ABLE2

ABLE2 Programs are available to people of all ages, and types of disabilities. In Ottawa, there are 161,445 people living with disabilities.

ABLE2 is a charitable organization that empowers individuals of all ages across the disability spectrum and their families to lead fulfilling lives by supporting them with programs, services, and resources. Three quarters of this population has more than one disability and one third are over the age of 65. This marginalized population is diverse in ethnicity, age and type of disability. By the yea

r 2050, Canadian seniors and people living with disabilities will have the highest rate of poor physical and mental health outcomes than any other demographic (Mental Health Commission of Canada [MHCC], 2020; Whalen, 2013). Social isolation, depression and loneliness are negatively impacting the mental and physical well-being of seniors and people living with a disability. ABLE2’s programs tackle the basic human need for social connections. This need is recognised in research that shows that there is a strong and positive association between quality of life and social participation (Canadian Community Health Survey, 2008, 2009). The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted this need for social connection for all community members. ABLE2 has been proactively adapting all their programming to continue to offer support and resources to Ottawa’s most vulnerable citizens. ABLE2’s programs channel the power of compassionate people to provide hope and support to the city’s most vulnerable citizens in several ways.
• Matching Program – volunteers are matched one-on-one with people living with disabilities of all ages, across the disability spectrum.
• Build Community aims to build relationships for individuals living with a disability, by building a network of unpaid people who support the individual in their daily life.
• Person Directed Planning and Facilitation (PDPF) for individuals and families - focuses on helping those living with disabilities to discover their dreams and aspirations, and then to develop a plan to reach their goals, based on their strengths, interests and abilities.
• Fetal Alcohol Resource Program (FARP) - draws together the resources, skills and knowledge that exists in Ottawa and provides clinical support and community navigation for individuals with FASD and their families.
• Family Support – ABLE2 offers a series of educational workshops on a variety of topics including a Caregiver Retreat, a therapeutic Siblings Group (children and teens) and a Funding Brokerage. ABLE2 strives to deliver programming that helps build an inclusive community in Ottawa where everyone can participate, according to their abilities, as full community members. Impact evaluations clearly show that inclusion, the reduction of loneliness and isolation and the resulting improvement in mental and physical health has a significant positive benefit on the lives of people with disabilities, their families, the volunteer cohort and the community at large.

"Disability Pride flips that narrative. It is not about inspiration or sympathy. It’s saying, “We belong— not in spite o...
07/18/2025

"Disability Pride flips that narrative. It is not about inspiration or sympathy. It’s saying, “We belong— not in spite of our disabilities, but with them.” It affirms that disability is not a flaw, but a vital part of human diversity. And in a world that often devalues it, to be proud of a disabled identity is a radical act of resistance. It challenges ableism at its core and reclaims space that has too often excluded them."

ABLE2 Executive Director Heather Lacey shares her insights on Disability Pride Month, why it matters, and what you can do to become an effective ally to people with disabilities. Read the full ED blog here: https://www.able2.org/the-power-of-disability-pride-and-why-it-matters/

In 2024, ABLE2's Reach Legal Referral Services provided crucial support to 103 individuals, helping them address their l...
07/17/2025

In 2024, ABLE2's Reach Legal Referral Services provided crucial support to 103 individuals, helping them address their legal issues and empowering them to assert their rights. Through this program, these individuals have been able to challenge discrimination and exclusion, ensuring their voices are heard and their rights are protected.

We are proud to stand with our community, offering the legal support needed to create a more inclusive and just society.

Read more about our accomplishments in the 2024 Annual Report on our website here: https://www.able2.org/annual-reports/

Become a monthly donor like Kathleen and support ABLE2's vital work. As Kathleen says:"I give to this organization becau...
07/15/2025

Become a monthly donor like Kathleen and support ABLE2's vital work. As Kathleen says:

"I give to this organization because I believe in what they do. I’ve seen the staff's commitment, and I know the money is being used in meaningful, responsible ways. Supporting a great organization doing great work just feels good.”

Your monthly donation helps us build an inclusive community where everyone is seen as able, important, and valued.

Join us in making a long, lasting impact to people with disabilities in our community. Become a monthly donor today. 💙

https://bit.ly/ABLE2Donate

07/14/2025

People with disabilities are diverse, and for this Disability Pride Month, we wanted to share the significance behind the Disability Pride Flag. It was first designed in 2019, then revised in 2021. Let’s dig deeper and learn more about it.

Fact: each coloured stripe represents a different type of disability.

• Green Stripe: Sensory disabilities
• Blue Stripe: Psychiatric disabilities
• White Stripe: Invisible and undiagnosed disabilities
• Gold Stripe: Neurodivergence
• Red Stripe: Physical disabilities

The faded black background represents mourning the victims of ableist violence and abuse. The diagonal orientation of the coloured bands represents cutting across the walls and barriers that separate disabled people from society.

It’s a good reminder that there is always more to learn under the surface and that we should always stay curious and delve deeper!



