Donate

ABLE2

Category: Blog Post

Arezoo’s Friendship: Finding Purpose Through Volunteering

Two years ago, Arezoo was looking for meaningful volunteer opportunities in the community when she came across ABLE2’s Matching Program. She was drawn to the idea of one-on-one interaction and building a friendship with a person with a disability. She was matched with Sonia, who was then looking for a volunteer for companionship and someone to do activities with. 

Over the last two years, Arezoo and Sonia’s friendship has grown into something extraordinary. Their weekly get-togethers became a space filled with laughter, comfort, and a sense of escape from life’s challenges.

“Our time together has given Sonia an outlet to step out of her reality. I’m not part of her healthcare team— I’m just a friend who shows up for her, cracks some jokes and has some fun,” says Arezoo.

She also shares that they have both developed a genuine love and care for each other.

“It’s heartwarming to see Sonia develop that ease of having someone she can rely on,” she adds.

But while Arezoo’s presence has undoubtedly brought comfort and joy to Sonia, she is quick to acknowledge that the experience has been just as enriching for her.

“This experience has definitely given me a sense of purpose,” Arezoo reflects. “It has been grounding as well, to be fully present with someone, to be there for them, rather than thinking of all the things I have to do. It has helped me slow down and appreciate the simple moments in life,” says Arezoo. 

Their favourite activity together is to go to a park, sit in the sunshine and feed the pigeons. For someone who is always on the go, Arezoo considers this cherished ritual a meditative experience.

“When Sonia became ill a year ago, I found myself in our usual spot, feeding the pigeons for her. That’s when I realized her impact in my life; the experience was just so simple, but it meant a lot to me,” Arezoo recalls.

Over time their conversations grew deeper, touching on topics like illness and mortality.

“Being part of those conversations has been powerful and sacred,” Arezoo says. “It’s a testament to the depth of the relationship we’ve built.” 

For Arezoo, ABLE2’s Matching Program model of developing long-term connections is what sets it apart.

“It might seem like a big commitment to some, but it’s incredibly rewarding. The program doesn’t just protect the well-being of the person with disability, it also creates a sense of safety for the volunteer. The support from social workers, especially in the beginning, was invaluable. Knowing that someone is there to advocate for Sonia has been reassuring,” says Arezoo.

The impact of volunteers like Arezoo extends far beyond just one individual. ABLE2’s Matching Program offers people with disabilities the opportunity to build lasting friendships, have new experiences, and find moments of meaning and joy outside of their everyday challenges. Volunteers, in turn, find purpose, connection, and often, a profound shift in their own lives.

When you support ABLE2, whether as a donor, volunteer, or advocate, you help create meaningful and profound friendships like Arezoo and Sonia’s. Every gift ensures that more people like Sonia can develop friendships based on mutual trust and support, while volunteers like Arezoo can continue to find purpose and connection in giving back. 

Join us in empowering more people with disabilities to build lives of meaning and joy.

Making the Holidays Brighter for People with Disabilities in our Community

As we approach the end of the year—our 50th anniversary milestone year—I find myself reflecting on the incredible journey ABLE2 has taken to empower individuals with disabilities in our community. Since 1974, we have seen thousands of lives changed through our work of breaking down barriers and building lives of meaning and joy. But this work does not happen in isolation—it is a community effort of our compassionate staff, volunteers, generous donors, and loyal supporters.

With the generosity of supporters like you, we have seen firsthand how our programs and services have supported people with disabilities in overcoming these challenges. One story that I am fond of sharing is Michael’s, who has overcome agoraphobia, or fear of public and crowded spaces, with the help of his volunteer Ally Mike from the Matching Program. Early this year, he experienced a breakthrough—he attended his first Ottawa Senators game, something he never thought possible. 

Another story from our APSW Program is of Cody, who is gaining independence, confidence, and improving his overall physical and mental health. Similarly, FARP has been a lifeline for families like the Moisans, who received crucial support and resources to better care for their child with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD). You will find more stories of the impact of our work together on our website. 

