Join our honorary chair, Janet Carioni, for a 0.9 km walk in downtown Ottawa in support of Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD). The fourth edition of this event coincides with International FASD Awareness Day that is observed all over the world on September 9th (the 9th day of the 9th month) to represent 9 months of pregnancy.

Over 100 people, including families and friends of people with FASD, medical practitioners, caregivers, local program partners and media will gather on September 11 to spread the word about FASD and celebrate those with lived experience.

FASD affects +/– 1.5 M Canadians – There is no safe amount and no safe time to drink alcohol during pregnancy. We all have a role to play!

Where: York Street Plaza (Byward Market) to Marion Dewar Plaza (Ottawa City Hall)

When: Saturday, September 11, 2021 (4:00 pm to 5:30 pm)

RVSP: This event is FREE – an advance RSVP is required.

Schedule of Events

4:00 pm to 4:15 pm

Opening Remarks and Walk Kick-Off on York Street Plaza

4:15 pm to 4:30 pm

0.9 km Walk between York Street Plaza and Ottawa City Hall (Walk Route)

4:30 pm to 4:45 pm   

FASD Flag Raising featuring Mayor Jim Watson in Marion Dewar Plaza

Register Now

Note: We are committed to providing a safe environment during this event and will be following public health protocols to ensure that any risk associated with COVID-19 is minimized. This event will comply with local and provincial guidelines that are in effect at the event.

ABLE2 in Ottawa

ABLE2 is delighted to announce that on September 11, the Ottawa sign in the York Street Plaza, at the corner of York and Sussex streets, will be illuminated with ABLE2’s colours (dark blue, gold and turquoise). Please send us your selfies in front of the sign. 

Faces of ABLE2

"I know a lot of people with FASD, and it makes me really sad that much of society doesn't understand the strengths and amazing qualities of these people. I hope I can be part of helping people recognize the valuable imaginations and perspectives of individuals with FASD"

Tanya Eichler, MCP, RP (Qualifying) OCATT

Butterflies Community Social Group

Provincial Adult FASD Groups Cancelled

With great sadness, we have to announce that ABLE2's Ontario Social Group for Adults with FASD or Suspected FASD and the Ontario Support and Education Group for Adults with FASD or Suspected FASD will not be continuing. Health Nexus generously funded these two groups to build community capacity and increase supports for Adults with or Suspected FASD. Unfortunately, Health Nexus has not renewed the funding for these groups this year. We know that this is disappointing for you all and encourage you to review the Ontario FASD website FASD Information for Ontario (fasdinfotsaf.ca) to see if there are any other groups with which you can engage in your area.

If you have any questions regarding FASD Support Groups, don't hesitate to contact Pascal Gagne, FASD Team Lead, at Health Nexus - 819-329-5891 or p.gagne@healthnexus.ca.

Sibling Groups

Having a brother or sister who is living with a disability can be fun and challenging for children and teens. Our therapeutic groups offer the chance to: meet other children/teens who understand, share experiences, get information, do some fun activities and learn about different disabilities.

Participants, between the ages of 6 and 17 years, will be grouped by age into four different groups.

The groups meet once a month and are led by trained and experienced Program Facilitators.