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Access to Justice is Foundational to Social Justice

February 20 marks World Day of Social Justice. This year’s theme by the United Nations, “Social Protection and Decent Work for All”, calls for practical policies that reduce poverty, strengthen public services, and ensure access to justice and wellbeing for everyone.

For people with disabilities, this isn’t theoretical. It’s personal.

Social justice is often discussed in terms of income supports, employment rates, or labor rights. Those matter profoundly, but for many people with disabilities, justice begins even earlier, with a more fundamental question: Can I access legal protection at all? 

Can I understand my rights? Challenge decisions affecting my housing, income, or healthcare? Navigate systems designed without me in mind? Afford legal guidance when I need it most? 

When the answer is no, every other social protection becomes a promise without a pathway. 

At ABLE2, the Reach Legal Referral Services exists because access to justice is not equitable. Legal systems can be overwhelming, expensive, and inaccessible, particularly for people living with disabilities or limited financial means. This service bridges that gap.

We mobilize a network of over 200 volunteer lawyers, paralegals, and mediators who provide up to 3 hours of free, confidential legal consultation. For many clients, this is the first time they’ve felt heard in a system that felt stacked against them. Sometimes it’s the difference between losing housing and maintaining stability, between exploitation and protection, or between giving up and asserting their rights. 

Access to justice underpins every other social protection system.

Without it, workers cannot defend their labor rights, tenants cannot challenge unsafe or discriminatory housing practices, families cannot secure benefits they are entitled to, and individuals cannot protect themselves from exploitation or abuse. When legal protections are inaccessible, rights are theoretical.

The UN’s theme emphasizes decent work. For people with disabilities, decent work requires more than job opportunities. It requires enforceable workplace accommodations, protection from discrimination, fair wages, and meaningful participation. 

But when you can’t access legal systems to challenge discrimination or demand accommodations, “decent work” remains out of reach, regardless of how many jobs exist. 

Employment equity laws mean nothing if people can’t exercise them. 

ABLE2’s Reach Legal Referral Services, and other programs at ABLE2 that provide navigation support and advocacy help ensure people don’t navigate fragmented systems alone. We work to reduce stigma, build understanding, and connect individuals to services that support dignity and stability.

But charities like ours cannot replace systemic responsibility.

Programs like ours should be bridges, not permanent solutions. Governments must adequately fund inclusive social protection systems. Employers must uphold labor rights and engage in meaningful social dialogue. Communities must challenge stigma and invest in local initiatives that connect people to services and opportunities.

Social justice is not achieved through statements. It is achieved through structures that work for everyone from the start. 

If we are serious about “Social Protection and Decent Work for All,” then access to justice must be non-negotiable, not a charitable service, but a fundamental right with infrastructure to support it. 

On this World Day of Social Justice, I’m challenging leaders, policymakers, employers, and community members alike: examine where barriers still exist, and remove them. Fund inclusive systems. Design services that are accessible from the start. Ensure people with disabilities can claim their rights, not just read about them.

Social cohesion strengthens when inclusion is intentional. Justice delayed for some is justice denied for all. 

Social justice is built through action. Let’s build it together.

Where do you see justice gaps in your community? What role might you play in closing them?

Published by

Heather Lacey

Experienced Non-Profit Executive Director

Read Heather’s other articles here

Becoming Ready for What Comes Next: Steven’s Housing Journey with ABLE2

Steven has lived in Ottawa for most of his life. He shares a home with his mother, and balances two part-time jobs—one as a City of Ottawa maintenance worker, and another doing data entry for a taxi company. In his free time, he hangs out with his friends, goes to the movies, and plays guitar. Writing has also become an important outlet for him, and he recently published a memoir about growing up with autism. 

“It’s about determination,” he explains. “About learning how to work with my condition, not against it.” 

Steven’s book ‘Life so Far’ is available here.

That same determination drives a goal Steven holds close—living independently one day.

“My goal is to move out of my mom’s home one day,” Steven shares. “There’s no rush right now, but I want to be ready. My parents won’t be around forever, and when the time comes, I want a safe, decent place to live.”