As we reflect on the past 50 years, I am proud of these incredible transformations. But our work is far from over. Despite the financial challenges this year, the importance of our mission has never been clearer. Individuals with disabilities still face complex and often invisible barriers, from accessing justice to finding safe, affordable housing, to simply connecting with others and building meaningful friendships. We need to continue building a future where everyone—regardless of ability—can thrive, live fulfilling lives, and contribute as active members of the community. This holiday season, I invite you to consider how you can be a part of that future. 

Your contribution is more than a gift; it is a powerful message of your commitment to inclusivity in our communities. Your generosity builds meaningful connections through our Matching Program, ensures justice through the Reach Legal Referral Services, supports families affected by Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) through the Fetal Alcohol Resource Program, increases financial stability through our Funding Brokerage services, and facilitates independence and growth by helping individuals find accessible and affordable housing through the Adult Protective Services Worker Investment program. 

By donating, volunteering, or advocating for ABLE2, you help reduce the barriers, enabling people with disabilities to live fulfilling lives and participate as active members of the community.

As we look ahead to the next 50 years, your gift will ensure that individuals with disabilities can access the support they need to live their lives to the fullest. Let us continue to build a more inclusive Ottawa, where every person is seen as able, important, and valued. 

Show your support today. So, together, we can continue building lives of meaning and joy for the next 50 years.

Thank you for your generosity and commitment. Happy Holidays!

Published by

Heather Lacey

Experienced Non-Profit Executive Director

Read Heather’s other articles here

Thony Jean-Baptiste: Celebrating 19 Years of Championing Change in the Community  

Like most people who have known Thony for some time, you’ll be struck by the quiet resilience and deep commitment he brings to his work. Since joining ABLE2 in 2005 as a social worker, Thony has played a pivotal role in developing the critical programs and services that have empowered people with disabilities to gain confidence, achieve independence, and build meaningful friendships. Now, as Director of Programs, Thony’s dedication and passion remains; his commitment for ABLE2’s mission resonates throughout the organization and the community it serves. 

Before his involvement with disability advocacy, Thony worked with World Vision in Haiti, helping impoverished communities build resilience and self-reliance. This early experience, he explains, shaped his passion for social work.

“I have always wanted to be an agent of change in my community, to empower the most vulnerable to see their own potential and transform their lives,” he reflects.

When he immigrated to Canada, he saw an opportunity with ABLE2 (formerly Citizen Advocacy) that aligned with his values of empowerment and meaningful change.

Now in his 19th year with ABLE2, Thony oversees a range of programs, including the Matching Program, which connects volunteers or Allies with individuals with disabilities or Friends to develop a meaning and intentional friendship. The simplicity and power these matches have left a profound mark on Thony.

“One of the most rewarding aspects of my work is seeing the real impact we have on people’s lives,” he says.

He recalls one of his early cases: a young man with significant anxiety, whose only support was his mother. When his mother had to leave for a week, the man was filled with dread, unsure if he could cope alone. Thony found him an Ally, and over time, that match transformed his life. He gained the confidence to move into his own apartment, later met his partner, got married, and even became a community leader.

“It’s stories like these,” Thony reflects, “that show just how much a little support can empower someone to build a life of meaning and joy.” 

In a landscape where resources of people with disabilities are often scarce, ABLE2’s programs and services continue to be essential, but not without its challenges. Recruiting enough volunteers to meet the increasing demand for a Match, navigating limited funding resources, and staying financially sustainable in an ever-competitive nonprofit sector are constant hurdles, Thony explains.

“When I started, wait times for a volunteer Match were under two years,” Thony shares. “Now, they stretch beyond three years, as more people need support and fewer volunteers are available.”

Despite the challenges, Thony remains optimistic.

“We are creating a community where people with disabilities can truly belong, where they aren’t just visible, but included,” he says.

Reflecting on changes in the disability space, Thony observes a major shift in how society views disability. In ABLE2’s early days, the work focused on helping people with disabilities be seen out in the community as valued members. Today, the need has evolved from visibility to true inclusion.

