OAFCCD History

The Ontario Association for Families of Children with Communication Disorders started off as a small group of concerned parents and professionals. After incorporation in 1994 as a non-profit charity, OAFCCD has grown to a provincial organization that helps families of children with communication disorders to help give their children a voice.

OAFCCD was part of the movement that successfully lobbied the provincial government to implement the Preschool Speech and Language Programs in 1997. OAFCCD members actively advocate for services and programs in the schools and in the community.

In the past fourteen 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 Web Site  and by local Chapters. Chapters  are run by parent volunteers and have been set up across the province.    The Web Site 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.