City of Ottawa - Celebrate Seniors Month with the City of Ottawa!

 

June is Seniors Month in Ontario and the theme this year is stay safe, active and connected. What better way to celebrate than to enjoy the many courses and programs being offered through the City of Ottawa right now. Until we can meet again in person, please check out the extensive list of recreational, cultural, and interest-based virtual programs below, including registration information.

Wellness Fridays Free Wellness Activities for Seniors Ottawa Public Library is delighted to announce the launch of Aging Well Together at the Library: Wellness Fridays programs, offered by the Library in partnership with the City of Ottawa and funded by the Older Adult Plan. The Wellness Fridays for seniors programs are free! They start this June for Seniors Month and will continue through to December.  Programs are held on Zoom Friday mornings every week in English, and twice a month in French. Participants may also join by phone (via Zoom) if they do not have access to a computer or the internet. Each topic will have a two-part program. Themes for program topics will include drawing, movement (Tai chi and yoga, for example), and writing and journaling.  We have complimentary activity kits for each program, including supplies and instructions. Registration on the Ottawa Public Library website is required; supplies and spaces are limited so register early to reserve your spot and your kit! We will email you a week before the program begins to arrange for the pickup location of your kit.   Registration is already open for the first classes in the series: In English: Telling Life Stories Art Journaling In French: Dessin de la nature Zen et mandala Histoires de vie Further classes will be announced soon on the Wellness Fridays blog post. To register, you need an Ottawa Public Library card, which is free to all Ottawa residents.  You can get a temporary card online or call InfoService 613-580-2940. For questions or help with registration, please contact us:  WellnessFridays.Vendredissante@ottawa.ca

Virtual Programs for Older Adults 50+ Staying active and occupied with live-streamed, interactive classes are a perfect way to promote physical and mental well-being. This summer the City of Ottawa's Recreation,  Culture and Facility Services department are offering a variety of physical activities, interest courses, and fun workshops. The courses are hosted on Zoom. Visit us online to see the programs currently available. A complete list of our summer programs will be available at the end of June or early July. All programs and workshops are offered in English. For questions or assistance in registering, please contact us:  virtual.virtuel@ottawa.ca

Encounters with Artists Celebrating National Indigenous History Month In celebration of National Indigenous History Month, the Shenkman Arts Centre is launching a new program for Older Adults called Encounters with Artists. On June 14 and 21, The Good Companions Centre, Seniors Centre Without Walls will broadcast two incredible musical and storytelling events for Older Adults. The live broadcasts are through telephone-based conference calls. On Monday June 14, Twin Flames will take Older Adult listeners on a musical journey across Canada and the Arctic, echoing the voices of their ancestors, and depicting life on the land. Together, Chelsey June (Métis) and Jaaji (Inuk, Mohawk) represent several Indigenous groups in Canada. Their songs are written in English, French and Inuktitut. Through music, they share the beauty of their cultures and incorporate both traditional Indigenous and western instruments. One week later, on Monday June 21st, Indigenous Experiences will share stories that hold the knowledge, memories, and identity of Turtle Island First Nations people and communities. Older Adults will learn of the diversity and richness of Indigenous culture through these unique and authentic traditional stories. If interested in joining these live-broadcasts, please connect with The Good Companions Centre, Seniors Centre Without Walls at 613-236-0428 ext. 2323 or by email, scww@thegoodcompanions.ca. There is no fee and no internet access is required, just a telephone line. The Encounters with Artists series, in partnership with MASC, will continue to offer pre-recorded and live-streaming meetups between artists in French or English and Older Adults in Ottawa throughout 2021. Encounters with Artists has been generously funded by the City of Ottawa's Older Adult Plan.   For more information or if you’d like to book an Encounter, please contact jolynn.sommervill@ottawa.ca.

