Stay up to date with what is happening at ABLE2 and in the Ottawa Disability Community with LinkedIn Blog posts from ABLE2’s Experienced Non-Profit Executive Director, Heather Lacey.
Read all of Heather’s LinkedIn Blogs here
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Disability and Poverty: Addressing the economics of Social Justice through the implementation of the Canadian Disability Benefit
Imagine yourself in the shoes of a person living with a disability; as you navigate the barriers to accessibility and inclusivity in the community, you are also struggling with the rising costs of living for day-to-day items, lack of accessible and affordable housing, and inadequate support services. But that’s not all—there are extra costs associated
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ABLE2’s 50 Years of Community Service: A Story of Impact
Over the last 50 years we have seen an evolution in our attitudes and actions in the areas of inclusivity, equality, and accessibility, from the enactment of key pieces of legislation to the development of assistive devices and technology, ABLE2: Support for People with Disabilities (formerly Citizen Advocacy Ottawa) has been present through it all.
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Human Rights Day: A Time for Reflection
Last November 30, Senator Chantal Petitclerc invited ABLE2 representatives as guests to the Senate of Canada Chambers, where she delivered her statement for International Day of Persons with Disabilities. As a champion of human rights and for building a more inclusive society, Senator Petitclerc recognized ABLE2’s work in providing programs and services that empower people
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Building a More Accessible and Inclusive Community
I appreciated this article from Senator Chantal Petitclerc, a tireless advocate for the contributions people with disabilities have made to our society. She plays a definitive role in building a more inclusive society and inspires people to overcome their obstacles and achieve their full potential. https://sencanada.ca/en/sencaplus/opinion/we-all-have-a-role-in-creating-an-accessible-canada-senator-petitclerc/?utm_source=senate-enewsletter&utm_campaign=Issue-86&cmp=1&utm_medium=email With Bill C-22, the Canada Disability Benefit Act, receiving
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Caring for Joey’s “Zoo Crew”
ABLE2 Brings Families Hope Through Its Fetal Alcohol Resource Program By Frank B. Edwards Joey Desormeaux lovingly calls his three kids “the Zoo Crew.” His Stittsville trio – Aidan, 12, and 7-year-old twins, Hunter and Lily – are well-known free spirits in the neighbourhood and at school. Until a few years ago, Joey, a congenial
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Celebrating National AccessAbility Week
Last week we celebrated National AccessAbility Week. On Wednesday May 31, 2023, I joined the City of Ottawa 20th annual AccessAbility Day activities with Mayor Sutcliffe delivering the Proclamation of AccessAbility Day in Ottawa followed by a variety of engaging speakers who shared their perspectives on the topic. On Thursday June 01, 2023, myself and the
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Volunteering with ABLE2: Making a Difference in Your Community
Volunteerism is the foundation of ABLE2 ABLE2, formerly known as Citizen Advocacy of Ottawa-Carleton, started in 1974 by David Hall, and Eileen Scotton was the first Executive Director. ABLE2 aims to create opportunities for people with disabilities to lead fulfilling lives by providing them with support, resources, and services. Initially, the organization recruited volunteers from
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Canadian Disability Programs
I have been watching how the disability benefit programs are developing for both the province of Ontario and the federal government. Patience remains the watch word for Ontario residents with disabilities as the federal senate debates a new Disability Benefit that would add federal dollars on top of provincial support allowances and other income sources (CPP, veteran’s
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In Honor of Black History Month
In recognition of Black History Month, I wanted to share research that has been done on the additional barriers that people of color with disabilities face in addition to managing their daily health conditions. “Disability organizations in general “don’t talk about race, and specifically racism and anti-Black racism,” says Sadora Asefaw, who studied the experiences
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Thank-you David Onley
I would like to recognize and thank David Onley, Ontario’s 28th Lieutenant Governor who passed away on January 14th for his service. It is not often that we see representation of people with disabilities in community and leadership roles. We appreciate the role model Mr. Onley was for the disability community when he was with
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Alcohol Consumption for Pregnant Women
Last week, you probably heard the news about the release of the Canadian Centre on Substance Use and Addiction (CCSA) new report on guidelines for alcohol consumption. The CCSA wanted to bring the existing Low-Risk Alcohol Drinking Guidelines in line with the latest evidence on alcohol consumption health and safety risks. We were pleased to see
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Disability & Dignity
As an organization, ABLE2 works with partners to provide the tools, choices and connections that empower people with disabilities to build lives of meaning and joy. One of the ways we do this is to support initiatives that call on local, provincial and federal governments to implement measures that help people with disabilities to build
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Everyone in Canada should be able to travel freely, independently, and with dignity
Last month I talked about the inequitable treatment of those who live with disabilities with respect to transportation options in Ottawa. This month I want to highlight the treatment of people with disabilities who travel further afield. The Canadian Human Rights Commission recognizes the barriers and discrimination that people with disabilities who rely on mobility aids, service
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What Type of Community Do You Want to Live In?
It is sad that in 2022, those who live with disabilities are still marginalized and are not treated fairly and equitably. There are many instances of this unfair and inequitable treatment but the one I would like to highlight today is accessible transportation in Ottawa. Transportation is central to a person’s independence and well-being. Access
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Thoughts on Empathy
As National Volunteer Week wraps up, I have given much thought to this year’s theme of empathy. As the world opens up after two years of isolation and lockdowns, empathy is what will help us move forward as we try to navigate an increasingly complex world. Empathy is like a muscle that you must use