Ottawa Foyers Partage - OFP

01/28/2026

I was able to sit down for an interview with Treena Guy, one of our ComputerWise participants. We discussed the history of the program and how she feels disability inclusion has changed over time.

Attending since 1983, Treena had been able to use computers to help others with disabilities with their communication needs at ComputerWise. Advocacy has always been a large part of Treena's life and she wants to make sure that the general public is aware of services like ComputerWise, and the impact that social inclusion and having your needs met can have on someone's life.

12/18/2025

See below!

Al Roberts of OCAPDD, Fillipa, and her daughter Anna join CTV Ottawa to discuss what it means for families when chronic underfunding creates untenable waitlists for supports for adults with disabilities.

Families of adults living with developmental disabilities say there is a critical lack of funding to help find supportive housing.

12/15/2025

Thanks so much to all who came out to our ComputerWise holiday party! We had great time, with great food from Cheryl and music from Fred and Mike!

12/11/2025

Ottawa, ON December 10, 2025:
“It’s not right this is happening!” “This is heartbreaking…”
These are the voices of Ontarians reacting to the escalating crisis in our province’s Developmental Services sector, a situation that’s been decades in the making.

Twelve Agencies in the Ottawa area have partnered to call for urgent action and long-term investment to help adults with developmental disabilities who are being left behind by a system that has been underfunded far too long.

More than thirty years of chronic underinvestment have led to over 53,000 adults with intellectual disabilities waiting for essential supports and services. Some of our most vulnerable citizens are slipping through the cracks, forced to live in extreme poverty, on the streets and increasingly at risk of being lured into crime or s*x trafficking.

“The situation we’re in right now is the result of successive governments not funding the Sector properly,” says Al Roberts, Chair of the Ottawa-Carleton Association for Persons with Developmental Disabilities (OCAPDD). “Parents and families in the Ottawa area are in crisis and they regularly share their concerns and challenges with us. We’re feeling that the system is on the verge of collapse if significant steps aren’t taken immediately.”

In Ottawa alone, there are 3,710 adults with developmental disabilities waiting for supports and services and in East Region there are even more, with 5,724 languishing on waiting lists. Many have waited decades for help with medication management, basic life skills and assistance to find homes, jobs, and community activities that would allow them to live a life of dignity and inclusion.

Filipa Saraiva is one of many parents at a breaking point. “My daughter Ana has been on a waiting list for ten years to find supportive housing,” explains Ms. Saraiva. “Ana has cerebral palsy and a developmental disability. I had to leave work to look after her when I couldn’t find help. She’s in a day program now but I constantly worry about the day when I’m no longer able to care for her. What will happen to my daughter then?”

Release continued in comments.

12/10/2025

It is with heavy hearts that we share the passing of our dear friend, Wayne. Wayne brought warmth and joy into every space he entered, and he will be deeply missed by all of us who had the privilege of knowing him.

We will be gathering to honour his life and the memories he leaves with us. A Celebration of Life will be held on Monday at Meridian, from 12:00–2:00 pm (open house). Friends, family, and community members are welcome to drop in at any time.

At 1:00 pm, we will come together to share memories and stories of Wayne—moments that made us smile, laugh, and appreciate the incredible person he was.

📍 50 Dalkowski Private
🅿️ Street parking available.

Our thoughts are with everyone who loved Wayne. May we find comfort in each other and in the many beautiful memories he leaves behind. 💙

12/05/2025

Congratulations to our very own ComputerWise co-founder Russell Cecchini who was inducted into the Cerebral Palsy Sports Association hall of fame on November 24th.

A decorated paralympian in boccia and swimming, Russell Cecchini has always been driven to be the best he can be and to enjoy life to the fullest. Through competing and medaling in the 1984 Summer Paralympics, Russell was part of the first cohort of athletes with cerebral palsy to compete in the Paralympics.

In 1985, he co-founded ComputerWise, a program that creates tools to empower people with disabilities. Russell uses a head pointer, keyboard and 3-D modeling software to design adaptive equipment for himself and others. You can support his work here: https://russcecchini.wixsite.com/rcgraphic/about

We at OFP are very proud of Russell's determination and perseverance. Congratulations Russell!

12/05/2025

Needing a last minute Christmas gift? Get a monogramed cutting board, and help support the social inclusion of individuals with disabilities in the Ottawa area!

Check out some of the great designs we have done!

This charcuterie-style board measures 6.25" x 19" x 0.6" and features a smooth surface, engraved with high precision laser cutting at ComputerWise. Ideal for kitchen use or as a decorative serving board, it adds a personal touch to any home.
Natural wood variations may occur in grain, color and texture.
• Dimensions: 6.25" x 19" x 0.6"
• Material: Sustainable bamboo
• Laser-engraved for lasting detail
• Handle with hole for easy hanging
• Customizable
• For decorative or light cutting use
Contact Cheryl Davidson at ComputerWise with all customizations: cheryl.davidson@ofp.ca

This product is made especially for you as soon as you place an order. Please expect 1-2 days production time. This can be picked up at ComputerWise or through delivery (Please provide all shipping details in your order. Shipping and handling are extra and added to order).

12/03/2025

This Giving Tuesday, you showed up for our community in the most incredible way.

Thank you to everyone who donated, shared our posts, or cheered us on. Your generosity fuels our programs, bringing meaningful opportunities to the people we support.

From all of us—thank you for believing in our mission!

12/02/2025

It’s , and your support matters more than ever!

When you give to Ottawa Foyers Partage, you help people with disabilities access safe housing, caring staff, and opportunities to grow and thrive.

Every dollar brings us closer to a community where everyone belongs.

💙 Donate today and make your impact count: https://www.canadahelps.org/en/dn/16367?

12/01/2025

Giving Tuesday begins tomorrow, and we’re so grateful for the community that stands with us.
As costs continue to rise and the developmental services sector remains critically underfunded, community support is essential to sustaining the person-centred care people rely on every day.
Your gift helps ensure that the people we support continue to experience stability, dignity, and choice in their daily lives. Thank you for being part of our community.

11/30/2025

Every person we support deserves high-quality, personalized care that reflects their unique preferences, strengths, and goals.

Yet as operating costs rise and the sector continues to be underfunded, it becomes harder to maintain the level of flexibility and choice that person-directed care requires.

Your Giving Tuesday contribution will help close that gap, ensuring our programming remains strong, sustainable, and rooted in dignity and respect.

11/29/2025

At OFP, we work to ensure each person feels included, valued, and supported in ways that reflect their identity and preferences. Your Giving Tuesday contribution helps us continue creating spaces where people feel safe, respected, and connected to community. Consider donating today! https://www.canadahelps.org/en/dn/16367?