Alt Text: Webcard featuring the Disability Pride Flag. Text describes disability types that are represented by each coloured band from the flag and reads “Disability Pride Month, Disability Pride Flag.” The applied signature of the Office of the Chief Accessibility Officer and the Canada wordmark appear at the bottom.

Did you know you could volunteer virtually through ABLE2's Matching Connect Program?Make a meaningful impact from the co...
07/14/2025

Did you know you could volunteer virtually through ABLE2's Matching Connect Program?

Make a meaningful impact from the comfort of your home! ABLE2's Matching Connect Program is looking for compassionate individuals to provide emotional and social support to adults with disabilities.

We connect volunteers with persons with disabilities for a virtual, one-to-one intentional match. This program is especially beneficial for people facing mobility challenges, health limitations, or socio-economic barriers that make in-person engagement difficult.

Join us in creating lasting friendships and enriching lives through virtual connections.💙

Learn more here: https://www.able2.org/volunteer/

Are you a hockey fan? So is Daniel!  As a proud season ticket holder for the 67s, Daniel's enthusiasm for the game is co...
07/08/2025

Are you a hockey fan? So is Daniel!

As a proud season ticket holder for the 67s, Daniel's enthusiasm for the game is contagious. When he's not cheering on his favourite team, you'll find him enjoying coffee, taking leisurely walks, and volunteering in the community.

Daniel lives with a physical disability and is looking for a compassionate Ally to provide emotional and social support. He's eager to meet a new friend and enjoy all that the community has to offer.

If you love hockey, coffee, and making a difference, Daniel would love to meet you! Volunteer as an Ally with the Matching Program today!

Visit the link in bio or send us a dm for more information.

07/07/2025

Join the community!

Be the first to know about how your support is making a difference in the lives of people with disabilities! Receive ABLE2 updates, news and events straight to your inbox!

Visit the link below to subscribe 📨

Sign up here: https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/sl/HGNIQkH

When Elijah started his journey with ABLE2, he was skeptical that he would find the support he needed. After spending ov...
07/04/2025

When Elijah started his journey with ABLE2, he was skeptical that he would find the support he needed. After spending over seven years on the Social Housing Registry, waiting for affordable and accessible housing, he felt stuck. He was renting a room in a townhouse and his living conditions were far from ideal—unsafe and not close to his hoped-for quality of life. Living on a fixed income through the Ontario Disability Support Program (ODSP) only added to the challenges.

After working with ABLE2's Adult Protective Services Worker (APSW) Investment program, Elijah now has a place he can call home.
Read more about how Elijah gained security and stability through the program here: https://www.able2.org/elijah-finds-a-place-he-can-call-home/

Did you know your old ride can fuel new opportunities and change lives? Donate your car, truck, van, SUV, or motorcycle ...
07/03/2025

Did you know your old ride can fuel new opportunities and change lives?

Donate your car, truck, van, SUV, or motorcycle for ABLE2 through Donate A Car Canada! Your vehicle will be resold or recycled, and the net proceeds will be donated to ABLE2. You will then get a charitable tax receipt for your donation. The tow is always free!

Learn more about donating your car in support of people with disabilities in your community! https://www.able2.org/donate/donate-a-car/

REGISTRATION IS NOW OPEN! 🍉 🌻 🧺Join us for some games, food, friends, and fun in the sun on August 16, Saturday, from 11...
07/02/2025

REGISTRATION IS NOW OPEN! 🍉 🌻 🧺

Join us for some games, food, friends, and fun in the sun on August 16, Saturday, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Andrew Haydon Park!

Register to confirm your attendance and purchase meal tickets for delicious buffet-style barbecue hot dogs and hamburgers prepared by Fitz’s Classic Grill BBQ Smoke House (gluten-free, vegan and vegetarian options are available).

Tickets are $15/person. Limited spaces available, get your orders in before July 31st.

For more information, visit https://www.able2.org/events/able2s-annual-picnic-2025/

Interested in volunteering? Email us at [email protected]

July is Disability Pride Month!Disability Pride is about more than a celebration—it's about affirming identity, rejectin...
07/02/2025

July is Disability Pride Month!

Disability Pride is about more than a celebration—it's about affirming identity, rejecting stigma, and embracing self-worth. It's a reminder that every person deserves to be seen, heard, and valued for who they are.

This month, we honour the strength, resilience, and contributions of the disability community. Let’s continue to advocate for inclusion, accessibility, and equal opportunity for all. 💙♿🌈

We hope everyone has a fun and exciting Canada Day from all of us at ABLE2!  🎉🍁Our office is closed, and will be reopen ...
07/01/2025

We hope everyone has a fun and exciting Canada Day from all of us at ABLE2! 🎉🍁

Our office is closed, and will be reopen at 9 am on, Wednesday, July 2nd. 💙🎇

Address

Ottawa, ON

Opening Hours

Monday 9am - 12pm
1pm - 5pm
Tuesday 9am - 12pm
1pm - 5pm
Wednesday 9am - 12pm
1pm - 5pm
Thursday 9am - 12pm
1pm - 5pm
Friday 9am - 12pm
12:30pm - 4:30pm

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