It’s a goal many people with disabilities share, but one that Ottawa’s housing landscape makes difficult to pursue. Rising costs, limited availability, and lengthy waitlists create barriers for almost anyone searching for a home. For individuals navigating disability-related challenges on top of that, the process can feel especially unforgiving.

Steven began taking steps early. In 2022, he registered with the Ottawa Housing Registry, believing he had set the process in motion. He later discovered his application had never been received. It was a frustrating setback, but it led him to ABLE2’s Housing Support Program, where he was connected with Adult Protective Services Worker (APSW) Patricia. Together, they reapplied, and this time Steven received confirmation that his application was successfully in the system.

Since then, Steven and Patricia have met monthly to navigate paperwork, review housing options, and work through the practical steps of preparing for independent living. They’ve also focused on financial readiness—budgeting, building savings, and planning for the future.

“It’s helpful,” Steven says simply. “It doesn’t hurt to have extra help.”

That steady, consistent support matters. Even when progress feels slow, having someone checking in, answering questions, and helping him plan, makes the journey feel manageable rather than overwhelming.

Steven’s housing goal may still be years away, but he is focused on being ready when the moment comes. He hopes to secure full-time employment, continue saving, and eventually move into a place of his own. In the meantime, APSW Patricia ensures he isn’t navigating these complex systems alone.

Beyond housing, Steven also hopes his story changes how people think about disability. “Someone once told my mom I wouldn’t be able to socialize or do much,” he recalls. “But I proved that wrong.” He has made the Dean’s List in college, holds down two jobs, published a book, and continues to build a life rich with purpose and joy.

ABLE2’s Housing Support Program exists not just to help people find housing, but to empower individuals to pursue independence with confidence. For people like Steven, having consistent guidance and support throughout the journey makes the process feel less daunting—and a life of independence feel within reach.

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.

Finding the Right Place to Grow: Maks’ Journey to Independence

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. 

Mondays Afternoons with Rebecca – Why Showing Up Matters

Rebecca works remotely as a Project Manager for a nonprofit organization, and describes herself as a homebody. But since joining ABLE2’s Matching Program, her Monday afternoons have become something she wouldn’t trade for anything.

When Rebecca first began searching for a volunteer opportunity, she wasn’t sure what she had to offer. Many roles were looking for skills that were either too niche or too technical. Then she came across ABLE2’s Matching Program. 

“What stood out was that all I needed to offer was my time. Just being there,” Rebecca recalls.

After applying through Volunteer Ottawa, Rebecca began ABLE2’s onboarding process. She admits it felt daunting at first, but she quickly understood why it mattered. “ABLE2 takes matching seriously,” she recalls. “They really want to make it sustainable and work for everyone involved.” 

Rebecca met her Match in late spring 2025, and over the months, their connection has grown naturally. Now, they’ve settled into a rhythm. Every Monday afternoon, they meet at the same Shawarma restaurant in the neighbourhood where Rebecca’s Friend frequents. Over the fragrant curls of roasted meat, they chat, share a few laughs, and simply enjoy each other’s company. After a couple of months, Rebecca was invited over to her Friend’s house. For her, it was a meaningful step that signalled growing trust and comfort in their friendship. 

Since then, their time together has expanded in small, meaningful ways. They listen to all sorts of music, work together on decluttering her Friend’s home, or sift through life’s joys and trials. Rebecca describes it as simple but deeply grounding. 

Early on, Rebecca would worry she was not “doing enough” as an Ally, or that the conversations weren’t always flowing, or that the outings weren’t productive enough. But her Friend gently shifted that perspective. “Sometimes she’ll just say, ‘I’m so glad to see you today.’ That’s when I realized, being an Ally doesn’t have to be a big thing. You just need to show up.”

Months into the match, Rebecca and her Friend discovered their birthdays fell just days apart. So, when their special day came, they decided to celebrate it together. “I brought her a meal she wouldn’t normally be able to access because she doesn’t go far from home. And the guys at the shawarma place surprised her with a birthday cake. It was such a joyful moment—just sharing a birthday with a friend.” Rebecca shares that it was one of their most memorable moments together as a Match. 

What’s surprised Rebecca most isn’t just the impact she’s had, but what she’s gained in return.