City of Ottawa - COVID-19 in Ottawa: Weekly roundup

 

What's new

Covid-19 and Vaccine Updates: To date, nearly 580,000 doses of vaccines have been administered in Ottawa and more than 60 per cent of adults have received at least one dose. The pace of vaccination continues to increase with more than 67,000 doses administered in Ottawa last week – the highest weekly total to date. The City of Ottawa and Ottawa Public Health are launching a new series of pop-up clinics to reach residents of priority neighbourhoods beginning Monday, May 31. All adults age 80 and older may book their second dose vaccine appointments through the provincial booking system beginning Monday, May 31. Youth aged 12 and over in Ottawa can begin booking appointments to receive the COVID-19 vaccine at community clinics. The government of Ontario released its Three-Step Roadmap to safely reopen the province based on the provincewide vaccination rate and improvements in key public health and health care indicators. Some City outdoor amenities, including splash pads, have opened up. As the City receives more vaccines from the Province and the provincial booking system is updated, more appointments will become available. Visit the City’s Vaccine distribution page for more information. Use the OPH COVID-19 Vaccine Eligibility Screening Tool to see if you can currently receive the COVID-19 vaccine, and visit the Frequently asked questions page for more information about COVID-19 vaccinations.

The latest from Ottawa Public Health

After you receive your first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine please continue to wear a mask, stay home and get tested when sick, and stay two metres apart from those living outside your household. Until we reach #CommunityImmunity, we must stay the course. Are you wondering how to talk to your children about getting the COVID-19 vaccine? KidsHealthFirst.ca has resources to help you and your family feel more confident about COVID-19 vaccines. There are many ways to prevent burnout. Find coping strategies that work for you, keep a routine as much as possible and practise positive self-talk. Most importantly, ask for help when you need it. Visit the OPH website for more information on protecting your mental health. Got questions about the COVID-19 vaccines and the ongoing vaccine rollout in our community? A great place to find answers is our COVID-19 Vaccines FAQ page. Watch Eugene Luanda, a social worker with Ottawa Public Health, share his COVID vaccine story, including his experience and how he dealt with personal and societal views surrounding the vaccines. Join us on Saturday May 29 at 4 pm for a Zoom presentation and Q&A session about COVID-19 vaccines in Kirundi!

City of Ottawa - Adults 80 and older can book second doses Monday to begin two-dose summer in Ottawa

 Beginning Monday, May 31 at 8 am, all adults age 80 and older (born in 1941 or earlier) may book their second dose vaccine appointments through the provincial booking system. This applies to both those who booked their first doses through the provincial system and those who booked their first doses through Ottawa Public Health.

Visit Ontario.ca/bookvaccine to access the provincial booking system or call the provincial vaccine booking line at 1-833-943-3900 between 8 am and 8 pm, seven days a week. Only book or call if you are eligible. 

Booking availability may be limited due to vaccine supply. If you received your first dose on March 5, 6 or 7 Ottawa Public Health will contact you for guaranteed access to an appointment for June 26, 27 and 28. These residents also have the option of booking their second dose sooner, should they be able to secure an earlier appointment at a community clinic, or through the Pharmacy channel.

The Province of Ontario has announced reduced waiting periods between first and second doses. Beginning the week of June 14, adults 70 and older will be able to access the provincial booking system to book their second doses for an earlier date. The Province of Ontario’s vaccination rollout goal is for all Ontario residents who want a vaccine to have received both doses by the end of August.

Individuals who already have second dose appointments will keep their original appointments if they don't re-book for an earlier shot. Moving up the date of your second dose is optional.

For those who received in-home vaccinations and are not able to access the provincial booking system, more information will be provided regarding second doses.

Any individual in Ontario age 12 and older is eligible to book appointments for their first vaccine. If you have not yet booked your first dose, please visit Ontario.ca/bookvaccine or contact your local Pharmacy to book an appointment.

Sign up for the COVID-19 vaccination update e-subscription for regular news on the vaccine roll-out.

