For Ava, watching her son Maks grow into an independent young man has been a journey filled with both pride and careful planning. As a mother of a young adult with a disability, she knows that independence isn’t something that happens overnight, but a thoughtful process, with the right support at the right time.
Before moving into his apartment, Maks was constantly going back and forth between his divorced parents’ homes. While surrounded by care, the lack of one steady place made it hard to feel settled. Independence felt out of reach, not because Maks lacked the ability, but because navigating housing systems, funding applications, and accessibility requirements can feel like a maze, especially for families doing it largely on their own.
Maks, now in his early twenties, has always been determined to live independently. “I want my own place,” he says simply. “I want to be able to do things on my own.”
That desire for independence is reflected in his everyday life. Maks works part-time at a job that keeps him busy, gives him structure, and supports his mental well-being. More than just the paycheque, working offers him social connection, routine, and a sense of purpose, which are anchors as he steps into adulthood.
Through a referral from Developmental Services Ontario – Eastern Region (DSO-ER), Ava and Maks were connected with ABLE2’s Housing Support Program and found exactly what they needed. They started working with Adult Protective Services Worker (APSW) Patricia, who helped turn a distant goal into something realistic and achievable. Patricia supported Maks and Ava through regular check-ins, careful review of housing options, and thoughtful attention to accessibility, affordability, and location. It wasn’t just about finding any apartment but finding the right one.
“Maks wanted stability,” Ava shares. “A place that was accessible, close to everything he needs, and somewhere he could start building confidence in living more independently.”
Wanting that stability meant confronting a new system that isn’t easy to navigate. Before connecting with ABLE2, Ava spent time researching and she had the patience to navigate paperwork, applications, and phone calls, often with little clarity about next steps.
Through her efforts, Maks was able to secure financial support to make independent living financially viable through programs that assisted with rent and utilities. Maks receives an extra $100 a month toward his rent through the Ontario Disability Support Program (ODSP), following the change in his housing situation—from living with a parent to renting his own apartment while maintaining part-time employment. The City of Ottawa (under community and social services, ABU) helped cover his last month’s rent and moving costs. Financial assistance was obtained from Hydro Ottawa (under the Ontario Electricity Support Program) towards Maks’ utility bills.*
That weight began to lift when Ava and Maks started working with Patricia through ABLE2’s Housing Support Program, which brought reassurance, clarity, and the sense that someone else was walking alongside them.
“I’ve been doing this on my own for a long time,” Ava says. “Having Patricia felt like having an extra pair of hands, extra reassurance. It reminded me that I don’t have to carry this alone.”
When Maks finally moved into his apartment in October 2025, it marked more than a change of address. It was a milestone.
Now, Maks lives in a space that works for him—close to transit, grocery stores, and the downtown city core he enjoys. He takes pride in his home, his routines, and the growing sense of ownership over his daily life. Whether it’s heading out to a movie, watching sports, or simply enjoying the independence of choosing how he spends his time, Maks is settling into a life that feels like his own.
More than finding the right resources, APSW Patricia has also supported Maks in developing the practical skills he’ll need to thrive independently.
“We’ve worked on budgeting, understanding bills, managing money,” Patricia says. “These are things that seem simple, but when you’re preparing for your first place, they’re essential.”
Maks is also learning to navigate community resources, understand his rights as a tenant, and advocate for his needs—tools that will serve him in the long run.
While the journey toward full independence continues, Ava feels relieved knowing that Maks has a strong foundation and a team behind him. ABLE2’s Housing Support Program didn’t just help them find a place, but helped Maks build confidence, clarity, and a path forward.
For families like Ava and Maks’, support makes all the difference. It turns uncertainty into progress and long, complicated systems into something manageable and human.
Because everyone deserves a place where they can feel safe, capable, and at home, and the support to get there.
*Note: The funding supports mentioned reflect Maks and Ava’s personal experience. Eligibility, amounts, and program details may vary and are subject to change. Readers are encouraged to research current information directly with the respective funding bodies to determine eligibility.
About ABLE2’s Housing Support Program
ABLE2’s Housing Support Program provides individualized support to help people with developmental disabilities prepare for independent living. Through one-on-one work with Adult Protective Services Workers (APSWs), clients:
- Explore housing options and understand what’s available
- Develop essential life skills like budgeting and self-advocacy
- Navigate housing waitlists and application processes
- Connect with community resources and supports
- Build confidence and readiness for independent living
The program recognizes that everyone’s timeline is different, and that true independence can be attained by building a strong foundation of skills and a solid network of support.
Learn more about ABLE2’s Housing Support Program here.