“I like having something that gets me out of the house regularly.” Rebecca shares. “I’ve gained a genuine friendship with someone I probably crossed paths with before, but never would have known if not for ABLE2.”

For Rebecca, being an Ally means being someone her Friend can count on. Someone she can call when she’s anxious. Someone to check in with during bad weather. 

“Being one of her safe people is an honour,” Rebecca says. “And honestly, it goes both ways. I’ve shared my own mental health challenges with her too. It’s mutual.”

Rebecca also values the ongoing support from ABLE2’s Matching Program team.

“The social workers really check in. Azra has been fantastic. It’s comforting to talk things through and know support is there. And Lenka, who did my onboarding, was great too. You come into the program knowing that you’re never doing this alone.”

For anyone feeling hesitant about volunteering, Rebecca’s offers reassuring advice: “Make sure you’re ready for the commitment, but know that once you’re in it, it won’t feel like an obligation. It becomes something you want to make time for.”

She adds, “Don’t put pressure on yourself about what the Match needs to be. Let it develop organically. You really just need to show up.”

Perhaps the biggest shift for Rebecca has been her perspective on disability.

“It’s not as intimidating as you think. You realize pretty quickly that you have so much more in common than you expect,” she shares.

On Monday afternoons, Rebecca is proving that meaningful change doesn’t come from doing something extraordinary—it comes from being present, consistent, and open to connection.

And sometimes, all it takes is showing up.

There are still over eighty people with disabilities waiting for Allies like Rebecca. If you can offer just a few hours a month, you can make a difference too. 

Learn more about volunteering with the Matching Program here. 

What 2025 Taught Us and What We’re Investing In for 2026

I’ve never been one for resolutions. But as I reflect on ABLE2’s remarkable year and look ahead to 2026, I’m clear about what we’re leaving behind and what we’re intentionally building toward.

2025 exceeded expectations in ways I didn’t anticipate.  

We hit our revenue goal by Q3, well ahead of the Q4 period that typically carries our fundraising. We earned three times more in media features than the previous year, further amplifying disability voices across the region. We said yes to non-traditional partnerships— including a Twitch gamer who raised over $1,300 in a 13-hour livestream— and deepened relationships with long-time supporters. We showed up where our community gathered, from Capital PRIDE to professional roundtables. And our transition to fully remote operations, which seemed risky to others, became one of our greatest strengths— allowing us to meet people where they are, when they need us, unconfined by physical walls or office hours. 

But perhaps the most meaningful transformation was how we showed up for the people we support.

We reduced our Matching Program waitlist by 26%, which meant that individuals who had been waiting years were finally matched with their Allies. The Fetal Alcohol Resource Program (FARP) saw wait times fall by 67%, and children, youth and their families received help almost 19 months sooner. Our Funding Brokerage services served nearly 80% more clients, and our Housing Support program supported 140% more in 2025 compared to the previous year.

The data reveals how much greater our impact can be when we streamline our programs, strengthen the quality of our delivery, and let data guide smarter, more intentional decisions.

2025 showed us what’s possible when we choose evolution over ‘what works’.

Now here’s what we’re committed to for 2026. 

What’s out: Hustle-culture as a badge of honour

What’s in: Staff wellbeing as a strategic priority that supports sustainable, meaningful work

Burnout should never be the cost of commitment. When staff have what they need—resources, support, mental health care, compassion—they can show up fully for the community better. Wellbeing isn’t a perk. It’s infrastructure. 

Leading with care for our team means they can lead with care for the people we support.

What’s out: Relying on ‘what’s always worked’ 

What’s in: Creativity, visibility & community-driven engagement

Marketing & communications aren’t just for vanity. It’s how the community discovers what we offer, understands our impact, and finds meaningful ways to get involved.

In 2026, we’re expanding our communications footprint—building partnerships with community voices, exploring influencer collaborations, and engaging in digital spaces like gaming livestreams where authentic connection already thrives. We’ve seen the power of these unconventional approaches. Now we’re ready to maximize them.

We’re also being intentional about where we focus our time and resources: investing in programs with strong potential and pursuing grants that align closely with our mission and strengths.

These choices ensure our impact is not only felt—but seen, understood, and championed.

