ABLE2
ABLE2 is an Ottawa-based charitable nonprofit founded in 1975 that supports people of all ages across the disability spectrum through programs including volunteer matching, free legal referral, FASD support, housing support, and educational webinars, funded by donations, events, and grants.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded1975
- HeadquartersOttawa, Canada
- Headcount11–50
- GTM typeB2C
- OfferingServices
What ABLE2 does
ABLE2 (legally "ABLE2: Support for People with Disabilities," formerly Citizen Advocacy) is a registered Canadian charitable nonprofit organization founded in 1975 and headquartered in Ottawa, Ontario. The organization delivers programs and services that support people of all ages across the disability spectrum, addressing barriers including stigma, discrimination, poverty, exclusion from employment, and inequities in education, healthcare, and legal systems. Its core program portfolio includes the Matching Program (pairing volunteer Allies with Friends), Reach Legal Services (free legal referral via pro bono lawyers, paralegals, and mediators, acquired through the February 2023 merger with Reach Canada), the Fetal Alcohol Resource Program (FASD support in partnership with CHEO), Housing Support / Adult Protective Services, Funding Brokerage, and the Matching Connect virtual matching program.
ABLE2 supplements direct service delivery with the GROW Education Series (webinars covering financial literacy, disability rights, estate planning, and social assistance) and three signature community events: the Evening in the Maritimes annual fundraiser (30th anniversary in 2026, having raised over $4 million since 1995), the Annual Picnic, and the Holiday Dinner & Dance. The organization generates revenue through a diversified mix of individual donations, corporate sponsorships, membership fees ($5-$25 annually), event-based fundraising, third-party community fundraisers, and government grants (notably a $347,800 Ontario Trillium Foundation grant in June 2025 and a $25,000 Hydro One grant in April 2025).
ABLE2 does not operate as a technology company and has no proprietary technology stack; it is a service-based nonprofit that transitioned to fully remote operations in August 2025. The organization is governed by an independent Board of Directors with no parent company or institutional investor, and is led by Executive Director Heather Lacey.
ABLE2 firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- ABLE2
- Legal name
- ABLE2: Support for People with Disabilities
- Website
- https://able2.org
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 1975
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 11–50 employees
- Short description
- ABLE2 is an Ottawa-based charitable nonprofit founded in 1975 that supports people of all ages across the disability spectrum through programs including volunteer matching, free legal referral, FASD support, housing support, and educational webinars, funded by donations, events, and grants.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
ABLE2 industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Disability Support Services
- NAICS
- Services for the Elderly and Persons with Disabilities (62412), Voluntary Health Organizations (813212), Vocational Rehabilitation Services (62431), Religious, Grantmaking, Civic, Professional, and Similar Organizations (813)
- SIC
- Services-Social Services (8300), Services-Membership Organizations (8600), Services-Educational Services (8200)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Disability Services & Independent Living Support (BPAGACAG)
- akta.pro secondary industries
- Disability Services & Independent Living Support (BPAGAEAG), Special Education, Disability Support & Inclusive Education Nonprofits (BPAGADAH), AT Funding, Procurement & Compliance Support (IEP/504 Documentation) (EDAKAIAJ)
Keywords
Where ABLE2 is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Ottawa
- HQ country
- Canada
- HQ region
- North America
Offices2 records
Markets served
ABLE2 business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2C
- Offering type
- Services
- Cost components
- Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D, Others
Revenue model
- Individual Donations: ABLE2 receives donations from individuals who want to support people with disabilities in their community. These include monthly donors and one-time gifts.
- Corporate Sponsorships: Businesses partner with ABLE2 through event sponsorships and corporate giving programs, gaining brand visibility and demonstrating social responsibility.
- Membership Fees: Annual membership available for $25 (general members with voting rights) or $5 for volunteer allies and program participants.
- Event Fundraising: Signature fundraising events including Evening in the Maritimes (annual lobster dinner/auction), Annual Picnic, and Holiday Dinner & Dance generate significant donations.
- Government Grants: ABLE2 receives funding from government sources including Ontario Trillium Foundation ($347,800 grant), City of Ottawa, and Hydro One Community Fund ($25,000).
- Third-Party Fundraisers: Community members organize independent fundraising events (galas, sports tournaments, craft sales, etc.) to support ABLE2 programs.
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Subscription | Annual | General Membership - $25/year |
| Subscription | Annual | Ally Membership - $5/year |
| Unit Pricing | One time/ perpetual license | Annual Picnic Tickets |
| Unit Pricing | One time/ perpetual license | Annual Picnic Tickets 2024 |
| Unit Pricing | One time/ perpetual license | Holiday Dinner & Dance Tickets |
| — | One time/ perpetual license | Evening in the Maritimes Tickets |
Go-to-market motion1 record
Distribution channels4 records
Marketing channels15 records
ABLE2 product offering
Product offeringCore offering
ABLE2 is a charitable non-profit organization that delivers programs and services supporting people of all ages across the disability spectrum in Ottawa. Its core offerings include the Matching Program (volunteer-to-participant one-on-one relationships), free legal referral through Reach Legal Services, the Fetal Alcohol Resource Program in partnership with CHEO, housing support, funding brokerage, and the GROW Education Series of community workshops. Signature fundraising and community events (Evening in the Maritimes, Annual Picnic, Holiday Dinner & Dance) complement direct services and the Voices of ABLE2 podcast.
