Fetal Alcohol Resource Program

The Fetal Alcohol Resource Program (FARP) is for children and youth who have or may be suspected of having Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD). Our FASD Workers are here to help to provide education, training, community navigation, and advocacy support for the FASD community in the communities of Ottawa, Prescott and Russell (PR), and Stormont, Dundas, and Glengarry (SDG) United Counties.

What is FASD?

FASD stands for Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder. It is a lifelong disability that affects the brain and body of people who were 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. (CanFASD)

Working in Partnership with:

DID YOU KNOW MORE THAN A MILLION CANADIANS COULD HAVE FETAL ALCOHOL SPECTRUM DISORDER?

A recent study of Toronto area students (aged 7 to 9 years) found that 2%-3% have FASD (CAMH, 2018).

Many people with FASD are undiagnosed or misdiagnosed with disorders such as Autism and ADHD.

FASD is an invisible disability: it is the leading cause of preventable developmental disabilities.

FASD can happen to anyone, regardless of where they live, race, and income.

DID YOU KNOW THAT FASD IS A FULL-BODY DISORDER?

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.

The damage can occur during any stage of pregnancy.

There is no known safe amount of alcohol to drink during pregnancy. Experts recommend that the safest option is no alcohol at all. (CanFASD)

Go alcohol-free if you are pregnant, planning a pregnancy, or having unprotected sex. (CanFASD)

“People can’t see it physically because it affects the brain. They see me as impatient and frustrated … somebody that needs more assistance than the average person who has no disabilities. I see myself as someone trying to break the stereotype of someone with a developmental disability and to show the world that just because you have a disability doesn’t mean there should be limits to what you can and can’t do.” – Caroline Joanisse, Living with FASD

“We are excited about what the Fetal Alcohol Resource Program offers and their on-going efforts to educate people. It’s a comfort knowing we are not alone, and this organization is there to support and advocate for those affected who, sadly, are often misunderstood. It’s crucial this organization continues its awareness campaign and significant work, for this population to succeed.” – Brenda Boylan, Parent

Community Capacity

Our program provides community capacity development across multiple sectors of service providers along with clinical support and service navigation for individuals with FASD and families.

We build capacity at existing agencies in the regions of Ottawa, Prescott Russel, and Stormont, Dundas & Glengarry to understand and address the unique needs of the FASD population through high-level training workshops in sectors including health, mental health, justice, education, housing, employment and social work.

“This is the first opportunity that I have had to send off a quick thank you email for your workshop last week. From all accounts, the day was a resounding success. Everyone I have spoken to was very pleased with the clear and concise information and commented on how your delivery kept them engaged and interested.” – Capacity Development Participant

Education Workshops

We offer evidence-based FASD training to service providers so that they can provide FASD-informed interventions to their service users. Our workshops provide a solid foundation of knowledge about FASD and provide generalized strategies. Our workshops can be tailored to the needs of each agency.

If you are within the Ottawa, Prescott and Russell, or Stormont, Dundas, and Glengarry areas and work with children and youth, ABLE2 FARP will be able to provide your agency with training and the fees to provide a workshop is covered by the Ministry of Children, Community and Social Services.

“The information gave me more tools to respond in a more efficient way, a more helpful way, gave me some more creative ideas to create learning opportunities.” – Workshop Participant

Check our Events page for upcoming workshops or contact us at FASD@able2.org to discuss a presentation for your organisation.

Community Navigation

Our FASD Worker can provide community navigation to individuals with FASD and their families who live in Ottawa, Prescott and Russell, or Stormont, Dundas, and Glengarry.

“The Fetal Alcohol Resource Program was there for me and my son in our time of need. We had only recently received the diagnosis that my son did indeed have FASD. I was distraught and not sure where to turn, where to gather information and more importantly, how to support my son. From the first phone call, I felt supported, educated and hopeful. Since beginning our work with FARP, the workers have advocated for my son in the school system and for the first time in years, he’s actually looking forward to starting school this fall, and I feel less anxious about it too! The FARP team also linked me with a support group, and I no longer feel alone in this maze called FASD. I am learning real life stories from other parents and again, feel hopeful for my son’s future. I’ve also learned about government programs that can help us financially, so that I can seek counseling and respite for my son and also, plan for his future, in case he is not able to live totally independently. I know that my worker is one phone call away. I highly recommend that anyone who is caring for a child, youth or adult and/or if you are a person living with this disorder, to reach out to the FARP group for support. You won’t be sorry!” – Community Navigation Client

Provincial FASD Worker Program

FARP works with CHEO to deliver one of Ontario’s six FASD programs. We provide support to families and children for youth with confirmed or suspected FASD.

FARP is free for families, children and youth up to age 18 (or 21 if they are still in school). You do not need an FASD diagnosis to access our services. We serve people in Ottawa, Prescott and Russell, and Stormont, Dundas and Glengarry. All program services are offered in French and English.

This program helps families to:

Understand what FASD is and how it impacts their child
Support the process to get an FASD diagnosis if wanted
Develop a plan that focuses on your child or youth’s strengths
Access resources that may be available for your child or youth
Educate other service providers on your child or youth’s FASD symptoms

If you are interested in service, you may contact us directly for support or ask a professional for a referral. Please click here for the referral form.

If you have any questions, you may contact us at fasd@able2.org or 613-761-9522.

Support Groups

ABLE2 currently runs a support group – FASD Group of Ottawa – this is a group that is open to anyone who wants to seek more knowledge about FASD.

If you are interested in joining the group, please contact fasd@able2.org or 613-761-9522.

Documents to Sign

Request for Speaker
ABLE2 has a knowledgeable team of experts on disabilities, their challenges and the impacts on individuals and their families. External organizations requesting presentations on disability-related topics, including issues surrounding disability in the workplace must complete our booking form. Once the form is received, we commit to getting back to you within five business days to discuss your request. Click here to request for speaker

Make a long-lasting impact by becoming a Monthly Donor

Your donation helps people with disabilities learn new skills, pursue their goals, and develop supportive and meaningful connections in the community.

Volunteer

When you volunteer, you help reduce loneliness and social isolation experienced by many people with disabilities in the community. Learn more about volunteering with ABLE2 here.