has been denied, or if your benefits have been terminated, for any reason, you need to contact an experienced lawyer as soon as possible. A lawyer can explain the insurance terms to you that you may not understand, and provide you with the information you need, advocate for your right to receive benefits and negotiate the best possible settlement.