“It’s not enough for people with disabilities to just be seen out there. They need the tools and opportunities to fully participate in all aspects of community life,” Thony explains.

This belief drives ABLE2’s programs, designed not just to support but to empower people with disabilities to engage and contribute in ways that are meaningful to them.

Under Thony’s guidance, ABLE2 is expanding its vision for the future. He envisions ABLE2 to be a key player in the disability sector and in building an inclusive community where people with disabilities are empowered to make their own choices, live independently, and have the same opportunities as everyone else.

“People don’t want others making decisions for them, and it’s not different for those with disabilities,” Thony says. “ABLE2 provides tools and support so individuals can advocate for themselves, set their own goals, and pursue the life they envision. It’s about inclusion, true inclusion— helping people live fully and freely as valued members of society.”

Thony’s long-standing dedication to ABLE2 is more than just a career—it’s a calling. His work has not only changed the lives of individuals with disabilities but has also enriched the lives of volunteers and staff alike. His leadership is a testament to the power of compassion and commitment, showing that real change often begins with one person choosing to make a difference.

As ABLE2 celebrates its 50th anniversary, it looks to the future with the same spirit of resilience and hope that Thony brings to his work. But this mission is only possible with the support of the community.

“Every donation, every volunteer hour, helps us build a future where people with disabilities can live with dignity, independence, and purpose,” Thony says. “We hope you can join us in creating a world where everyone is seen is able, important and empowered.” 

Join Thony in empowering people with disabilities to build lives of meaning and joy by donating today.

More Than a Match: Combating Loneliness and Social Isolation for People with Disabilities

Loneliness is often dismissed as a temporary state with simple remedies such as going out with friends, learning a new hobby, or finding a community that shares the same interests. But for people with disabilities, loneliness and social isolation can be profound, pervasive, and far more challenging to overcome. While other pressing concerns related to living with a disability overshadow the issues, loneliness and social isolation can contribute to declining mental and physical health. Research shows that loneliness has the same harmful impacts on the body as smoking 15 cigarettes a day, increasing the risk of heart disease, stroke, and premature death. Moreover, it can impair the immune system, increase the risk of Alzheimer’s disease, and lead to depression and other psychological disorders. 

At ABLE2, we see the harsh reality of loneliness in the disability community every day. Many of the individuals we serve face unique barriers to building social connections— whether due to mobility challenges, communication difficulties, or lack of accessible social opportunities. Often, their interactions are limited, leaving them yearning for much more engaging social connections with people who choose to be there for them. 

Findings from the Harvard Study of Adult Development, one of the longest-running studies on adult life, reveal that close relationships are crucial for happiness and health, more so than wealth or fame. Strong social connections can delay both mental and physical decline and are better predictors of long, happy lives than social class, IQ, or even genes. For people with disabilities, programs like ABLE2’s Matching Program have been a cornerstone of fostering meaningful and intentional friendships for people with disabilities in Ottawa for the last five decades. 

The program pairs individuals with disabilities, known as “Friends”, with volunteers or “Allies” according to location and shared interests. These volunteers offer companionship, emotional support, and opportunities for social engagement, all by choice. ABLE2, formerly known as Citizen Advocacy of Ottawa, was established with this core program to support people with disabilities transitioning from institutions to community living. For the last 50 years, we have seen the profound impact of these connections. As matches develop relationships based on mutual trust and support, people with disabilities feel less lonely and isolated, improving their overall mental and physical health. 

Michael’s story is a powerful testament to the impact of these connections. Living with agoraphobia, or fear of open or crowded spaces, Michael shares that for many months, he would often only see a handful of people. But earlier this year, he experienced a breakthrough—he went to his first Ottawa Senators game, an event with 17,000 screaming fans and loud noises. But he wasn’t alone. He was with his volunteer Ally Mike, who has been his steadfast support in helping him gain confidence and comfort in being in the community. 

For Arne and Norman, ABLE2’s longest Match of over 40 years, their bond has grown stronger with time; for Patricia and Sophia, who have shared 15 years of companionship and now consider each other as family. 

