We hope you had a wonderful day filled with love, laughter, and joy with your loved ones!

Happy Family Day from your ABLE2 family!

Hey ABLE2 – The good times will be (lobster) rolling on May 1st at the 2024 edition of ABLE2’s annual fundraising gala, Evening in the Maritimes.

This popular event has been around for 27 years and attracts over 500 members of the Ottawa-Gatineau business community and those who care about the cause – enhancing the quality of life of people living with disabilities in our community.

View this video clip interview from the 2023 event that highlights the impact of supporting people with disabilities in Ottawa.

Although lobster is the signature dish at EiTM, there are vegan and beef options on the menu, signature cocktails, east coast music, and lots of amazing and unique prizes to be bid on or won.

Don’t let the early bird pricing on tickets and tables slip through the net, order online before midnight on Feb. 29 to support a GREAT cause and set yourself up for an incredible evening on May 1st at the Westin Ottawa Hotel.

Early Bird Price for individual ticket: $275

(regular price after Feb 29: $325)

Early Bird Price for Corporate Table: $2995

(regular price after Feb 29: $3295)

If attending the event is not possible this year, you can still support the event by donating a silent or live auction item, volunteering at the event, or sponsoring (new sponsorship opportunities now available) or making a cash contribution to ABLE2.

Canadians with disabilities already face accessibility and inclusivity barriers, but with the rising costs of essential living expenses, scarcity of affordable, accessible housing, and limited employment opportunities, they are forced to live in poverty. The over one million Canadians with disabilities living in poverty cannot wait any longer— we need a fully funded Canada Disability Benefit now.

The Canada Disability Benefit holds the potential to significantly improve the quality of life for people with disabilities by providing much-needed financial assistance tailored to their unique needs and challenges. A fully funded Canada Disability Benefit is not just a matter of social responsibility; it is a crucial stride towards building a more equitable and inclusive Canada. 

We urge the Government of Canada to include the Canada Disability Benefit in the 2024 Budget, to ensure all Canadians, regardless of ability, can lead fulfilling lives, and participate in the society as able, important, and valued members of the community.

ABLE2 is grateful for the grant provided by the Ontario Trillium Foundation, which allowed us to purchase new office desks and chairs, and adaptive equipment for people with disabilities working at the office.

Thank you for believing inclusivity matters!

Learn more about the Ontario Trillium Foundation by visiting their website: https://otf.ca/

"In the heart of Ottawa, a compassionate force is changing the landscape of personal care support services, filling the gap in flexibility and on-demand care, and ultimately meeting the unique needs of individuals with disabilities. Meet Emma Brown, the visionary founder of Whimble, a revolutionary initiative that goes beyond routine care, becoming a lifeline for those facing unexpected challenges."

Read more about Emma Brown here

Join us in celebrating Black History Month by recognizing Black Canadians living with disabilities who have made a difference in our communities. Their inspiring achievements serve as a reminder of the resilience, strength, and determination of Black Canadians in the face of adversity. Lead by their example, let’s continue to promote diversity, equity, and inclusion in our communities.

Click here to read more

You can empower people with disabilities in the community to pursue their passions, and reach their goals, by becoming a monthly donor with ABLE2 today! Your gift, no matter the size, makes a difference.

You can choose your monthly contribution, cancel and restart anytime, and receive your charitable tax receipt at the end of the year!



Your gift helps people with disabilities make their dreams a reality. ♥️

Join ABLE2 and Legal Aid Ontario to learn about the following:

- The services provided by Legal Aid Ontario

- Eligibility criteria

- How Legal Aid Ontario delivers services and service continuum

- The new Legal Aid services Act and the Eligibility requirements to qualify for a certificate

- Application process

- Clients rights and responsibilities

Speakers:

• Lisa Bernstein – Director, External Relations, Legal Aid Ontario
• Piyali Kundu – Lawyer Manager, Eligibility Review Office, Legal Aid Ontario
• Kaitlyn McCabe – Director General West District, Legal Aid Ontario

Date/Time: Wednesday, February 28, 2024 11 AM-12:30 PM Via Zoom

Learn more and register here

In our last newsletter, we informed you that ABLE2 is building a volunteer program informed by an Equity, Diversity, Inclusion and Accessibility (EDIA) framework. By now, you should have received a survey as a stakeholder of ABLE2, inviting you to give your perspective on our inclusivity.

We thank everyone who has returned the survey, please complete the survey here if you did not receive it.

In the coming weeks, interviews and focus group discussions will be conducted, as part of data collection. Thank you for your participation.

This February, ABLE2 is scaling on engagement with the heroes in our community, the volunteers. We want to be a part of your achievements, celebrations, and other aspects of our volunteers’ growth.

Are you graduating from a program, launching an event or a book, celebrating your birthday, welcoming a newborn, tag us on your social media posts or send an email to volunteer@able2.org, we’d like to celebrate with you!

The Ottawa-Carleton District School Board (OCDSB) Transition Team in Learning Support Services (LSS) invites youth with developmental disabilities and their parents/caregivers to learn more about how to navigate life after high school. At this resource fair, you will have the opportunity to meet a variety of service providers in the Ottawa region and learn about programs available for youth with an intellectual disability, including:

• Service coordination 
• Developmental Services Ontario (DSO)
• Community day programs
• Recreational programs
• Sports
• Housing
• Family networks

Date: Tuesday, February 27, 2024

Time: 5:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.

Location: Confederation Education Centre (1645 Woodroffe Ave, Nepean, ON K2G 1W2)

This is a drop-in event; advance registration is not required.

For more information about transition planning, join OCDSB's virtual Transition Planning Q&A sessions happening throughout February.

Did you know about ABLE2's Funding Brokerage services?

Through personalized assistance, our dedicated team navigates and manages your funding for you, so you can devote your time to what matters the most. Let us handle the finances; you get to skip the headache.

Learn more about the Funding Brokerage program here.

Service Coordination Support

Whimble - On-demand attendant services

Connected Canadians - Technology training and support for older adults

OC Transpo Travel Training Program

211 Ontario

Developmental Services Ontario: https://www.dsontario.ca/

Ministry of Children, Community and Social Services: Services for adults with Developmental Disabilities

Princess Warrior Charitable Fund – Ottawa Community Foundation

Harry E. Foster Charitable Foundation.

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