What’s out: Being the default decision-maker and feeling responsible for every answer and every call

What’s in: Human-centered leadership—leading with care, listening deeply, and learning alongside my team

I learn something every day from my team, from the people we support, and from taking risks that stretch what’s possible. Leadership isn’t about having all the answers; it’s about creating space for others to shine, listening deeply, and staying curious enough to keep growing.

I’m not perfect, and I don’t need to be.

What I am committed to is learning continuously, refining how I lead, and adapting to a world that changes faster than any one person can keep up with. My team challenges me, teaches me, and inspires me, and that shared growth is what makes our work stronger.

These aren’t resolutions, but commitments rooted in what 2025 proved possible.

We’re investing in people—our staff and our community.

We’re investing in bold strategies that reflect how the world actually works today.

We’re investing in our evolution as an organization committed to sustainable, innovative, courageous disability advocacy.

The disability community deserves a champion that shows up boldly—online, in person, and everywhere people gather. That means taking care of our team, diversifying the way we resource our work, and being fearless about trying new approaches.

2025 showed us we can achieve remarkable things when we’re willing to adapt.
2026 is about doing those things with intention, investment, and care.

What are you leaving behind this year? What are you investing in?

Published by

Heather Lacey

Experienced Non-Profit Executive Director

Read Heather’s other articles here

How Our Champions Changed ABLE2—For Good

Reflecting on 2025 and what happens when a community shows up for people with disabilities

I saw Wicked recently, and in the very emotional final duet “For Good,” Elphaba and Glinda reflect on how profoundly they’ve changed each other’s lives. That song stayed with me and inspired this reflection as I look back at ABLE2’s journey from 2024 to 2025. This will sound cliché, but the line “…changed for good” captures exactly what happened when our community showed up in our moment of greatest need. 

In 2024, ABLE2 faced a financial challenge that put 50 years of community impact at risk. Like many small charities, we were stretched between rising demand and shrinking resources. For the first time in my tenure, I wasn’t sure if we would survive. 

To protect our most essential programs, we made difficult decisions like closing some programs and laying off staff. These were among the hardest conversations I’ve had as Executive Director, and the impact on those affected weighed heavily on me. But with limited resources and growing need, these steps were necessary to continue supporting the most vulnerable people in our community.

At year-end of 2024, we launched a digital-only fundraising appeal. No direct mail, minimal marketing budget, just honesty. We told the truth about our financial situation, and our message of hope that those who believed in our mission would step up. Based on previous years, we knew to expect modest results from this campaign.  

Instead, something remarkable happened. Our supporters didn’t just respond to the call. They exceeded it. Donations came from longtime partners, first-time donors, former volunteers, families we supported years ago, and advocates in the community. They showed up for some of the most vulnerable people in our community. Their generosity allowed ABLE2 to stabilize, rebuild and enter 2025 on stronger ground. 

Our champions changed us— for good.  

With this renewed stability, we knew we had to be more strategic with our resources. Midway through 2025, we made a decision that felt both risky and necessary: ABLE2 transitioned to fully remote operations and closed its physical office space. 

Some worried this would reduce our impact or visibility, or compromise productivity. But we moved forward with confidence because we have always known our strength lies not within the four walls of an office—it’s our connection to the community. 

Freed from the limitations of a physical location, our team met program users, volunteers, and supporters where they were. We eliminated barriers like travel, rigid schedules, and the pressures of a traditional office environment. Our staff gained the flexibility to deliver programs in ways that reflect people’s needs and preferences, while also maintaining a healthier work–life balance for themselves.

This wasn’t new to us. We had already been operating this way since the pandemic, and our results consistently showed that our effectiveness depended on relationships, not real estate.

Since going fully remote, we have reached and supported more people and have moved families off waitlists. We have onboarded more volunteers, welcomed new donors, and strengthened partnerships with organizations and businesses that share our vision.

Every FASD training session, every match, every navigation support, and every advocacy effort has been possible because of this shift and because of the champions who continue to stand with us.

2025 has shown us what happens when a community steps up for inclusion. It has shown us that small organizations can have outsized impact when surrounded by champions. It has shown us that the work of centering disability voices, building inclusive communities, and breaking down barriers, requires all of us, working together.