Each of these stories demonstrates how a simple friendship can transform lives, and the value of emotional and social support that is willingly offered by a friend— by someone who wants to be there for you. 

When you reflect on your own network of relationships, it’s clear how important these connections are in navigating life’s ups and downs— whether it’s moving to a new city, making big life decisions, or coping with trauma or loss. Now imagine how challenging building these connections is for someone with a disability. Loneliness and social isolation aren’t just experienced by the few; they are becoming an epidemic, and we all can play a role in combating it. 

At ABLE2, we are incredibly proud of our dedicated and compassionate volunteers, donors and supporters who have joined us in reducing loneliness and social isolation for people with disabilities. If volunteering is not possible for you right now, consider making a donation to ABLE2 so that we can continue this vital work. I invite you to join ABLE2 in empowering people with disabilities to build lives of meaning and joy.

Published by

Heather Lacey

Experienced Non-Profit Executive Director

Read Heather’s other articles here

Making Inclusivity the Standard: A Call to Action for Disability Employment Awareness Month

In Canada, approximately eight million individuals aged 15 and over live with one or more disabilities that limit their daily activities. Of this population, 41% can work if they have access to a fully inclusive labour market. (2017 Canadian Survey on Disability) Despite progress, this disparity reveals that there are still significant barriers. Much work is still needed to fully integrate people with disabilities into our society, especially in equal access to employment opportunities. 

October is National Disability Employment Awareness Month, a time to celebrate the invaluable contributions of people with disabilities in the workforce, but also to continue campaigning for inclusive employment practices. As the Executive Director of ABLE2: Support for People with Disabilities, I am proud to highlight our strong commitment to fostering an inclusive and accessible workplace that reflects our vision; an inclusive community where all people are seen as able, important, and valued. 

At ABLE2, we are actively breaking down barriers to employment through a workplace that embraces accessibility and diversity. Our office is equipped with adaptive office furniture, specialized tools, and technologies to meet the diverse needs of our employees. We offer flexible working hours and a hybrid work setup, ensuring that every employee has the support they need to thrive. These are not just accommodations; they are integral strategies that enable our staff to be efficient and productive leaders in empowering people with disabilities in our communities. 

But inclusivity does not stop at the office door. Ongoing training is provided to the team, the Board, and volunteers to recognize the value of diverse perspectives. Our Consumer Advisory Committee (CAC), composed of individuals with lived experience, works closely with our Board to ensure that the best interests of people with disabilities are well represented in the development and implementation of ABLE2’s programs. We have incorporated the principles of Diversity, Equity, Inclusivity and Belonging (DEIB) into our policies and procedures, ensuring that everyone involved with ABLE2 is aligned with these values.  

We continuously review and update our accessibility plans and policies to remain effective and relevant to new regulations and best practices. Through these initiatives, we are dismantling misconceptions about disability and employment, proving that inclusivity not only benefits employees with disabilities— it strengthens the entire organization. 

This Disability Employment Awareness Month, I urge business and agency leaders to critically assess their own workplaces. Ask yourself: are you doing enough to ensure everybody’s needs are considered? I also encourage employees at all levels to continue to advocate for themselves and their colleagues by calling out practices that are unjust or exclusive. We all have a role to play in ensuring that everyone, including people with disabilities, has equal opportunities to contribute and thrive in the workforce. 

Finally, let us continue to make inclusivity the standard. Let us keep upholding the right to meaningful employment for all and tapping into the potential of a talented and underutilized workforce. Let us move beyond awareness to action—because when we break down barriers, everyone benefits. 

Published by

Heather Lacey

Experienced Non-Profit Executive Director

Read Heather’s other articles here

FASD and Justice

As Executive Director of ABLE2, I am committed to continuing the conversations on critical issues impacting the disability community. One of the issues that I feel strongly about is fostering understanding and support for individuals with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder or FASD. 

FASD is a diagnostic term used to describe impacts on the brain and body of individuals exposed to alcohol in the womb. (Canada FASD Research Network) These individuals often face unique challenges, including navigating systems like the criminal justice system. Without appropriate support and early interventions, individuals with FASD are at an increased risk of encountering the justice system— a reality that demands action from leaders across sectors. 

