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Background
People living with co‑occurring physical disabilities and mental health conditions are an increasingly common yet underexamined population within community mental health systems. Limited evidence exists on how service needs differ for this group compared to people with mental health conditions alone, particularly in community‑based settings. This report brings together CMHA Toronto’s expertise in community mental health research and service delivery with Wellesley Institute’s research and policy work on thriving with a disability to address the gap in evidence.
The analysis draws on data from the Ontario Common Assessment of Need (OCAN), a standardized needs assessment tool used widely across Ontario’s community mental health sector, alongside advisory consultations with service users and a frontline provider to contextualize findings and inform interpretation.
Key findings
Compared to community mental health service users with mental health conditions only, those with co‑occurring physical disabilities had significantly higher overall and unmet needs related to:
- physical health
- self‑care
- looking after the home
- transportation
- psychological distress
- social connection
Implications and directions forward
“The findings highlight the need to move beyond a narrow focus on mental health symptoms toward addressing the broader social, economic and service conditions required for people with disabilities to thrive and live healthy, engaged lives.”
Key areas for action include:
- Strengthening access to transportation supports
- Expanding access to personal and household care supports
- Enhancing capacity within community mental health services
- Addressing financial barriers