To everyone who donated, volunteered, partnered, advocated, and believed in ABLE2 this year: thank you. You didn’t just lift us out of crisis—you affirmed that people with disabilities matter. 

You became their Everyday Champions. 

As 2025 draws to a close, I’m deeply grateful for everything this community has made possible. And while we have made real progress, the need has not slowed.

People with disabilities are still fighting for basic inclusion. Families are still navigating fragmented systems alone. Young adults are still aging out of supports without a clear path forward. The gap between awareness and action remains wide.

ABLE2 exists to bridge that gap—to be the champion in someone’s corner, to build the inclusive community we all deserve. But we cannot do this work alone.

This holiday season, I’m asking you to be an Everyday Champion for people with disabilities.

Your gift ensures we begin 2026 strong—just as your generosity at the end of 2024 transformed our trajectory this year.

Your gift today means:

Your support champions lives of meaning and joy. Read their stories here or listen to their voices on our podcast.

We are close to our year-end goal. A gift today will help ensure ABLE2 can carry this momentum forward and continue creating connection, belonging, and opportunity in the year ahead.

Will you be an Everyday Champion for people with disabilities before the year ends? 

Make a gift here: http://weblink.donorperfect.com/ABLE2DonateSM

Thank you for standing with us, now and into the future.

Happy Holidays!

Published by

Heather Lacey

Experienced Non-Profit Executive Director

Read Heather’s other articles here

The Lone Voice at the Table: Why Every Person with a Disability Needs an Everyday Champion

When my son was diagnosed with autism and developmental delays in the 1980s, I did what any parent does—I imagined his future. But in one meeting, a professional told me bluntly: “Your child’s not going to be a brain surgeon.”

I remember thinking: I don’t need him to be a brain surgeon. I just want him to have a good life.

That simple wish has required 40 years of relentless advocacy. But even back then, I knew I shouldn’t have had to fight this hard. 

In the 1990s, when I advocated for my son to be integrated into a regular classroom alongside special programming, I was almost always the lone voice at the table. Professionals told me all the reasons why it couldn’t be done. 

But we got there. Through high school, he was fully integrated. Things were adapted to meet his needs. He had friends he could eat lunch with, assistants who supported him, and a life that included him in his community.

It took exhausting advocacy. It took being his everyday champion—and having other champions in his life: grandparents, aunts, uncles, a network of people who believed he deserved more than survival.

After 40 years, I can tell you this with certainty: you don’t raise a child with a disability without a network of support. People have told me that I was brave or courageous, but I was simply doing what I had to do for my child to live a meaningful and fulfilling life. 

Watching my son take the bus alone for the first time terrified me. But he wanted that independence—and part of being in a community means trusting him to navigate it. I’ve had to learn that it’s not my life; it’s his. My role is to help facilitate what he wants, not always what I think he needs.

Today, my son makes friends wherever he goes. He enjoys his work and chores. He likes working out, going to the mall, having his special lunch every week—just like anyone else. He’s a nice, loving person living the life he wants.

And that’s all I had ever hoped for— that he lives his best life.

But that doesn’t mean he doesn’t still need champions. We’re planning ahead for when we’re no longer here, ensuring his sibling is involved, making sure he has advocates beyond family. Because the reality is, we all need someone in our corner when life gets hard. We all need someone to champion for us when we’re too exhausted to advocate for ourselves. 

People need people to thrive. It’s not just a disability issue— it’s a human one.

We have indeed come a long way since the 80s, but we haven’t come far enough. Parents today are still advocating as hard, or even more than we did decades ago. They’re still navigating fragmented services alone, still fighting for inclusion as if it’s optional, still hearing “no” when they ask for their children to be treated with dignity.

It’s exhausting. It’s frustrating. But it doesn’t have to be this way.

Not every person with a disability has a parent who can advocate. Not every parent has the network of support we had. And even those who do shouldn’t have to fight alone.

This Giving Tuesday, I’m asking you to become an Everyday Champion for people with disabilities.

Your support means a parent doesn’t have to be the lone voice at the table. It means a young adult has someone advocating for housing, employment, and independence as their parents age. It means people with disabilities have champions beyond their families—professionals, allies, and community members who believe they deserve more than survival.