ABLE2, a community leader in FASD support and education, recognizes this two-pronged problem:  diagnosing FASD and the over-representation of people with FASD in the justice system. 

It’s estimated that 4% of Canadians have FASD (Canada FASD Research Network) and while that figure is considered to be low, these numbers are far outweighed in the justice system.  In a study involving 253 individuals with FASD, 60% reported a history of being charged, convicted or in trouble with the authorities and 42% of adults had been incarcerated (Streissguth et al). Youth with FASD are 10 to 19 times more likely to be incarcerated compared to their peers without FASD (Popova et al). These aren’t just numbers; they represent individuals who, due to their disability, may receive inappropriate punishments and are more vulnerable to exploitation within the system.

Early intervention begins with education and identifying the condition early. A Canada FASD Research Network study highlights that early interventions can mitigate behavioural challenges and prevent negative outcomes.  Children who are diagnosed and supported with early interventions are more likely to develop coping strategies, have improved social skills, and succeed in academic and social environments. And by equipping families, caregivers, educators and healthcare professionals involved with the tools necessary for individuals with FASD to thrive, this reduces the likelihood of later involvement with the justice system.  ABLE2’s FARP program works in partnership with CHEO providing programs and services, guidance, and education for medical, legal, and educational professionals. 

ABLE2 is also committed to supporting people with disabilities encountering legal issues, including those with FASD, as they navigate the justice system through its Reach Legal Referral Services (RLRS). RLRS connects individuals with disabilities to legal professionals who understand the complexities of disability-related legal challenges, to ensure they receive fair treatment and appropriate representation. Individuals with FASD can rely on services like RLRS, so they are empowered to advocate for their rights and access the justice they deserve. 

This month, ABLE2 held roundtable discussions with the Ottawa Police Services, legal professionals and several community-based organizations to collaborate, identify challenges, and brainstorm solutions for supporting people with FASD in the community. This ignited a conversation on ways service providers can reduce the justice and legal barriers, highlighting the vital need for training and education on FASD, and appropriate responses and interventions so that individuals with FASD have a fair chance to equitable outcomes. As a community, we must continue working together to build systems and reduce barriers that don’t fail the most vulnerable among us. 

As FASD Awareness Month ends, I want to remind you that Everyone Plays a Part. Understanding and supporting individuals with FASD is not just the responsibility of families or healthcare providers— it’s a community effort to raise awareness, educate ourselves, and foster a compassionate approach. When we all work together, we can create a stronger, healthier, and inclusive society where everyone is seen as able, respected and valued.

Published by

Heather Lacey

Experienced Non-Profit Executive Director

Read Heather’s other articles here

Understanding and Supporting Individuals with FASD: Everyone Plays a Part

By Heather Lacey

As the Executive Director of ABLE2, I feel a personal duty to keep advocating for people with disabilities and to use my platform to shed light on the realities they encounter every day. As September is FASD Awareness Month it is especially important to me to highlight the challenges and needs of those with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD). 

FASD is a lifelong disability that affects the brain and body of individuals exposed to alcohol in the womb. Each person with FASD has both strengths and challenges and will need special supports to help them succeed with many different parts of their daily lives. 

Despite affecting 4% of Canadians— approximately 1.5 million people— FASD remains significantly underrecognized and underdiagnosed, leading to a critical gap in support and services for those affected and their families. (Source: Canada FASD Research Network) 

FASD is often misrepresented due to its complex nature. Its symptoms frequently overlap with other conditions such as ADHD, Autism, and learning disabilities, making accurate diagnosis challenging. Furthermore, the absence of distinct physical features in most individuals with FASD contributes to its invisibility. However, a person with FASD may face significant cognitive and behavioural challenges. 

The lack of awareness and training among healthcare providers, educators, and social service workers exacerbates the difficulties. It is imperative that we, as a society, become more actively informed and bring more awareness, so that those with FASD can receive appropriate support and services that carry on into adulthood.

