The ABLE Network

http://www.theablenetwork.ca/

The ABLE (Access to Better Living and Employment) Network is a true example of community activism. Started by parents of youth with intellectual disabilities, Joan Hurst and Barb Allen, it aims to provide “relevant inclusive work and recreation opportunities for adults with intellectual disabilities in natural job and community settings.” Early on, they discovered the important role relationships play in all that the young people in ABLE do, whether spending time together over lunch, or out and about on public transit or in the shops and services where they work and interact with townspeople. Careful research went into the location and planning of ABLE.

The ABLE Network - Planning and Starting - Part 1

Barb describes the research and planning she and Joan did before starting The ABLE Network. They decided on a community-based program.

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The ABLE Network - Planning and Starting - Part 2

Joan describes making connections in the local community - businesses, faith-based organizations and other considerations in starting a new program.

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The ABLE Network - Planning and Starting - Part 3

Barb describes the social dimensions of The ABLE Network - using cell phones to keep in touch; Best Buddies program.

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The ABLE Network - Six Core Programs

The 6 programs are work experience, recreation, transit training, literacy, social networking, and volunteer experience. Relationships are important in all of 6 of the core programs of The ABLE Network

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The ABLE Network - Transforming the Workplace

Businesses are sometimes surprised to find that the young people with disabilities makes a transforming contribution to the workplace. The Able Network ensures good support for each individual as needed.

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The ABLE Network - Financial Considerations

One of the biggest challenges to providing programs is funding. Joan and Barb decided they needed to use a fee-for-service model for The ABLE Network. They also volunteer their own time and they do fund-raising.

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