When you support ABLE2, you’re strengthening the advocacy, programs, and networks that ensure no one fights alone. You’re creating the inclusive community we should have built decades ago.

My son grew up to be a nice, loving person who enjoys his life. That’s what makes me proud—not what he accomplished by society’s standards, but that he’s living the life he wants.

Every person with a disability deserves that. They deserve champions who will advocate when they’re exhausted, fight when systems fail them, and believe in their potential even when others don’t.

This Giving Tuesday, will you be an Everyday Champion for people with disabilities?

Champion lives of meaning and joy today: https://www.able2.org/be-an-everyday-champion/

Published by

Heather Lacey

Experienced Non-Profit Executive Director

Read Heather’s other articles here

The Power of Being Seen: Kelly-Anne & Maria’s Friendship

For most of her life, Kelly-Anne has heard the same thing over and over: “But you don’t look disabled.” What most people don’t see is her strength and the courage it takes to face a world not built for invisible disabilities. 

Kelly-Anne lives with an invisible disability. She has difficulty reading, writing, navigating directions, and math, which feels nearly impossible for her. Throughout her life, she’s also dealt with mental health challenges. But because there are no physical markers of her disability, people assume that she’s simply not trying hard enough. “People get impatient when you can’t count change correctly at checkout. They don’t realize that taking the bus is terrifying when you can’t always read the numbers or understand the signs.” 

Over the years, Kelly-Anne has watched resources go to others and experienced being left out of programs, always pushed to the back of the line to “give way for those who need it more.” She has had to constantly explain herself, yet never wanted to be a burden to others. 

“I learned to make myself smaller, to put my own needs last, and pretend I was fine.”

Throughout her school years, she found herself caught in the middle— too capable for the general support system for people with disabilities or not disabled enough for another. She was pushed to the margins, dismissed, and judged by those who could not see what she was struggling with. Because of this, Kelly-Anne became profoundly self-aware, learning to read rooms and anticipate rejection. She braced herself for the moment when people would realize she wasn’t what they expected. 

When Kelly-Anne came to ABLE2, she was hesitant. She was afraid to believe that the program would truly consider her as someone who deserved support. But she came anyway, because deep down, she knew she needed to try something different. She knew she wanted to find a genuine connection with someone outside of her family. What she found was beyond what she dreamed of. 

“ABLE2 saw me,” Kelly-Anne says. “For the first time in my life, I heard the words: ‘Your disability is real. Your needs matter just as anyone else’s.” 

Through ABLE2’s Matching Program, she met Maria— not just any volunteer, but someone carefully matched to her through a rigorous, intentional process. Maria didn’t just put in hours or go through the motions. She genuinely wanted to get to know Kelly-Anne and build a friendship. 

On one of their first outings, Maria made sure she got home safely because she knew Kelly-Anne struggled with bus numbers and directions. She asked her to text when she arrived, not out of pity or obligation, but because she genuinely cared. 

“No one had ever done that for me before,” Kelly-Anne reflects.

Today, Maria and Kelly-Anne’s friendship has evolved into something neither expected. “Maria is my best friend,” says Kelly-Anne. They explore the city just as friends do— visiting museums, taking pottery classes, and watching movies. They share a love for cats and even wore matching cat-embroidered shirts to their interview. They share lots of laughs, learn about each other’s worlds, and see perspectives they never would have discovered on their own. 

Maria has become an advocate in her own circle, helping her friends and family understand what it really means to live with an invisible disability. She’s learned so much from Kelly-Anne that she now educates others about disabilities people didn’t know existed. 

For Kelly-Anne, the impact runs deeper. “For the first time in 49 years, I don’t feel invisible anymore.”

When asked about the highlight of their friendship, both Maria and Kelly-Anne share the same memory: Christmas at Kelly-Anne’s home. 

Maria recalls it like stepping into a dream: “It felt like going to the North Pole. The house was decorated from floor to ceiling, and Kelly-Anne and her family welcomed my partner and me with open arms. We were showered with gifts and shared a beautiful meal. I don’t have family here, so spending Christmas with them gave me the warmth and love that made us feel like we were part of their family.”

