OCAPDD/Open Hands 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 the people supported by OCAPDD 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 and Open Hands' management team oversees the operation of several residential services, recreation 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 manager 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. 

   Other volunteers contribute literally hundreds of hours each month in every conceivable activity, from organizing outings, being a best buddy, tending gardens, servicing computers, mending clothes, and repairing and painting program facilities, to cite just a few examples. Volunteers are also a critical component of OCAPDD’s fund raising where they contribute hundreds of hours in activities such a planting and harvesting garlic and gift wrapping.

H.O.P.E. Volleyball SummerFest

When: Saturday July 13, 2024

Where: Mooney’s Bay Beach

Join us for a fun filled day! OCAPDD is one of five proud recipients of this year’s Hope Beach Volleyball Summerfest!  Proceeds from the event will go to the Silver Spring Art Studio to enhance the program with specialized equipment and material.

H.O.P.E. Volleyball SummerFest is the largest, one-day volleyball tournament / entertainment festival in the world! For more details, please click to the link: Home (hopehelps.com) 

Announcement: The Ottawa Carleton Association for Persons with Developmental Disabilities (OCAPDD)/Open Hands is recruiting new volunteer Board members.

Are you interested in?

• helping to ensure that community members with developmental disabilities enjoy full, meaningful and productive lives; and,
• that they contribute to, and benefit from the communities in which they live and work

By joining the OCAPDD Board, you will be involved in:

• providing Board and governance leadership,
• fostering community engagement,
• advocating for the Developmental Services Sector
• developing strategic and innovative policy for Disability Support,
• shaping organizational Vision, Mission, and Core Values,
• providing fiscal oversite and planning, and
• supporting senior staff and OCAPDD’s dedicated, highly skilled workforce

Ongoing (2 years, renewable) up to 8 years

Application Deadline: May 3, 2024

View organization profile >: The Ottawa-Carleton Association for Persons with Developmental Disabilities (OCAPDD) 

Description

Founded in 1955, OCAPDD is a leading local organization that is a dynamic and innovative community not-for-profit organization providing a diverse array of programs and supports to individuals with developmental disabilities and complex care requirements. OCAPDD is a partially designated bilingual agency, providing a range of supports and services in the greater Ottawa area and in Cornwall.

There will be an opportunity for membership on the volunteer Board of Directors commencing September 2024.

The Board of Directors is a mix of individuals including both those with direct family experience and community minded volunteers whose knowledge and skills strengthen the Board in fulfilling its governance responsibilities. Board members support those OCAPDD currently serves, along with advocating for expanded capacity and a better life for people with developmental disabilities and the wider community.

In particular, the OCAPDD Board seeks volunteer candidates with previous Board experience and awareness of the local and provincial social services system for those with developmental disabilities who require access to lifelong services and support. Bilingual capacity, while not a requirement, is an asset. Preference will be given to applicants who have experience in one or more of the following areas: policy planning, fiduciary oversight, inter-agency collaboration, communications, government and community advocacy, social enterprise, and organizational and governance evaluation. 

How will this opportunity benefit the volunteer?

The successful volunteer will gain valuable learning, life and policy governance experience from enhancing the quality of life for people with developmental disabilities and their families, as well as the greater community in this Director role. These contributions evolve from within OCAPDD’s organization core to meeting vital needs in community, from primary individual physical and emotional needs to inclusion and participation opportunities. OCAPDD is highly respected for the level of excellence of service it delivers, and is highly regarded for its continued expansion of programs and supports for those it exists to serve and for confidence in what it will accomplish in the future.

How will the organization benefit?

OCAPDD is a provincially funded charitable, not-for-profit organization. Volunteers at all levels of the organization are a vital and valued component of the organization through a variety of contributions. The Board of Directors consists of 13 members. There are two vacant Director positions commencing in September 2024. Key to all volunteers on the Board is their deep commitment to making lives better for people living with a developmental disability and their commitment to improving their community.

Time Commitment

Typically, the Board of Directors convenes for a minimum of 6 meetings each year plus an Annual General Meeting. There are also vital Board committee participation opportunities.

Volunteer location:

229 Colonnade Road South, Ottawa

Application Next Steps:

For further background information please telephone: (613)596-8993 ext. 223 

To apply to this position please submit a letter of interest and a current C.V. to the attention of the Board Chair at: ocapdd@ocapdd.on.ca

Timeline:

All applicants will be contacted within three weeks of their application being received. Details regarding the opportunity for an interview will be provided.

 Other Considerations:

• Personal and/or professional references will be required;
• An interview/selection process will be conducted;
• This position can accommodate persons with a disability, as well as broad inclusion, equity and diversity principles.