At ABLE2, we provide comprehensive support to children, youth, and individuals with FASD through our Fetal Alcohol Resource Program. This program offers community navigation and educational resources to help individuals with FASD and their families navigate the complexities of this lifelong condition. 

ABLE2 also offers FASD training to service providers and frontline workers, so that they can provide FASD-informed interventions to their service users. Our support group, facilitated by experienced professionals, provides a safe space for individuals and their caregivers to share experiences and strategies for managing daily challenges.

Supporting individuals with FASD is not just a moral imperative; it is also a societal necessity. Without appropriate support, individuals with FASD are at a higher risk of encountering difficulties in education, employment, and interactions with the criminal justice system. There is a growing need for FASD-informed services across various sectors, including social services and the criminal justice system, to ensure that individuals with FASD receive the understanding and accommodations they need to thrive.

As we approach FASD Awareness Month, it is vital that we continue to raise awareness about FASD and advocate for the necessary resources and support systems. By doing so, we can help individuals with FASD lead fulfilling lives and contribute meaningfully to our communities. We invite you to join ABLE2 in fostering a more inclusive community for those living with FASD, and their families. Everyone plays a part in shaping an equitable future for all.

Published by

Heather Lacey

Experienced Non-Profit Executive Director

Read Heather’s other articles here

Accessible Summer Escapes: Explore these barrier-free outdoor destinations near Ottawa!

What is on your ultimate summer checklist? Making smores by a campfire? A trip to the beach? Or simply enjoying nature exploring trails? Whether you’re on team camp or team beach, you can have a FUN-tastic summer at any of the barrier-free outdoor campsites, beaches and trails near Ottawa! 

While accessibility means different for everyone, Ontario Parks considers barrier-free parks as having level ground (to and from the site), a nearby water source and/or comfort station, a 25-cm high campfire pit, a level parking spot, and an accessible picnic table. Click on the site’s website pages below for more information or contact the park directly. 

Accessible Camp Sites 

Accessible Beaches 

Did you know that seniors aged 65+ and people with disabilities are eligible for reduced camping and day-use fees in Ontario Parks?  You can find a park near you based on the facilities and activities you need. Visit the Ontario Parks website here.

Accessible Trails

As you head out to enjoy these accessible outdoor destinations, remember to put on some sunscreen, dress for the weather, stay hydrated, and know before you go! Enjoy and have a memorable summer with your loved ones!

The information provided in this article is intended for informational purposes only. Rest assured, while we strive for accuracy, we cannot guarantee that all details are entirely current or error-free. Please exercise caution and verify any information by visiting the Ontario Parks website or contacting the facilities directly.  

Celebrating Disability Pride Month

Celebrating Disability Pride Month: A reflection on inclusion and belonging for people with disabilities in the community – by Heather Lacey

July is Disability Pride Month! 

It is a time to celebrate the significant contributions of people with disabilities. People with disabilities are leaders in their communities and businesses and actively assert their rights by calling out injustices around disability inequalities and accessibility. 

It is a time to be proud of the progress society has made in increasing visibility for people with disabilities in the community. However, visibility is only the first step. The true goal is full inclusion and integration— creating a society where people with disabilities can fully participate in ways that make sense to them, with accessibility accommodations as the standard across all programs and services, not just an option. 

While visibility is a significant achievement, it is not the end goal. We have worked hard to ensure that individuals with disabilities are represented in various aspects of life. However, visibility alone does not guarantee true inclusion. It is about providing equal opportunities for people with disabilities to participate, contribute, and thrive in their communities. 

True belonging goes beyond providing accessibility options. It is about creating environments that are inherently inclusive. This means creating spaces, updating policies, and upholding practices that consider the diverse needs of all individuals from the outset, rather than retrofitting accommodations as an afterthought. 

“Diversity is a fact. Equity is a choice. Inclusion is an action. Belonging is an outcome.”

– Arthur Chan, Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging (DEIB) Strategist

At ABLE2, we are committed to diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging (DEIB). We have incorporated DEIB principles into our policies, processes, and everyday work. 