For Kelly-Anne, the significance was different but equally profound: “It was the first time I brought a friend— my friend, not my brother’s friend or my mom’s friend. And it felt great for my family to get to know this amazing person who was my friend.” 

For the first time in a long time, Kelly-Anne had someone who genuinely wanted to spend time with her, not because of her disability, but because of who she was. For the first time, she felt like she truly mattered.

In the beginning, Kelly-Anne had doubts about the match. She reflects, “If someone doesn’t call you, if they don’t do that little extra bit… that’s when you have all the doubts in your head. You start wondering, did I do something wrong? Am I not good enough?” 

But Maria kept showing up. She kept choosing their friendship, even when life got complicated. Even when Kelly-Anne had bad days. Even when circumstances shifted—because real friends don’t disappear just because life changes.

Maria echoes this sentiment: “I really admire Kelly-Anne. She has her head up through anything, and she is the kindest, sweetest person I have ever known. Like, she makes sure that when we try out a new restaurant, there are vegan options for me. She shows up for me in ways that matter. To me, that’s what real friendship is.”

When asked what they’d say to potential volunteers, Kelly-Anne’s answer is simple: “Give it a shot. You learn a lot from each other, a lot of stuff that you wouldn’t normally learn on your own. It’s really a unique learning experience, and you meet some really fantastic people.” 

Maria adds, “I came to volunteer, but I gained so much more. The matching process was rigorous, yes, but it was absolutely worth it. This has been such an eye-opening, deeply rewarding experience.” She discovered that the greatest gift wasn’t what she could give—it was what she gained from truly knowing Kelly-Anne.

ABLE2 stands on the belief that every person deserves to be seen as able, important, and valued. Through the Matching Program, Kelly-Anne finally received this truth, and it reshaped her world: You matter. Your disability is real. You are worth the effort. 

But Kelly-Anne’s story doesn’t happen by chance. It happens because generous donors like you invest in ABLE2’s programs and services like the Matching Program. You invest in the rigorous matching process, the ongoing support from trained staff, and the infrastructure of genuine human connection. 

And right now, there are still over 100 people with disabilities waiting for their match. Waiting to hear that their disability matters. Waiting for someone to see them. Waiting to feel like they belong. 

When you donate to ABLE2, you help rewrite more stories like Kelly-Anne’s. You ensure that people with invisible disabilities finally hear: You matter. You are seen. You are worth the effort.   

Make a gift today. Be an Everyday Champion for people with disabilities. 

Worth the Wait: Finding Connection, Laughter, and Belonging

Written by Stephen S.

I am a retiree with 33 years in the Public Service who lives alone in my own condo. I am an only child, and my relatives fall into two categories: dead and deadbeats. Personally, I find the former more relatable. I had been on the ABLE2’s Matching Program’s waiting list for over ten years. I got so discouraged that I told the coordinator to take me off the list. Fortunately, he convinced me to stay on. 

It was well worth the wait. About three years ago, I was matched with someone approximately my age. He is about to retire, so we are in the same phase of life, the one just before the twilight years. I can rely on him in case of an emergency or if I just want to get out. We both have a wicked sense of humour, heavy on sarcasm, light on political correctness. Our favourite activity is eating and drinking. We have travelled to many small towns around Ottawa for a change of scenery. But our most frequently attended fine establishment is Tim Hortons. Together, we only need 2,368,450 more reward points before we win our own franchise! 

I have also used ABLE2’s Reach Legal Referral Services, which gives access for disabled persons to lawyers willing to work pro bono. My case was against the Ontario government. I learned from the process that common sense may ensure a moral victory, but not necessarily a legal one. 

Seriously, ABLE2’s Matching Program has enabled me to escape my social isolation and to share my hopes and frustrations interspersed with a healthy dose of laughter. I can think of no more worthy endeavour to support.

Why Smart Employers Are Rethinking Disability Hiring

Canadian businesses face a stark paradox: a critical labor shortage of more than 527,000 vacancies remains unfilled, while 740,000 qualified, eager Canadians can’t find work. The talent gap is right in front of us, but outdated hiring practices are keeping too many employers from tapping into it, costing the Canadian economy up to $422 billion in lost potential.

