About the Open Access Resource Centre

Learn more about the OARC...

about

mission statement

2010-2011 Annual Report(.pdf)

staff

donors

volunteer opportunities

Check out our collection of iTouch/iPad apps for individuals with special needs

For Information about Upcoming Workshops and our
Spring Conference
go to the
education page .

You can make a secure online donation, click on the button below...
$Donate Now Through CanadaHelps.org!\$

Recent CBC Radio Interview highlighting the status of OARC

Parking Info: We are now located at 316 Tache Avenue whiich is the same building as the PharmaPlus at the corner of Marion St. and Tache Ave. Free parking is available on Marion Street, Tache Ave and surrounding side streets but please be aware of the time restrictions (1 to 2 hours depending on the location) and aftrernoon rush hour restrictions (3:30 pm to 5:30 pm). For quick drop offs and pick ups you can stop at the back of the back of the building by the loading door.

About the Open Access Resource Centre

The Open Access Resource Centre (OARC) is dedicated to enriching the lives of Manitobans with speech impairments through the use of communications devices. The Centre provides information on the types and functions of various devices, and operates an extensive equipment loan program.

Established as a pilot project by the Association for Community Living-Winnipeg (ACL-Winnipeg) in 1989, OARC was incorporated in 1997. In June 2000, the Centre received charitable status. Currently, the Centre receives its operating funds from Manitoba Family Services and Housing.

OARC highlighted on Shaw Cable

Check out this short (1 minute) video featuring OARC.

Our Mission Statement

Open Access Resource Centre, a community-based resource, provides Manitobans with impaired communication with:

access to equipment, by offering short-term equipment loans,
and training and consultation to increase knowledge of communications technology.

top of page

Annual Report

To view the 2010 - 2011 Annual Report - choose click here.

Staff

	Executive Director Lori Wiebe Lori brings to the Open Access Resource Centre (OARC) more than 15 years' experience working with children with disabilities and their families. A member of the staff since 1994, Lori shares her extensive knowledge of communications devices with individuals, other health professionals, and care givers.
	Manager of Development Sherri Garrity Sherri brings a strong background in public relations, marketing, business development and fundraising through her 25 year career in the public, non-profit and private sectors in Winnipeg. She joined OARC in June 2011 filling a term position. Sherri is an active community volunteer and has served on several boards and committees, including the Association of Fundraising Professionals. She is currently volunteering as a horse handler for the Manitoba Riding for the Disabled and as a professional marketing services provider for (SPARK), a service of The Canadian CED Network that matches community organizations in Winnipeg with volunteers who have specialized skills.
	Administrative Assistant Doris Fierback Doris began at OARC in September 2004. She brings several years of experience working as Administrative Support Person for a private Occupational Therapy service as well as a private Speech and Language Pathologist.
	Speech - Language Pathologist Val Buissé With over 19 years of experience as an SLP Val joined the OARC staff in August 2007. She brings with her an extensive knowledge of Speech Generating Devices (SGDs) having speciallized in the area of Augmentative and Alternative Communication for the past 14 years. With a strong committment to enriching the lives of non-verbal individuals through the proper use of SGDs she is an integral part of our organization.

top of page

Donors

The Open Access Resource Centre (OARC) is a non-profit organization that relies on donations to maintain and expand its equipment inventory. Donations made, contribute toward ensuring the Equipment Loan Program remains progressive.

Thank you to the following Corporations and Foundations who have chosen to invest in our community:

BMO Employees' Foundation
Cerebral Palsy Association of Canada
DeFehr Foundation
IBM
Kiwanis Club of Winnipeg
Manitoba Community Places Program
Manitoba Community Services Council
Manitoba Family Services & Housing
Manitoba Hydro Employees Charitable Fund
President's Choice Children's Charity
Ronald McDonald House Charities
The Paterson Foundation
The Jewish Foundation
The Joe Brain Foundation
The Winnipeg Foundation
Thomas Sill Foundation
Winnnipeg Goldeyes - Field of Dreams Foundation
Youth in Philanthropy

click on the logo to find out more: or download this .pdf to get involved with the Goldeyes Ks for Kids program.

We would especially like to thank the many individuals who have generously chosen to support OARC.

top of page

Volunteer Opportunities

You can become involved in Open Access Resource Centre (OARC) by:

      serving as a member of the Board of Directors.
      speaking at a seminar about the importance and usefulness of augmentative communication devices.
      helping in the organization of an event.

about lending program equipment education news FAQ's home

Open Access Resource Centre
316 Tache Avenue, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada R2H 2A4
tel: 1-204-949-2430 fax: 1-204-775-2385
e-mail: oarc@oarc.ca

copyright © 2002