Ottawa-Carleton Lifeskills (OCL) cares for adults with developmental disabilities through residential and day supports.

The people in our care are supported through four core programs at OCL which include:  Residential Homes, Home Share, Supported-Independent Living (SIL) and our Day Support Program.

For over 30 years, OCL staff has worked with families to ensure their loved one is receiving the care and support they require to lead independent and enriched lives.

OCL provides encouragement and opportunities that will promote self-development and foster interdependent relationships with other members of the Ottawa community.

As a non-profit organization Ottawa-Carleton Lifeskills works in partnership with generous donors, civic-minded corporations and the Province of Ontario to ensure financial sustainability.

OCL is all about people. We’ve got incredible people who use our programs and services and amazing and dedicated staff members. Let’s meet some of the people who make OCL a great place to be.

Strategic Plan

‘Better Communities’ is the theme of Ottawa-Carleton Lifeskills’ Strategic Business Plan 2019-2024 (2-page PDF summary). For the full document, please contact us.

Participants

Irene – Singer, Dancer, Model

Irene, 41, is a fun-loving woman. She enjoys being pampered by having her nails and hair done, loves singing and dancing and is always more than ready to strike a pose for the camera.

Born the oldest of three children, Irene was diagnosed with congenital brain defects and is considered nonverbal, though she speaks single words or short sentences. She understands conversation and is always more than happy to help however she can. In 2010, Irene had bilateral cataract surgery, which greatly improved her vision and has helped to create new opportunities for her.

Irene has been living with her OCL Home Share family since 2007. Together, she and her Home Share family have traveled extensively, visiting Toronto, Niagara Falls, Montreal, Mont Tremblant and other exciting locales. One of her favourite things to do is visit with her nephew, Thomas.

Andrew – Sports Fanatic

To say 26-year-old Andrew is a sports fan may be an understatement! This Kansas City, Missouri native has played many sports through the Special Olympics organization and has excelled at every one he’s tried. His particular favourites are bike riding and basketball.

Andrew loves to watch movies (especially comedies and action movies) and loves food – he says it’s his favourite part of the day!

Patrick – Artist, Actor, Foodie

Ottawa native Patrick, 46, is a Renaissance Man. A movie buff, he enjoys all sorts of films though ranks Spiderman and Batman movies a bit higher than the others. He’s been so inspired by movies that his lifelong dream is to be an actor. He truly enjoys the celebrity life and calls himself one every day. To get a taste of Hollywood, he visited California and took photos of himself with the famous wax figures.

Patrick is also a keen visual artist, naming colouring as his favourite activity.

When not watching movies or creating art, Patrick, an OCL Community Day Support Program participant, enjoys his relaxing time where he gets to chill out and test our new treats. He loves dining out.

Sheryl – Newfoundland’s Social Butterfly

Originally hailing from Newfoundland, Sheryl likes chatting about life, family and everything in between with her OCL peers and staff. A funny and social woman, she is equally at home throwing strikes at the bowling alley or baking treats at her weekly OCL cooking class.

Each year, she looks forward to her summer trip back to Newfoundland but OCL staff and participants are always happy to have her return!

Betty Ann – Music Fan

Betty Ann, 68, is all about class and culture. She enjoys going to live performances, whether it’s attending Bluesfest each year or checking out concerts and other productions at Centrepointe Theatre.

A warm-weather lover, Betty Ann spends most summer days relaxing in the sunshine on the porch. Life is good!