ABLE2 Moments March 2024

For the month of March, ABLE2 celebrates International Women's Day by recognizing the trailblazing women leaders with disabilities who are paving the way, and advocating for the rights and social justice for women and people with disabilities across the country.

ABLE2 also sat down to chat with these women leaders who are making a difference in Canada. Click below to read more about their journeys and achievements!

Photo of Senator Chantal Petitclerc, with text displayed "You want to put people with disabilities in a position where they can do what they choose to do, without the obstacles." quote by Senator Petitclerc

'Just Go For It': Chantal Petitclerc's Race to Defying Limitations

Senator Chantal Petitclerc shares her journey from the Paralympic podium to the Senate chamber, weaving her personal experiences with her work towards a more inclusive and equitable future for Canadians.

Read more here.

Photo of Stephanie Cadieux, Canada's first Chief Accessibility Officer. Text displayed "It's important to be in other women's corner as they move forward and help elevate other women in their own paths.”

LAST CALL: Evening in the Maritimes

tickets are going, going...

The 2024 edition of Evening in the Maritimes is o-FISH-ally scheduled to set sail on Wednesday, May 1, 2024 from the 4th floor pier at the Westin Ottawa.

Over 400 of your seaworthy friends and colleagues are already confirmed to help ABLE2 celebrate east coast culture while raising much needed funds to support people with disabilities in our community.

We think this event is going to float your boat with its delicious menu of lobster, beef and vegan options, curated auction items and unique prize packages, Maritime trivia, live music, and several themed activities during the cocktail reception that are Instagram worthy.

Can we rope you into joining us at EiTM24?

The good ship EiTM is almost at capacity. Now’s the time to get onboard for a memorable evening in support of people with disabilities in our community.

SAVE ME A SEAT!

A Chat with Maelle & Karlene

by Rick Burns

“She knew she wanted to make a difference in someone’s life, and ABLE2’s matching program stood out as a chance to have direct, meaningful and personal experience based on a one-on-one connection.”

ABLE2 Board Member Rick Burns chats with Maelle and Karlene, Ally & Friend with ABLE2's Matching Program. They chat about an iconic wrestler, their love for movies, and how easily Maelle and Karlene have bonded despite their differences.

Be our guest and mark your calendars for

Volunteer Appreciation Week!

Graphic of Impacting Lives Together Volunteer Appreciation Event. Details as follows: April 20, Saturday from 1pm to 4pm at the Canada Science and Technology Museum. For more information email volunteer@able2.org. Photos of volunteers at the summer picnics.

ABLE2 is celebrating Volunteer Appreciation Week from April 14 to 20, and hosting a Volunteer Appreciation event tagged "Impacting Lives Together" as a grand finale of our weeklong activities.

The Volunteer Appreciation "Impacting Lives Together" event is free for all of ABLE2's programs, events, committee, and office volunteers to express our gratitude for the time and efforts our volunteers have dedicated to support the implementation of ABLE2 programs and the ways it has impacted people in our community in the last 50 years.

Enjoy a free museum tour on us, and get to know other volunteers and ABLE2 staff too!

Venue: Canada Science and Technology Museum, Event Hall (1867 St Laurent Blvd, Ottawa ON K1G 5A3)

Date and Time: April 20th, 2024 1:00 pm ET

Refreshments: Variety of delicious refreshments by Chef Ric’s is provided for free (please let us know of your dietary restrictions upon registration)

Are you a volunteer at ABLE2? Register below!

Join us at the Canada Science and Technology Museum on April 20!

Volunteering Opportunities

ABLE2 currently has 170 vulnerable and marginalized people waiting to be matched.

We hope you can help us reduce the waitlist by clicking on the link below to volunteer in the matching program. ABLE2 matches volunteers in the community (Allies) with a person living with a disability (Friend) who is typically marginalized and isolated.

These intentional friendships have profound effects on the Friend including reduced isolation, increased self-esteem and self-confidence and better physical and mental health. Allies provide practical support by helping with such things as paperwork, groceries, doctor's appointments, participating in community activities and assisting with accessing support services.

Volunteer to make an impact today. Learn more here.

Volunteer at the Evening in the Maritimes (EiTM)! The success of our event is heavily dependent on our crew of event volunteers!

If you’d like to join us, please review the available volunteer roles and shift times, and then submit your request to be part of the volunteer team at EiTM24.

The application process is online and closes on April 15, 2024 (or earlier if all roles are filled prior to the deadline).

Learn more about volunteering at the EiTM here!

ABLE2 GROW Upcoming Sessions

Graphic of ABLE2 Grow Educational Sessions. Text displayed: Struggling with navigating the healthcare system? You are not alone! oin ABLE2 and Beth Campbell Duke, science educator, and founder of “NavigatingHealthCare.ca” for a Grow Series education session to support you and your loved one with a disability with strategies to navigate the challenges of the Canadian healthcare system. Beth is a caregiver who is still supporting her family members with coping with the challenges of the healthcare system. The session will cover Beth’s personal story as well as strategies to support patients and their caregivers. There will be opportunities for have your questions answered live throughout the session.

Are you struggling with navigating the healthcare system? You are not alone – many Canadians bear the burden of navigating a complex healthcare system on their own and this can be even more difficult for people with disabilities and their caregivers.

Join ABLE2 and Beth Campbell Duke, science educator, and founder of “NavigatingHealthCare.ca” for a Grow Series education session to support you and your loved one with a disability with strategies to navigate the challenges of the Canadian healthcare system.

Location: Zoom

Date/Time: Wednesday, March 27, 2024, 6:30 PM – 8:00 PM Via Zoom (Registration closes March 25)

Learn more and register here.

Your monthly gift can create a bigger impact

image of a volunteer and his friend with a disability. Text displayed: When you become a monthly donor, you empower people with disabilities to pursue their pursue their goals, develop meaningful connections, and have opportunities to participate as active members of the community.

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.

Become a monthly donor today

It's time to address poverty for people with disabilities in the community

Approximately 1 million people with disabilities live below the poverty line, struggling to make ends meet. We need a fully funded Canada Disability Benefit to help reduce poverty and food insecurity for people with disabilities across Canada.

ABLE2 has joined Daily Bread Food Bank and over 40 organizations in the Fund The Benefit campaign to take action—and you can too.

What you can do:

Share the campaign on social media. See our Facebook post here .
Request a meeting with your MP using this MP meeting guide
Participate in Defend Disability’s phone zap – see guide here

Learn more about why we need a fully funded Canada Disability Benefit here.

ABLE2 Programs

ABLE2's Fetal Alcohol Resource Program (FARP) is for children and youth who have or may be suspected of having Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD).

This program is made possible through partnerships with The Children's Aid Society of Ottawa, Kids Brain Health Network, and CHEO.

Learn more about FARP here.