Category Archives: Community

Booking for AccessOAP Sessions Available at SCS (February 4, 2026)

Service Coordination Support (SCS) is accepting bookings for the next AccessOAP (Ontario Autism Program) session taking place on Wednesday, Feb. 4, 2026.

During the one-hour session, families can receive help from an AccessOAP Care Coordinator to complete their AccessOAP registration, receive information about the program, or submit their invoices.

Children do not need to be registered with SCS to access this support, but must reach the following criteria:

  • Be under the age of 18
  • Currently live in Ontario
  • Have a written diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) from a qualified professional, which can include physicians, psychologists, nurse practitioners, or ministry-funded diagnostic hubs.

To book, visit the SCS Resource Room webpage. 

Note: Proof of age (birth certificate, proof of live birth, valid passport, or a valid permanent resident card), residency (school report card, primary caregiver’s driver’s license or identification card, or a piece of mail), and diagnosis is required at your first AccessOAP session.

 

DSOER Information Session: How Affordable Technology Can Support Daily Living and Independence (Feb. 3)

Join Developmental Services Ontario Eastern Region (DSOER) Housing Navigators, as they facilitate a discussion on how freely available software and affordable technology can support daily living skills.

Speakers Nicholas and Philippe Cyr will discuss their experiences with leveraging affordable technology to reduce caregiver stress, and support greater independence over time.

This session will take place on Tuesday, February 3, 2026 from 6:30 – 8 p.m., at 1400 St. Laurent Blvd, Suite 103A, Ottawa, ON.

To register for this free event, please contact: dsohousing@dsoer.ca

 

Attend the Service Canada Virtual Information Session on Federal Government Youth Initiatives

Service Canada is hosting an upcoming Virtual Information Session on Federal Government Youth Initiatives.

This session will highlight programs, resources, and opportunities designed to empower young people across Canada to engage in public service, leadership, and community development.

Date: January 29, 2026

Time: 09:00 a.m. to 13:45 p.m.

Location: Online via Microsoft Teams (links below for registration)

Choose the session(s) that interest you, and register using the links provided.

Note: All sessions will run concurrently in French. If you wish to participate in the French sessions, please contact Service Canada to be forwarded the French registration links.

Accessibility Notice: If you require assistance or accommodations to participate in these sessions, please contact Service Canada in advance so that appropriate arrangements can be made.

 

 

 

Find Your Local Community Health/Resource Centre

The Coalition of Community Health and Resource Centres of Ottawa  is a collective of 13 community health and resource centres located throughout Ottawa.

Each community health/resource centre across Ottawa offers intake services, service navigation, and referral support to broader community services. Centres also offer specific supports and services to residents living in their specific catchment area, while some programming is offered to all residents regardless of address.

Use the Find Your CHRC tool to help locate your local community health/resource centre: https://coalitionottawa.ca/map/

 

 

L’Arche Ottawa Disability Tax Credit (DTC) Information Sessions

L’Arche Ottawa is hosting two information sessions at Julian of Norwich Church Hall (9 Rossland Ave , Ottawa) that will combine simple, plain-language information about the Disability Tax Credit (DTC) with time to connect, talk, and build community.
• English session: Saturday, January 17 from 2 – 4 p.m.
• French session: Saturday, January 31 from 2 – 4 p.m.
This gathering is for families, people with developmental disabilities, and the caregivers who support them.
Registration is required: Event Registration
Please send questions to: commlife@larcheottawa.org

March Break Camps List 2026

Ottawa has a wide range of March Break camps. We’ve put together a list of programs, organized by age group, to help you explore options.

These resources are shared for informational purposes only, and do not imply any endorsement or affiliation with SCS. Participation in these programs is optional, and families assume responsibility for their own involvement.

Legend: (FR) – Bilingual or French-only sessions

Resource Referral Program – Eastern Ontario Resource Centre (EORC)

The Eastern Ontario Resource Centre (EORC) – Resource Referral Program helps open doors to resources and advocacy assistance.

Services available include:

  • Medical transportation services
  • Crisis intervention
  • Nutrition and emergency food assistance
  • Baby supplies
  • Clothing
  • Utilities support
  • Settlement and immigration assistance
  • Legal aids
  • Housing supports
  • Employment assistance
  • Furniture
  • Mental health support
  • Seasonal programs, and more.

For assistance, please contact intake@eorc-creo.ca or call (613) 741-6025 (Ext. 230)

Weekly Youth Program – Ottawa Independent Living Resource Centre

The Ottawa Independent Living Resource Centre (OILRC) Weekly Youth Program (ages 16-24) offers a fun and supportive space where youth can socialize, build confidence, and connect with their community.

Two-hour sessions occur every Wednesday, beginning on January 14, 2026, and includes interactive activities, skill-building, and group discussions to foster creativity, independence, and personal growth.

For more information, and to register, please contact peersuppot@oilrc.com

NEW Fee-for-Service Community Outreach Program – Ottawa Independent Living Resource Centre (OILRC)

The Ottawa Independent Living Resource Centre (OILRC) has launched a new community outreach program to support people with diverse disabilities engage in the community in group or one-on-one settings. It is a fun and social way to meet others, while discovering local spots around Ottawa.

Sessions begin on January 14, 2026, and are offered every Thursday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on a fee-for-service basis ($50 per day + associated cost for a 6-week registration).

This program is eligible for Passport funding.

For any questions, and to register, please contact Gina Varelas-Stapper gvaleras@oilrc.com.

 

Join Autism Ontario’s Journey to Adulthood Discussion Workshop (Weekly from Jan. 21 – Feb. 25)

Registration for Autism Ontario’s virtual Journey to Adulthood Discussion Workshop opens at 7 p.m. on Monday, January 12.

This virtual workshop is every Wednesday evening, from 7 to 8:30 p.m., beginning on Jan. 21 and ending Feb. 25.

Caregivers of youth with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) from ages 16-20 will get valuable information on:

  • Adult services
  • Funding
  • Supports
  • Key application deadlines
  • Decision making
  • Options after completion of high school
  • Employment
  • Advocacy
  • Mental health

To learn more and to register, visit: Journey to Adulthood Discussion Workshop (age 16-20) | Autism Ontario