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Volunteering with the Matching Program

The Matching Program pairs volunteers or Allies, with a child, youth or adult living with a disability, a Friend, who wants a companion to talk to, go to a movie with, or do any of the things that friends do together. There are more than 80 people with disabilities waiting for volunteers. If you enjoy spending time with people and have an hour or two available each week, we invite you to volunteer as an Ally with the Matching Program.  

The biggest wish of people on our waiting list is to have someone to meet for a coffee!

When you volunteer, you are making a profound impact by reducing loneliness and isolation, helping to achieve hopes and dreams, developing personal networks and relationships, decreasing vulnerability, increasing self-confidence, and improving the overall mental and physical health of people with disabilities in the community. You will gain a wonderful new friendship— someone to share activities that you love doing. 

Join our team of more than 250 volunteers or Allies who are enriching the lives of people with disabilities in the community. ABLE2’s Matching Program team pairs volunteers with individuals with disabilities who share the same interests and activities so that matches develop meaningful, new friendships. Volunteering will change the life of a person living with disability, and as many of our volunteers have experienced, your Friend will change your life too. Change two lives. 

Here are just a few Friends waiting for an Ally to spend time with:

Do you enjoy music, art and reading? Chloe may be a good fit for you! 

Chloe is gentle and happy, smart and strong-willed. She is someone who knows what she wants and will stick with it. Chloe enjoys playing music on her keyboard piano and listening to Bob Marley, plus anything from the 60s and 70s. She loves riding in the car, visiting art exhibits, and would enjoy having someone that can read to her.

As her volunteer Ally, you’ll spend time visiting Chloe while enjoying her favourite activities and developing a meaningful friendship where she can feel seen and valued.

Play video games and watch anime with Ben!

Ben is a funny, caring guy who loves astronomy, anime, and sharing fun facts. He’s also an avid gamer with a passion for fighting games and video game design. If you play on Switch or PlayStation 5, Ben would love to bond over Smash Bros and Tekken!

Ben is open to connecting virtually or in person. As his volunteer Ally, you’ll spend time with Ben enjoying his favourite activities, exploring low-cost activities in the community, and developing a meaningful friendship where he can build his skills and confidence in a supportive environment.

Play guitar tunes, solve puzzles and craft with Leo!

Leo is a social young adult looking to share quality time with a volunteer. Leo likes arts and crafts, iPad colouring, and exploring new videos of interest on YouTube. He would enjoy having someone that can play guitar to him, or someone to do puzzles with. 

You will receive training videos and support from the family to learn his language, helping you to communicate and build a friendship where Leo feels seen and understood while increasing his independence and communication skills.

See more volunteer postings on the Volunteer Ottawa website here.

How to Become an Ally

We are looking for Allies who:  

  • Are 18 years or older. 
  • Reside in Ottawa or the surrounding area. 
  • Can receive a Vulnerable Sector Check.

When you sign up to become an Ally, you will go through an onboarding process to make sure that you and your Friend are given the best match possible.  We will give you all the information you need, and you’ll receive training and ongoing support, to help provide you and your Friend with a meaningful and enriching experience. Our team will walk you through every step of the way. Click on the headings below for more information on what you can expect from us.

Step 1 – Information Session & Volunteer Application 

The first step to becoming a volunteer Ally with the Matching Program is to view the online Volunteer Information Session. This presentation will introduce you to our organization and give you an overview of our program.  

You’ll then complete your Volunteer Application, giving you the opportunity to express your volunteer interests. Our Volunteer Coordinator will contact you after, to provide the documents that you’ll need for the next steps.

If you would like to connect virtually to discuss your involvement, or if you require support to complete your application, please contact our Volunteer Coordinator at 613-761-9522 ext 239 or volunteer@able2.org

Step 2 – Paperwork & Onboarding Session

After you have reviewed the Information Session and decided that the Matching Program is a good fit for your volunteering interests and needs, you can look forward to hearing from our Volunteer Coordinator to provide the documents and information for your next steps, which will include: 

  • Completing an Ally Questionnaire so we can get to know more about your likes, dislikes, experiences, and capacity 
  • Reviewing an Information Package on the Matching Program and providing meaningful support as an Ally 
  • Applying for a Police Records Check for Service With the Vulnerable Sector 
  • Registering for an Onboarding Session 

Once we have your completed application forms, you’ll be invited to attend an Onboarding Session to prepare you for your role as an Ally. This 2–3 hour training will cover: 

  • What you can expect from us, your Friend, and what we ask of you 
  • The impact that an intentional friendship can have on someone with a disability. 
  • Learning about different disabilities and how to provide inclusive, non-judgmental support 
  • How to set boundaries, navigate creative problem solving, and address barriers 
  • Common challenges and the different sources of help and support available to you as a volunteer 
  • The joys of being an Ally and all the ways you can look forward to enriching your life and the life of your Friend 
  • In addition, you will have the opportunity to meet other new Allies and ABLE2 staff to learn and share ideas together. 

Step 3 – Learning Conversation

This next step is a one-on-one virtual discussion with a program worker, lasting about 90 to 120 minutes. We will get to know you, your personality, hobbies, and interests a bit deeper to help find the best possible match for you.   

After your Learning Conversation, we will contact your references. Please notify them to expect us. 

Step 4 – Match Presentation

You will be invited by a social worker to a one-hour meeting where they will present several potential Friends. You will participate in choosing the person with a disability you would like to be matched with. 

Step 5 – Additional Training/Information Confirmation

All volunteers receive online training on topics like inclusion, accessibility, and understanding your rights. Please send your completion certificates to your Worker before your first match meeting. You will be sent a link, username, and password to complete the following training sessions: 

  • AODA Customer Service Training (condensed content) (32 minutes) 
  • Understanding Human Rights (AODA Edition) (28 minutes) 
  • Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging (DEIB) (20-30 minutes each x 3 sessions) 

Before the Onboarding Session, you are given the following policies and asked to read and sign them before your first match meeting: 

  • Health & Safety 
  • Violence & Harassment 

Step 6 – Match Meeting

Your Worker will facilitate the first meeting between you and your potential Friend. After the initial meeting, the Worker will contact both of you to check in on how you’re feeling about continuing with the match. If you are both happy with the match, you can now start doing fun activities together! 

Learn more about the Matching Program here.

For more information about volunteering, contact volunteer@able2.org