| Ottawa Carleton Association for Persons with Developmental DisabilitiesFounded in 1956 and previously known as the Ottawa and District Association for the Mentally Retarded (ODAMR), the Ottawa-Carleton Association for Persons with Developmental Disabilities (OCAPDD) is the largest and longest-serving association of its kind in Ottawa. The organization had it origins in the determination of a small group of parents who believed that their children deserved access to education. Today, OCAPDD provides support to hundreds of persons with developmental disabilities, in every aspect of life whether seeking work opportunities, securing living arrangements or dealing with day-to-day tasks. Since fully a third of OCAPDD's clients are also affected by physical disabilities and other medical considerations, the scope of the organization's support is in direct response to level of need.
OCAPDD's management team oversees the operation of several residences, day programs and support services, which in turn are staffed by several hundred full-time and part-time employees who support individuals living either in family settings or independently. Residential programs are open 365 days a year, with night and relief staff playing a crucial role. A director is on call at all times.
A volunteer board of directors, which includes parents of persons with developmental disabilities, ensures the continued health of the Association. Board members are also tireless advocates on behalf of all persons with developmental disabilities.
Volunteers-a vital force in OCAPDD-contribute literally hundreds of hours each month in every conceivable activity, from organizing outings and tending gardens to servicing computers, mending clothes, and repairing and painting program facilities, to cite just a few examples.
Keywords:
Disabled
, Children and Youth
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Volunteer Information for Ottawa Carleton Association for Persons with Developmental Disabilities |
What services does your organization provide? Residential Services, Community Participation, Business Ventures, Community Support Services, Supported Work, Assessment and Respite |
Do you require language proficiency other than in English? Franch is needed as well |
What time commitment(s) are you expecting from a volunteer? Volunteer hours are flexible evenings or weekends; once a week, twice a month or whenever you are free! We do ask for some sort of commitment. Active participation will help to develop a successful and meaningful relationship. |
Are there any other requirements for being a volunteer? The Ottawa-Carleton Association for Persons with Developmental Disabilities has a wide variety of volunteer opportunities available to people of all ages.
Volunteers serve many important functions at OCAPDD and augment our existing services. The Board of Directors and its committees are all comprised of active volunteers. Volunteer activities other than one-on-one support or community friends range from fundraising to gardening and can be tailored to suit a volunteer's interests. |
What type of volunteer positions are typically available? If you're interested in helping out, you're always welcome to participate. In addition to the general requirements described below, please also check out our Volunteers Needed page, which lists specific upcoming events for which we're looking for volunteer help.
- One to One Volunteer or Community Friend
- Matched with a person with a developmental disability in order to spend leisure time together. This may include going to a movie, sports event, walks, or quiet time together. Whatever is enjoyed. The possibilities are endless.
- Activities for Daily Living
- Assist in programs teaching cooking, crafts or other skills.
- Fundraising
- Volunteers are always needed for various fundraising activities and to help create new ones.
- Board of Directors
- Interested in working on the Association's Board of Directors? Volunteers will be referred to the nominating committee.
- Silver Spring Farm
- Volunteers are always needed for various activities from April to November. Click here for details.
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Is there any training provided for volunteers? Yes, you will be trained in the program or fundraising event that you are volunteering |
What are the typical volunteer activities occurring at your organization?
- Volunteer activities other than one-on-one support or community friends range from fundraising to gardening and can be tailored to suit a volunteer's interests.
- Volunteers play an important role in our agency and in the lives of our clients. Volunteers bring their knowledge, life interests, and time to our clients and provide someone with a developmental disability the window of opportunity for greater and different life experiences.
- Volunteers contribute their time and talents to help OCAPDD be better known and respected in the community.
- Volunteers aid in fundraising projects such as our Christmas Gift-Wrap Project and Garlic Project.
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How will a person benefit from volunteering with Ottawa Carleton Association for Persons with Developmental Disabilities? Active participation will help to develop a successful and meaningful relationship. |
Do you accept high school students? Yes we do |
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