OAFCCD was legally incorporated in 1994 by parents and professionals concerned that the needs of children with communication disorders were not being adequately met. There was a need for a provincial organization to provide a voice for children who could not speak for themselves.
 
The goals of OAFCCD are:

• To offer assistance and support to families of children with communication disorders.
• To assist children with communication disorders and their families to access appropriate treatment and support services.
• To disseminate information to the community about communication disorders and the needs of families and children with communication disorders.
• To achieve the above, and to increase public awareness, a Resource Inventory will be established, and a provincial network of chapters will be set up.

In the past eight years OAFFCD has grown rapidly, with more than 1000 members joining the organization.  Services, including parent support, information on speech and language disorders and on community services, are provided by the Provincial Co-ordinator, through the WebSite  and by local Chapters. Chapters  are run by parent volunteers and have been set up across the province.    The WebSite provides information about OAFCCD activities and links to many other organizations that can help children and their families.

Members of OAFCCD have been very active in community planning, including participation in the development of the  Preschool Speech and Language Services..  OAFCCD Chapter representatives also participate in the Special Education Advisory Committees (SEAC) of District School Boards across the province.  At the provincial level, representatives from OAFCCD have also been actively involved in policy consultations and reviews.

OAFCCD is funded through membership fees and grants from the Ontario Trillium Foundation, Ronald McDonald Children’s Charities of Canada and the Harmonize for Speech Fund of the Ontario Barbershop Singers.  OAFCCD has an annual budget of approximately $25,000 and has one part-time staff.  OAFCCD activities are organized from a home office, with meetings held in a variety of community locations.

Membership of OAFCCD is open to families and professionals who have a concern about communication disorders.  Membership fees are $25.00 annually, with $5.00 allocated to Chapter development. OAFCCD is a registered charitable organization and donations are eligible for tax receipts.
 

For further information, call Alison Morse at (519)842-9506