For years, conversations about hiring people with disabilities have leaned on the same language; ‘it’s the right thing to do’, ‘it’s about corporate social responsibility’, ‘it’s a moral imperative’. It’s all true, but also only part of the story. Disability inclusion isn’t just a moral imperative, but a strategic business advantage. 

The numbers don’t lie— businesses excelling in disability inclusion report 1.6 times more revenue and 2.6 times more net income compared to competitors. Research from the Institute for Work & Health shows that closing the employment gap could yield between $252.8 to $422.7 billion into Canada’s economy, create 450,000 new jobs by 2030 and add $50 billion to Canada’s GDP by 2030. This is more than just inclusion talk, but a growth strategy. 

Yet here we are, facing talent shortages while overlooking a highly skilled, diverse talent pool. The disconnect isn’t about capability. What is holding employers back is the outdated misconception that accommodation is costly or complicated. In reality, most accommodations like flexible schedules, remote work, adjustable workstations, are low-cost practices that benefit all employees. Research shows that for every dollar invested in accommodations, companies earn an average $28 return. Retention tells the same story. One franchise study showed that stores employing staff with disabilities saw 35% turnover rate, compared to 75% industry average. 

The accommodation problem is a myth. The real problem is that workplaces have built their systems around an outdated idea of the ‘ideal employee’, and anyone who doesn’t fit that narrow mould is treated as requiring special treatment. 

When employers remove unnecessary barriers and build supportive cultures, everyone benefits. Productivity, engagement, and loyalty increase. Teams become more innovative and resilient.

When I became Executive Director of ABLE2 in August 2018, I could never have imagined that just two years later, a global pandemic would push us into remote work. I expected challenges and pushback, but what I got instead was a revelation.

Transportation and scheduling barriers were removed. Staff had the flexibility to manage health and family matters, and overall productivity went up. Team members who found our office environment overwhelming could finally focus without the sensory overload. We extended this same flexibility to the people we support, meeting them where they are, and how it works best for them. 

We didn’t set out to reinvent workplace accessibility. But the pandemic revealed just how many barriers we had quietly accepted as “normal.” In September, we made a strategic shift to fully remote operations and closed our office space. We see this as a competitive edge where our staff is more productive, more loyal and more innovative. And we better serve our community because our workforce reflects it. 

As leaders and employers, you can build inclusive hiring practices through: 

  • Accessible job postings: Use plain language, focusing on essential skills and clearly state that accommodation is available. Ensure websites, forms and assessments are accessible.
  • Diversifying your outreach: Work with disability-focused agencies and participate in job fairs to connect with skilled candidates.
  • Accessible interviews: Offer interview format options such as video, written or in-person to suit diverse needs, and encourage candidates to request accommodation upfront, ensuring they can perform at their best. 
  • Embedding support systems: Ensure tools, technology, and workspace adjustments are in place. Adopt a person-centered approach by asking candidates what would allow them to bring their full potential to work. 
  • Fostering a culture of belonging: Train teams on disability inclusion, make inclusion visible in leadership, and embed it into company values. 
  • Investing in career growth: Pair employees with mentors, create advancement pathways, and diversify leadership. 

October is National Disability Employment Month, and we celebrate employees with disabilities who make our workplaces more inclusive, innovative, and resilient. But it’s also a moment to confront the barriers that remain and how much potential remains untapped. 

Employers who embrace disability inclusion gain what others overlook: exceptional talent, innovative teams, and a stronger connection to diverse markets. People with disabilities bring lived experience, adaptability, and problem-solving skills that are invaluable in a changing economy. They have long made significant contributions to our communities, and at ABLE2, we see them thrive and have meaningful and fulfilling lives when they are empowered and given opportunities to participate in the community. 

Expertise, support, and qualified candidates already exist. The real question isn’t whether you can afford to hire people with disabilities, it’s whether you can afford not to. The future of work is inclusive. Will your company lead or lag behind? 

Leaders, it’s a perfect time to ask yourselves— what would it take to transform these barriers into opportunities?

Published by

Heather Lacey

Experienced Non-Profit Executive Director

Read Heather’s other articles here