Product overview
ABLE2 is a charitable organization providing a comprehensive suite of support programs and services for people with disabilities. Their core offerings include the Matching Program connecting volunteers with individuals with disabilities, Reach Legal Services providing free legal referral, the Fetal Alcohol Resource Program (FARP) offering FASD-specific support, housing support, and funding brokerage. They supplement direct services with the GROW Education Series offering financial literacy and rights education workshops. ABLE2 also hosts signature community events including the Evening in the Maritimes annual fundraiser, the Annual Picnic, and Holiday Dinner & Dance, all designed with full accessibility accommodations. Their Matching Connect virtual program extends support beyond geographic limitations. The organization does not operate as a technology product company but rather as a service-based nonprofit.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Products and services
- Matching Program A volunteer matching program that pairs community volunteers (Allies) with individuals with disabilities (Friends) to build intentional one-on-one relationships through shared activities and time, reducing social isolation for people with disabilities in Ottawa.
- Matching Connect (Connect Friendly Callers) A virtual extension of the Matching Program that connects volunteers with people with disabilities through weekly phone, video, or online interactions to reduce loneliness and social isolation, extending ABLE2's reach beyond Ottawa.
- Reach Legal Services (Legal Referral) Free legal referral services for clients with disabilities, providing access to volunteer lawyers, paralegals, and mediators who offer pro bono legal support. Operates under the Reach Legal Services umbrella within ABLE2 following the 2023 merger with Reach Canada.
- Fetal Alcohol Resource Program (FARP) Education, advocacy, and support services for individuals with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) and their families, delivered in partnership with CHEO (Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario).
- Housing Support (PDPF Adult Protective Services) Support services that help adults with disabilities in Ottawa access and maintain stable housing, including personal directive and protective services support.
- Funding Brokerage Assistance helping individuals with disabilities navigate and access available funding opportunities (such as ODSP, RDSP, Henson Trusts, and other disability-related funding sources).
- GROW Education Series A free community education workshop and webinar series covering financial literacy, disability rights, estate planning, FASD, social assistance programs (ODSP, Ontario Works), and other topics relevant to people with disabilities, families, and service providers.
- Evening in the Maritimes ABLE2's flagship annual fundraiser held at the Westin Ottawa featuring Maritime cuisine, live music, a live auction, raffle, and table purchases. Celebrated its 30th anniversary in 2026 and has raised over $4 million since 1995.
- Annual Picnic Accessible annual outdoor community event at Andrew Haydon Park with barbecue, games, and entertainment, designed to be inclusive for people with disabilities and their families.
- Holiday Dinner & Dance Annual themed holiday celebration bringing together community members for a plated dinner, dancing, prizes, and refreshments, held at the Hellenic Event Centre with full accessibility services and ParaTranspo support.
- Voices of ABLE2 Podcast A podcast launched in October 2025 to highlight stories from the disability community and amplify voices of people with disabilities, families, and allies in Ottawa.
- Community Education (Speaker Requests) Availability for organizations to request ABLE2 speakers for community education on disability topics, accessibility, inclusion, and awareness.
Quantifiable outcome
- Over 20,000 event attendees and $4 million raised since 1995 through Evening in the Maritimes alone
- +2 more outcomes
Companies that use ABLE2
Customer profileNamed customers2 records
Segments4 records
Ideal customer profiles4 records
ABLE2 technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed No
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
ABLE2 partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
Nine partnerships are on record, tiered core, major and minor.
- Reach CanadacoreReach Canada provides free legal services to people with disabilities and merged with ABLE2 in February 2023. The organization offers legal referral services, including volunteer lawyers, paralegals, and mediators who provide free legal services to disabled clients. They operate under the Reach Legal Services umbrella within ABLE2.
- CHEO (Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario)coreCHEO partners with ABLE2's Fetal Alcohol Resource Program (FARP) to provide education, advocacy, and support for individuals with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) and their families.
- WhimblemajorWhimble provides personal care attendants at ABLE2 events to help with personal care, feeding, and other accessibility needs. They are a key accessibility partner for events like the Annual Picnic.
- Fitz's Classic Grill BBQ Smoke HouseminorFitz's provides catering for ABLE2's Annual Picnic events, preparing buffet-style barbecue with gluten-free, vegan, and vegetarian options.
- PooranLawminorToronto-based law firm that partnered with ABLE2 for a GROW Series webinar on Microboards, providing expert legal guidance on nonprofit organizations for disability support.
