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)

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

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.

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

The City of Ottawa is creating the 2026-2029 OC Transpo Accessibility Plan and they want to hear from you.

This three-year plan is a requirement under the Federal Government’s Accessible Canada Act, and includes ways in which OC Transpo will work to reduce or eliminate barriers people with disabilities face within public transit programs, services and facilities over time.

The City of Ottawa is seeking input about disability-related barriers experienced when accessing OC Transpo’s services, including conventional bus and rail services, and Para Transpo specialized services.

Public consultations will take place at these times:

• January 15 from 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. (Virtual on Zoom)
• January 26 from 1 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. (In-person at Ottawa City Hall)
• January 28 from 6:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. (Virtual on Zoom)

Visit the Engage Ottawa page to find out more about how you can provide feedback.

For any questions, please contact the City of Ottawa’s Accessibility Office.

If you need support for your child with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) during the March Break, applications are now open for the Autism Ontario March Break Reimbursement Fund, funded by the Government of Ontario.

This support is available to Ontario families of children or youth with ASD, who retain the services of a one-to-one support worker, or who have paid for their child to attend a March Break camp or program.

Maximum reimbursements of $350 per child or youth (up to the age of 18), will be made to subsidize services purchased during the March Break. Reimbursements will be provided on a random selection made from all eligible applicants. At minimum, 1,007 Ontario families are expected to receive reimbursements.

For more information, and to apply, please visit: March Break Reimbursement Fund | Autism Ontario

Spectrum Intervention Group has launched its new Building Outcomes Optimizing Skills Through Support (BOOST) program, and they are now accepting registrations for the sessions beginning on January 17, 2026.

The program is provided to families for $75, thanks to a generous grant from the Andison Family Foundation.

BOOST is a combined group and parent coaching program for children ages four to nine who are not yet receiving core clinical services funding. Sessions will be held at Spectrum Intervention Group (30 Camelot Drive).

There are a wide range of Social Skills and Life Skills groups for the winter 2026 season in Ottawa and the Eastern Region. We’ve put together a list of available 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

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