We operate on a hybrid work model, ensuring our employees have the flexibility and accommodations to meet their needs. Through a generous grant from the Ontario Trillium Foundation, we were also able to purchase adaptive office equipment such as power-adjustable desks, ergonomic chairs, and specialized hardware. These investments benefit not only the employees with disabilities but all employees, enhancing their resilience and capacity to support ABLE2’s program users and their families. 

The organization is also proud to have established a Consumer Advisory Committee (CAC) to ensure the representation of ABLE2’s program users and people with disabilities in the community. The CAC is vital in influencing decision-making and providing valuable insights to our Board. Notably, a member of the CAC also serves on the Board of Directors of ABLE2 for full inclusion and participation in decision-making processes. The CAC members also organize events and fundraising initiatives and contribute to raising awareness, empowering them to lead and create even more opportunities for community engagement. Establishing the CAC aligns with our vision of an inclusive community where people with disabilities are seen as able, important, and valued and are active members of the community.

We have also developed a volunteer program based on a DEIB framework, emphasizing the importance of inclusive participation. This move is crucial to ensuring that all voices are heard and valued. 

When we instill DEIB into our work ethics, we create a more vibrant community where everyone can thrive, foster a sense of belonging, and break down barriers to full participation in all aspects of life. This is the direction we must take towards a genuinely inclusive society. 

Inclusion means empowering people with disabilities to participate in ways that are meaningful to them. This involves creating opportunities that fully engage them in social, economic, cultural, and political life. It means they have the same access to quality education, employment opportunities, leadership positions, or community activities. We need to continue to listen to the voices of people with disabilities and involve them in decision-making processes that affect their lives. By doing so, we can better understand their needs and aspirations and create policies and practices that truly support their inclusion. Finally, we must continue to dismantle the barriers that prevent people with disabilities to live fulfilling lives. 

This Disability Pride Month, I encourage you to reflect on how we can move from visibility to inclusion for people with disabilities. ABLE2 is dedicated to this vision of a community where everyone is seen as able, important, valued, and empowered to build lives of meaning and joy. We invite you to join us in making it a reality. 

Published by

Heather Lacey

Experienced Non-Profit Executive Director

Read Heather’s other articles here

ABLE2 Feature: Rabia Khedr at the Helm of Disability Justice in Canada

“It has become my purpose; to voice for people who cannot voice for themselves or present their views for themselves in spaces that I occupy or have the ability to reach” 

– Rabia Khedr

If you are part of the disability community, an advocate for people with disabilities, or have been following the recent developments of the 2024 Budget, particularly the Canada Disability Benefit, you are likely familiar with Rabia Khedr. Rabia is a Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal Awardee, National Director of Disability Without Poverty and a member of the Minister of Diversity, Inclusion and Persons with Disabilities Minister Disability Advisory Group. She is a fearless advocate and champion for accessibility and inclusion. Her influence extends beyond grassroots movements, shaping nationwide policies and standards. Rabia is a driving force in the fight for social justice, disability justice, and human rights, leading the charge for a more inclusive Canada. 

Rabia, who was born with low vision, hails from Pakistan and grew up with a Muslim heritage. Her family moved to Canada in the 1970s and Rabia has since lived in Mississauga, Ontario, where she has raised four children with her husband. She holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Industrial Relations and Political Science from the University of Toronto and a Master of Arts in Critical Disability Studies from York University. Her firsthand experiences as a racialized minority, living with a disability and having siblings with disabilities, have deeply influenced her perspective on society. This lens is coloured with empathy, tenacity, and a strong commitment to social justice, and has significantly shaped her advocacy work over the years.

Khedr and her sister, Uzma Khan, receiving the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal in 2012

Rabia’s career in serving the disability community was not intentional; “It has become my purpose; to voice for people who cannot voice for themselves or present their views for themselves in spaces that I occupy or have the ability to reach,” she declares with conviction. Rabia began working in disability services and with Ethno Racial People with Disabilities Coalition of Ontario (ERDCO), where she had an awakening about the intersectionality of race, culture, faith, and gender. She has since then pursued a work mindset of being a “systems disrupter.”  She served as a commissioner with the Ontario Human Rights Commission and the City of Mississauga Chair of the Accessibility Committee. “I challenge systems to respond to the unique needs of people with disabilities, taking into account their whole identity, not just the disabled person components,” says Rabia. 

