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 Citytv and more prominently as the lieutenant-governor for Ontario.

Using a motorized scooter throughout his life after contracting polio as a child he would insist on delivering the Citytv news with his cane or scooter visible, bringing disabilities into the public view and setting the stage for a lifetime of advocacy on accessibility rights for all.

His son said at his father’s funeral Monday that his greatest wish was for all disabled people to have the ability to fully participate in the social, cultural, and economic life of Canada.

When he became lieutenant-governor he discovered that the legislature wasn’t fully accessible. Mr. Onley set about addressing this situation. “He wouldn’t accept temporary accessibility measures,” Jonathan Onley said. “It needed to be permanent. He wanted to ensure all those who came after him had the same access, the same ability to fully participate.”

At ABLE2, we are committed to the same values of inclusion, respect, and dignity for all people with disabilities.

More than 50% of Canadians have a relative living with a disability. In Ottawa, there are 161,445 people living with disabilities. Three quarters of this population has more than one disability and one third are over the age of 65. This marginalized population is diverse in ethnicity, age, and type of disability.

ABLE2’s programs channel the power of compassionate people to provide hope and support to the city’s most vulnerable citizens in several ways.

Please visit the website to learn more about the programs and services.

If you know someone that may need support, please call 613-761-9522. 

Published by

Heather Lacey

Experienced Non-Profit Executive DirectorPublished

Read Heather’s other articles here

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 within the report there are new guidelines that recommend people who are pregnant, trying to conceive or breastfeeding avoid drinking alcohol entirely, even in small amounts.

Did you know that more than one million Canadians could have Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD)?

And that, many people with FASD are undiagnosed or misdiagnosed with disorders such as Autism and ADHD. The damage can occur during any stage of pregnancy. When a developing baby is exposed to alcohol, the resulting damage to the brain and body is permanent and may lead to life-long impairments and disabilities.

At ABLE2, we lead the Fetal Alcohol Resource Program (FARP), which offers support for individuals of all ages affected by this permanent physical neurodevelopmental disorder. Through education and community leadership development the program draws together resources, skills and knowledge that exists in Ottawa and provides clinical support and community navigation for individuals with FASD and their families.

To learn more about the FARP program and other services available please visit our website

If you know of someone that may benefit from this type of support, please contact us at 613-761-9522.

Published by

Heather Lacey

Experienced Non-Profit Executive Director

Read Heather’s other articles here

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 lives of meaning and joy. Recently, after many years of lobbying, the Ontario government announced two key changes to the Ontario Disability Support Program (ODSP).

The ODSP provides eligible people with disabilities with financial assistance to help pay for their living expenses (such as food, clothing and other necessary personal items) and their housing expenses (such as rent, utilities, property taxes, home insurance and condo fees). Social assistance rates had been stagnant since 2018, with a single person able to receive up to $1,169 a month on ODSP and $733 on Ontario Works — well below the poverty line. This means that the 2.6 million Ontarians with disabilities do not have enough income to live. 

The first change to ODSP is that by July 2023, funding will increase in acknowledgement of the rising costs of living. The second is that individuals receiving ODSP can now make up to $1,000/month without it affecting their funding. Both these changes are important first steps and ABLE2 will continue to work with people with disabilities and organizations that support them to keep up the pressure on the various levels of government to empower people with disabilities to build lives of meaning and joy that respects their dignity.

The way we treat vulnerable populations says a lot about our society. What type of community do you want to live in?

Published by

Heather Lacey

Experienced Non-Profit Executive Director

Read Heather’s other articles here

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 animals and assistive technologies continue to face when travelling in Canada.

There are many instances of lost or damaged mobility devices. The loss or damage of these items is not an inconvenience it is a loss of dignity, mobility and independence. The Commission goes as far as to say that in some cases it may be a violation of fundamental human rights.

The way we treat vulnerable populations says a lot about our society. What type of community do you want to live in?

Published by

Heather Lacey

Experienced Non-Profit Executive Director

Read Heather’s other articles here

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 to reliable and affordable transportation is needed for employment and personal appointments.

In Ottawa, there are not enough adapted taxis and ParaTranspo continues to be unreliable. This situation reduces the ability of people with disabilities to find and hold jobs and participate in community life. Basic rights that those of us who are able-bodied do not think about.

As you meet your candidates for Mayor and council, please ask them what they are planning to do to improve transportation for people with disabilities. The way we treat vulnerable populations says a lot about our society. What type of community do you want to live in?

Published by

Heather Lacey

Experienced Non-Profit Executive Director

Read Heather’s other articles here

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 to keep strong. It allows us to have deeper connections with others leading to happier and healthier communities and individuals. Empathy is a choice. Everyday I am reminded that our volunteers here at ABLE2 choose to practice and embrace empathy by reaching out to those who are lonely and vulnerable in our community. Our volunteers see the world through the lens of a person with a disability and develop a deeper understanding of the loneliness and isolation experienced by many. Instead of focusing on what makes us different, our volunteers recognize that each person has their own unique life experience and have much to offer to those around them. Knowing that you have something unique to share and wanting to know the uniqueness of another is the ultimate act of empathy. 

 I am fortunate, through my work at ABLE2, that I get to see the best in people by watching our volunteers provide support and friendship to people living with disabilities, which in turn empowers them to live their best life within their own communities. These volunteers provide both practical and emotional supports, helping with things like paperwork, groceries, doctor’s appointments, going out for coffee, seeing a movie together, going shopping or sharing a meal. In many instances they are supporters in end-of-life care.

 Everyday I see the impacts of empathy. Workplaces, communities, and families are all stronger with the practice of empathy. Whether it be spending time with people, raising money, or helping at an event, ABLE2 is so grateful for the volunteers in our community. It is through empathy that we can help build more equitable and inclusive communities.

Published by

Heather Lacey

Experienced Non-Profit Executive Director

Read Heather’s other articles here