In 2017 the OCA was awarded an EnAbling Change program grant by the Government of Ontario. The program provides funding to not-for-profit organizations to educate their stakeholders about accessibility, drive awareness about the value and benefits of accessibility, and support regulatory compliance.
The year-long Camps Committed to Inclusion Project goal was to enable the successful inclusion of more people with disabilities – staff, campers, families, and volunteers in Ontario’s camps.
Through workshops, webinars, and case studies, camps were provided with detailed information on the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA) and with tools and resources to assist them in their ongoing efforts to be more inclusive, welcoming, and responsive to campers, employees, and families with disabilities.
Volunteers from the OCA’s long-standing Camp Accessibility, Resource & Support Committee (formerly the Special Needs Resource Committee), OCA office staff, and a consultant from Accessibility Services Canada led the project.
Camp Accessibility, Resource & Support Committee (CARS) exists to advocate, educate and provide support on issues related to children and adults of varying backgrounds, abilities and medical needs, and the Ontario Camps Association (OCA) Accredited Member Camps who serve them along with their families/support agencies, etc.