Rabia passionately talks about the intersection of disability and race and how mainstream disability discourse does not talk enough about the barriers that exist within faith and cultural spaces. “I took my lived experience, and I ended up applying it to much of my work. So, the gaps and barriers that I faced, that my family faced, I didn’t want other people facing. So, I decided to do something about it by getting more and more active in this space and establishing organizations, doing research, offering my perspectives in different conversations,” shares Rabia. 

Rabia recalls an unfortunate instance where she experienced discrimination as a racialized woman with a disability. “In a settlement agency, I was waiting for a meeting, and the staff assumed that I’m there for language testing. I’m like, ‘No, I’m here to facilitate a meeting,” she explains. “They only saw my skin colour, and maybe I was not making good eye contact, so they think I was there for support.” In many other instances, Rabia shares that the customer service staff will speak to her companion, instead of talking directly to her. “It’s really hard to dissect the experiences I have to just my disability or gender or hijjab, because it’s a combination. It’s because I’m a racialized woman who covers her head, and people think, you know, I’m oppressed,” says Rabia. She strongly emphasizes the importance of recognizing the intersectionality of race and disability and advocates for creating more opportunities for racialized individuals with disabilities. 

Her passions, inspired by her experiences, drove her to establish DEEN Support Services, an agency offering spiritual and culture-directed services for people with disabilities. She also founded Race and Disability Canada, an initiative dedicated to exploring and understanding the lived realities of Indigenous, Black and Racialized people with disabilities in Canada. 

Screenshot from the Canadian Muslim COVID-19 Task Force YouTube page

“One of the things I’m striving for is respite and residential services that meet the needs of folks with intellectual disabilities, given their faith and culture. There should be a continuation of a familial living environment when they cannot be cared for by family. We shouldn’t strip them of their identity as a whole person and just focus on categorizing and labeling and behaviour planning. It should be that they still have the right to have the same living experience,” stresses Rabia. 

As National Director of Disability Without Poverty, Rabia has led a nationwide movement to ensure the voices of disabled people are heard, to influence government decisions in reducing poverty and to secure public support for ending disability poverty. However, the recent outcome of the 2024 Federal Budget, which promised to lift people with disabilities above the poverty line, only proposed a $200/month benefit that will only affect 600,000 eligible Canadians. In the podcast Good Morning Hamilton, Rabia talks about the outcome of the Canada Disability Benefit and says, “Provincial Governments should definitely not claw back on this benefit because people with disabilities are living in significant poverty, and it’s not good enough for Canada and Canadians. It’s not a cost, it’s an investment in unleashing endless possibilities of contribution that disabled people have to make, like me. There is much more work left to do to #BetterTheBenefit,” But with Rabia at the helm of this movement, advocates and the disability community can continue to be hopeful.

Rabia Khedr and her family

When asked what she is most proud of, she shares, “I’m proud of my kids. I have a very supportive husband who has supported my career path and whatever I do in the community. We’ve raised four kids, and I’m very proud of that.” She also shares her achievement in building DEEN Support Services from ground zero, to an organization that operates on a seven-figure budget through direct fundraising and grants. The organization also has peer support groups for people with vision loss, people with mobility-related disabilities, caregivers, siblings, etc., and created a network of support in the communities. Moving forward, Rabia aspires to have more influence in making positive changes in the system and “to keep occupying platforms where I can reach,” says Rabia. 

Finally, Rabia imparts a powerful insight for people with disabilities: “Education is your biggest arsenal. Know who you are, recognize your barriers, and have a plan for your own accommodation. Be bold about it.” Rabia exemplifies that people with disabilities make positive and valuable contributions to our society. May we continue to be inspired by her tenacity and leadership as we collectively strive for a more inclusive and equitable Canada.