Celebrate Chanukah with Tamir’s FREE Chanukah Party (Dec. 18)

Wednesday December 17th, 2025CommunityMackenzie Braithwaite

Celebrate the joy and light of Chanukah with the Tamir community at their FREE Chanukah party!

All members of the Tamir community are invited for an afternoon filled with music, creativity, and festive spirit.

Date: Thursday, December 18

Time: 1 – 3 p.m.

Location: Kehillat Beth Israel (1400 Coldrey Ave., Ottawa, ON)

Event Highlights:

Chanukah crafts
Delicious holiday treats including latkes and sufganiyot
Live performance by Doug Barr, featuring interactive music for all ages
Interactive menorah lighting ceremony
Tamir Neshama Choir leading Maoz Tzur and other beloved Chanukah songs

For more information, please contact Chana Teitlebaum, Judaic Programmer and Social Inclusion Facilitator, at chanateitlebaum@tamir.ca.

Tamir supports people with developmental disabilities and people with Autism to live their best life by promoting individuality, independence, dignity, and community inclusion while embracing Jewish culture and values.

Partners in Parenting – Rosemount R.E.C.C. Launches Assessments for Respite Placements

Wednesday December 17th, 2025CommunityMackenzie Braithwaite

Partners in Parenting is now beginning assessments for respite placements at Rosemount R.E.C.C. to start in January 2026.

If you, a family member, or someone you support are interested in respite services, the first step is to complete the Partners in Parenting – Rosemount R.E.C.C. Respite Application Form Once completed, you will be contacted to begin the assessment process and to help determine the best fit.

If you would like more information, or need assistance completing the assessment form, please contact Valerie Mitchell valerie@partnersinparenting.ca.

Waitlist Watch

Wednesday December 17th, 2025NewsMackenzie Braithwaite

At SCS, our goal is to connect you with case management services as soon as possible.

The current average wait time for Children’s Case Management is 108 days, an decrease of 43 days from the previous quarter.

The current average wait time for Adult Case Management is 112 days, an decrease of 17 days from the previous quarter.

We remain committed to helping ensure you are connected to services promptly.

Stay tuned for more waitlist updates in the next issue of SCS Express.

Register Now for Winter Group Therapy Programs at Achieve Therapy Centre

Friday December 12th, 2025CommunityMackenzie Braithwaite

Achieve Therapy Centre’s winter group therapy programs are designed for low-support youth with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) who would benefit from structured opportunities to build communication skills, social confidence, emotional regulation, executive functioning, and independence.

These groups are facilitated by a team of speech-language pathologists (SLP), occupational therapists OT), communication disorders assistants, and occupational therapy assistants.

All programs are eligible for Ontario Autism Program (OAP) funding, and may also be reimbursable through extended health insurance under SLP/OT services.

Programming highlights include:

Craft and connect (8-12 years old & 13+)
DnD adventures club (Grade 7+)
Game explorers (8-12 years old & 13+)
Move and tell (5-7 years old)
Girls connect (12+)
Let’s get cooking (12-13 years old & 14+)

For questions and registration please contact groups@achievetherapycentre.com

Registration Now Open for Autism Moves OSEG Winter Program 2026

Friday December 12th, 2025Community, UncategorizedMackenzie Braithwaite

Registration is now open for Autism Moves Winter 2026 programming, in association with Ottawa Sports and Entertainment Group (OSEG) Foundation.

Autism Moves is a youth empowerment program promoting physical activity, fundamental movement skills, and peer connections for youth with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) through sport.

Athletes will be paired 1:1 or 2:1 with a volunteer or staff member who will support them through various activities designed by Autism Moves coaches.

Winter 2026 programming includes a multi-sport program, basketball, and swim safety.

Registration fee for all programs is $40 per athlete. Financial subsidies are available for families requiring support.

For questions and registration, please contact Alix Alldridge aalldridge@oseg.ca

Attend the FREE Habitat for Humanity and Developmental Services Ontario (DSO) Housing Webinar (Jan. 20)

Wednesday December 10th, 2025CommunityMackenzie Braithwaite

Join DSO Eastern Region Housing Navigators for a FREE virtual discussion with Habitat for Humanity Greater Ottawa on Tuesday, January 20 from 6:30 – 7:30 p.m. (EST).

Topics covered will include:

Benefits of the Affordable Homeownership Program, and how to qualify and apply
Blended mortgages
Two new upcoming projects in the Ottawa area

This session is open to people with a developmental disability, their family members and/or support networks, and developmental services professionals in Ontario.

To learn more and register, visit the DSO website.

Service Coordination Support (SCS) Statement on Ombudsman of Ontario Report, “Lost in Transition”

Friday December 5th, 2025NewsMackenzie Braithwaite

SCS welcomes the release of the Lost in Transition report by the Ombudsman of Ontario. The personal stories of adults with developmental disabilities who spent prolonged periods in hospitals underscore the urgency of bridging gaps between health care and developmental services. These are gaps SCS navigates every day.

We recognize the report’s findings: Decades of commitment have not always translated into adequate community-based housing, supports, and services for those with complex needs. That’s why SCS is proud of its collaborative work with the Ministry of Children, Community and Social Services, the Ministry of Health, and the community to support solutions that respect the dignity, autonomy, and human rights of individuals with developmental disabilities.

We endorse the report’s call for an integrated, person-centered, and transparent system of care and urge that many of the 24 recommendations be implemented, recognizing that systemic reform takes time, resources, and careful coordination.

Ultimately, no one should be “lost in transition.”

Sonshine Families Respite Program Makes Renovations for Accessibility

Wednesday December 3rd, 2025CommunityMackenzie Braithwaite

Sonshine Families has made updates to their respite space, in order to ensure the space is safe for individuals using wheelchairs, and to ensure accessibility for all participants.

Improvements include:

Main floor bedroom doorway widened for easier access
Renovated accessible washroom located next to the bedroom
Front entrance ramp addition

For additional information about the Sonshine Families respite program, please contact Margo Babe (margobabe@sonshinefamilies.ca)

This website is using a WordPress Theme that meets the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.0 Level AA