April 14 to 20 is National Volunteer Week!

Every Moment Matters. ABLE2 celebrates its volunteers and the invaluable time and effort they have dedicated to making a positive impact in the lives of people with disabilities in the community. Whether you have been a volunteer for 40 years or 6 months or spent a few hours making our events successful, your contributions strengthen inclusivity and give people with disabilities opportunities to be active members in the community.

To celebrate, we will recognize our wonderful volunteers and share their inspiring stories of volunteerism with ABLE2.

Be sure to follow our social media channels below to learn about how ABLE2's volunteers are making a difference!

Hi friend– We hate to stir the pot here, but we wanted you to know that over 450 people have already reserved their tickets to Ottawa’s premier kitchen party, Evening in the Maritimes, where good food meets a good time for a GREAT cause - ABLE2: Support for People with Disabilities.

Here’s what you’ll be missing if we end up setting sail without you on May 1st at the Westin Ottawa Hotel:

• Live music
• The SHELL-fie station
• Sea Creature stuffies (aka the Sea Creature Sweepstakes sponsored by The Attain Group)
• Delicious food (choice of beef, vegan or lobster)
• Signature cocktails and mocktails sponsored by Rideau Carleton Casino Future Home of Hard Rock Ottawa
• Reserved seating with your provincial allies (choice of Nova Scotia, PEI, or New Brunswick Zones)
• The live auction featuring unique travel experiences
• The silent auction sponsored by Canadian Hearing Services
• A limited number of corporate tables ($3295) and individual tickets ($325) are still available.

It’s time to get lobster cracking. Reserving your tickets or table online is easy peasey lemon squeezy drizzled all over your boiled lobster.

PS – If you already purchased tickets, make sure to update your reservation with the names of all your guests, your seating preferences, and meal selections. Click here to update an existing reservation or add guest details (deadline = April 16/24).

"As we spoke, I came to understand that Meghan and Marsha have been friends now for about 4 years and that their match was quite a natural fit. While Meghan worked at ABE2, she would hear from Marsha from time to time while she awaited to be matched."

ABLE2 Board Member Rick Burns chats with Matching Program Ally and Friend, Meghan and Marsha about their strong bond, their favourite things to do together, and a solid marriage advice from Marsha.

Read more about it here.

Don't forget to complete our Donor Survey to get a chance to win one (1) ticket to our special fundraising gala, Evening in the Maritimes (EiTM), on May 1 at the Westin Ottawa Hotel. A random winner will be chosen on April 16, 2024.

The Donor Survey will help enhance our capacity to empower more people with disabilities to build lives of meaning and joy, through our fundraising efforts and strengthening our engagement with donors like you.

We appreciate your commitment to making a difference in the lives of people with disabilities in the community!

We are excited to announce the launch of our new volunteer roster, the Accessibility Team!

As an integral part of our organization, we believe in creating inclusive spaces where everyone can fully participate and engage in our events. The Accessibility Team has been formed with the objective of removing barriers that may prevent people with disabilities from attending and enjoying our events to the fullest. 

We believe that by proactively addressing accessibility concerns, we can create a welcoming environment where everyone feels valued and included. The work of the Accessibility Team is crucial in advancing our commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion. 

If you are interested in joining the Accessibility Team or learning more about our efforts to promote accessibility, please reach out to Modupe Adeboye madeboye@able2.org. Your dedication and support are vital in making our events accessible to all members of our community. 

Thank you for your continued commitment to our organization and our mission of creating inclusive spaces for everyone. Together, we can make a difference! 

Are you passionate about making a lasting impact to the lives of people with disabilities? Become a monthly donor today!

Your monthly gift, no matter the size, goes a long way in empowering people with disabilities to pursue their goals, develop meaningful connections, and have opportunities to participate as active members of the community.

Suzart Productions will have a "relaxed performance" of their upcoming production, "The Lightning Thief," on May 25 at 2pm!

The "relaxed performance” will provide a welcoming, inclusive and sensory sensitive environment for the audience.

The main adjustments to this show Saturday 2pm will be:

- controlled lighting throughout the show so it won’t be completely dark and no sudden flashes of light

- reduced sound volume and reduced auditory effects (ie: no sudden bangs)

- theatre doors stay open and patrons can go in and out as needed

- non assigned seating so patrons can space out as they like or relocate partway through the show if needed

- limited seats for sale so it won’t be a full/crowded audience

- introduce characters before the show so the audience knows what to expect

The Lightning Thief is based on a popular young adult book series by Rick Riordon that was just released as a popular show on Disney+. Think “Harry Potter" meets "Greek Mythology” but with music!

Get your tickets here!

Discover accessible places across the globe through this new app!

The AccessNow app helps identify accessible places to visit in your city and around the world.

You can go to their website or download the app on your phone, and search places with the specific accessibility features you want, rate and review the accessibility features, and discover more accessible nearby!

ABLE2's Build Community Program helps families plan for the future of their child or relative with a disability and build a network of support that will support the person with the disability to live a rich, full life both now and in the future.

Learn more about the Build Community 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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