Hi FBF,
I hope you and Dutchie are doing well, I really think you are both doing everything you can.
So, I don't mind at all to answer your post. Have Dutchie call EI and ask about who to contact for retraining, or to go back to school. If for some reason that doesn't work, she can look up the number for Employment Ontario, I think she can search that online. There should be a toll free number. She needs to do this asap. I was on EI, and basically in the application, I applied to go back to school for retraining b/c my illness is preventing me from working in anything I've had previous experience in (example, sales/customer service). Therefore I need this retraining I am doing now to find a job that is "medically suitable" for me. She just needs to stress that she needs the retraining is needed due to medical...Not that it's just something that she always wanted to do. She has to be able to show that the new venture would be medically suitable for her and that all other options are not.
My pdoc had to back this all up with a letter to Employment Ontario. Basically when she calls, they will get it all started for her. They will make her first appointments and she will learn everything she needs to know about how to go through the process. It is a long process, and to be honest, I'm not sure it could be all wrapped up by January, b/c it took 4 months for me...But you never know. Just have her call EI asap.
Also, just to let you know, I was approved for my tuition and book & uniform costs and I get income support every two weeks (kinda like an EI check). Then once I am done, I will be working.
So, again just have her call EI asap 
If you have any more questions, I'm here. I really hope you guys can get the funding, it would be so great for Dutchie to do this; and I know you want this for her too. I am very hopeful for you both.