Mission Statement:
To promote autonomy for adults with special needs through transferable skills training, volunteer experiences and recreation opportunities so that they may reach their own unique levels of independence.
Please note: our program is currently full. More info coming soon on how to join our waitlist.
In the meantime, please read the information below to learn more about the program.
WAVE (Work and Volunteer Experience) Ottawa is a work and recreation program for adults with special needs open to participants of all levels of ability. Founded by Dovercourt Recreation Association in April 2013, WAVE operates at the Centre. Through a combination of skills training, volunteer experience, and recreational activities WAVE staff help participants (referred to as apprentices) increase their independence at home, work, and in the community. The program also gives apprentices a chance to develop their social skills and build meaningful relationships with staff and peers.
The WAVE program runs Monday to Friday, 9:00 AM-3:00 PM. A typical day consists of work placements or skills training in the morning, followed by a recreational activity (usually swimming at Dovercourt or a walk through the community) in the afternoon. Throughout the day staff and apprentices work together to develop a wide range of different skills, including:
- Fine and Gross Motor Skills
- Communication and Social Skills
- Travel on Public Transit
- Goal Setting and Completion
Staff work closely with apprentices to tailor activities to each individual apprentice’s abilities, needs, and goals. This ensures that the skills being taught are relevant and sets the apprentices up for success.
Eligibility Requirements
In order to succeed in the assessment, program eligibility requirements must be demonstrated:
- The apprentice must have completed High School or be in their final year.
- The apprentice must be 19 years of age or older.
- The apprentice must reside in the Ottawa area.
- The apprentice must want to gain volunteer/work experience.
- The apprentice must be able to complete all toileting needs independently.
- The apprentice must be able to change independently for all planned activities.
- The apprentice may not demonstrate aggressive behaviour towards others.
- The apprentice must not be a flight risk while on-site or in the community.
- The apprentice must be able to eat his/her lunch and snacks independently.
- The apprentice must have independent mobility.
- The apprentice must be able to manage most transitions independently.
- The apprentice must be able to participate in community outings and at work placements.
If you or someone you know are interested in joining WAVE, know of a potential volunteer placement opportunity, or need more information about the program, please contact info@dovercourt.org, attention: Sarah Stewart
It’s here!
The Open Door Kitchen, the WAVE team’s new social enterprise, has done a ‘soft launch’, setting up the kitchen with new appliances, training WAVE apprentices, testing recipes and more.
Now, the Smart Vending Machine has arrived and is dispensing a variety of food items including homemade soup and healthy snacks in our upstairs lobby
Read more about the WAVE Kitchen project story on the Open Door webpage >