- Kenneth Pope LawminorEstate planning and disability law specialist who partnered with ABLE2 for GROW webinars on special needs and disability estate planning, including Henson Trusts and RDSPs.
- Community Legal Services of Ottawa (CLSO)majorCLSO partnered with ABLE2 for GROW webinars on Ontario social assistance programs (ODSP and Ontario Works), eviction process, and legal safeguards for tenants with disabilities.
- Westin OttawaminorThe Westin Ottawa hotel hosts the Evening in the Maritimes annual fundraiser event.
- Hellenic Event CentreminorHellenic Event Centre hosts ABLE2's Annual Holiday Dinner & Dance with free parking and accessibility features.
Scale indicators11 records
Recent moves7 records
Expansion highlights4 records
ABLE2 competitors and assessment
Company assessmentDirect peers
- Community Living Ontario: Provincial umbrella supporting people with intellectual disabilities through member agencies across Ontario. Most comparable as another Ontario-based, person-centered disability support nonprofit with matching-style and community participation programs.
- March of Dimes Canada: National nonprofit providing disability services including employment support, accessible housing, and post-stroke recovery. Operates programs closely parallel to ABLE2's matching, housing support, and funding brokerage offerings.
- Inclusion Canada: National federation advocating for people with intellectual disabilities and their families, with provincial chapters running direct support and education programs. Comparable to ABLE2's family/caregiver-focused and education mission.
- Easter Seals Canada: National disability charity delivering programs and services for people with physical disabilities, including camp and recreation, accessibility, and direct family support. Closely parallel mission and donor-funded operating model.
- Spinal Cord Injury Canada: Canadian nonprofit serving individuals with spinal cord injuries through peer support, advocacy, and accessibility services. Comparable structure of one-on-one matching, peer programs, and disability-focused education.
- Plan Institute: Canadian charity focused on disability planning, including RDSPs, wills, and future planning for people with disabilities. Directly comparable to ABLE2's funding brokerage and GROW estate-planning webinars.
- CNIB (Canadian National Institute for the Blind): National nonprofit delivering programs for people who are blind or partially sighted, including one-on-one support, education, and advocacy. Comparable as a multi-program, donor-funded Canadian disability support charity.
- Autism Canada: National autism advocacy and support organization offering education, resources, and community programs. Comparable in scale, donor-funded structure, and education/webinar-driven outreach approach.
- Brain Injury Association of Canada: Canadian nonprofit supporting people with acquired brain injuries through advocacy, education, and community programs. Operates with similar grassroots, association-style structure to ABLE2.
Broad incumbents
- Multiple Sclerosis Society of Canada: Large national voluntary health organization funding research and delivering services to people affected by MS. Comparable in mission framing (disability/chronic condition support), donor model, and chapter-based program delivery, though with much larger scale.
Market position
Strengths4 records
Weaknesses4 records
Competitive moat3 records
Key risks5 records
Key highlights6 records
Customer concentration
ABLE2 social profiles
Digital presenceABLE2 financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
ABLE2 leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles2 records
ABLE2 funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds1 record
Investors1 record
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
ABLE2 M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about ABLE2
What does ABLE2 do?
ABLE2 is a charitable non-profit organization that delivers programs and services supporting people of all ages across the disability spectrum in Ottawa. Its core offerings include the Matching Program (volunteer-to-participant one-on-one relationships), free legal referral through Reach Legal Services, the Fetal Alcohol Resource Program in partnership with CHEO, housing support, funding brokerage, and the GROW Education Series of community workshops. Signature fundraising and community events (Evening in the Maritimes, Annual Picnic, Holiday Dinner & Dance) complement direct services and the Voices of ABLE2 podcast.
Is ABLE2 a public or private company?
ABLE2 is a private company. It is classified as nonprofit foundation owned and is currently operating.
When was ABLE2 founded?
ABLE2 was founded in 1975. It employs 11 to 50 people.
Where is ABLE2 based?
ABLE2 is headquartered in Ottawa, Canada, in the North America region.
How does ABLE2 make money?
Six revenue lines are on record. Individual Donations are the primary driver. The others are corporate Sponsorships, membership Fees, event Fundraising, government Grants and third-Party Fundraisers.
Who are ABLE2's main competitors?
Direct peers on record are Community Living Ontario, March of Dimes Canada, Inclusion Canada, Easter Seals Canada, Spinal Cord Injury Canada, Plan Institute, CNIB (Canadian National Institute for the Blind), Autism Canada and Brain Injury Association of Canada. Multiple Sclerosis Society of Canada is listed as a broad incumbent.
Does ABLE2 have an API?
No public API is recorded for ABLE2.
What industry is ABLE2 in?
ABLE2's product category is Disability Support Services. Its primary akta.pro industry code is BPAGACAG, Disability Services & Independent Living Support, with a secondary code of BPAGAEAG, Disability Services & Independent Living Support. Its NAICS code is 62412 and its SIC code is 8300.