For more information
Visit ottawa.ca or OttawaPublicHealth.ca for more information about Ottawa’s vaccine distribution plan including information about:

• Accessibility
• "Hot spot" communities
• First Nation, Métis and Inuit populations
• Pharmacies
• Second doses
• Transportation to and from appointments
• Health cards

For more information on City programs and services, visit ottawa.ca or call 3-1-1 (TTY: 613-580-2401). You can also connect with us through Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

City of Ottawa - Additional vaccination appointments opening on Sunday and age limit lowered to 12 and over

Additional vaccination appointments will be opening on Sunday, May 23 at 8 am. In addition, youth aged 12 and over in Ottawa can begin booking appointments on Sunday to receive the COVID-19 vaccine at community clinics. To book an appointment online, these individuals must already be 12 years old as of the date of their booking.

The Pfizer vaccine is currently the only COVID-19 vaccine that has been authorized by Health Canada for use in individuals aged 12 and over.

Visit Ontario.ca/bookvaccine to access the provincial booking system or call the provincial vaccine booking line at 1-833-943-3900 between 8 am and 8 pm, seven days a week. Only book or call if you are eligible.

As an alternative to community clinics, the Province also announced that youth 12 and above may schedule appointments directly through select pharmacies administering the Pfizer vaccine.

Sign up for the COVID-19 vaccination update e-subscription for regular news on the vaccine roll-out including updates on second doses.

Accessibility at clinics
All clinic sites are accessible. If you require specific accommodations, please fill out the disability related accommodations request form at least 48 hours in advance to ensure your needs are met. If you need assistance completing the form, contact Ottawa Public Health at 613-691-5505.

For more information on what accessibility accommodations are available at the clinics or to access the form, visit OttawaPublicHealth.ca.

Walk-ins will not be accepted at community clinics

• This includes walk-ins for second doses
• This includes walk-ins at the end of the day
• Remaining doses at the end of the day will be administered to pre-booked or pre-registered individuals.

For more information
Visit ottawa.ca or OttawaPublicHealth.ca for more information about Ottawa’s vaccine distribution plan including information about:

• "Hot spot" communities
• First Nation, Métis and Inuit populations
• Pharmacies
• Second doses
• Transportation to and from appointments
• Health cards

For more information on City programs and services, visit ottawa.ca or call 3-1-1 (TTY: 613-580-2401). You can also connect with us through Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

City of Ottawa Accessibility Spotlight - May 2021

 

AccessAbility Day reminder

You are cordially invited to the annual City of Ottawa’s AccessAbility Day event. This year, due to COVID-19, the event will be held remotely over Zoom. Date: Thursday, May 27, 2021 Time: 10:00 a.m. to noon Registration is still open Please join Mayor Jim Watson, City Councillors, senior leaders, staff, Canadian Accessibility Network leaders (CAN), and residents as we mark this important day. This year’s event will focus on the barriers and benefits to inclusion in a virtual world. Mayor Jim Watson will provide remarks and present a proclamation marking AccessAbility Day. Speakers will discuss the City of Ottawa’s partnership with CAN, and panel members will have a moderated discussion on their lived experiences regarding virtual inclusivity. To promote the inclusion of all participants, the following supports are in place for the event: American Sign Language (ASL) Langue des signes québécoise (LSQ) Continuous real-time captioning in English and French Simultaneous French translation When registering, please let us know if you require any additional disability-related accommodations in order to participate.

ENABLE Ottawa reminder

The City of Ottawa, in partnership with Carleton University’s Canadian Accessibility Network (CAN) would like you to join us for the annual ENABLE Ottawa Conference. This year’s conference will be hosted during the National Accessibility Week, from June 1 – 3, 2021. ENABLE Ottawa is a free, three-day forum that brings together communities of accessibility professionals and people interested in learning about assistive and adaptive technologies. The forum will highlight how these technologies are helping to create universal, accessible experiences. The agenda will include keynotes & plenary sessions, panel discussions, and exhibitor showcases. The themes for the three days are the following: Day 1 - Tuesday, June 1 – Design & Innovation Day 2 - Wednesday, June 2 – Living Day 3 - Thursday, June 3 – Workplace & Education Registration is still open, get your free tickets for ENABLE Ottawa 2021.

Women and Gender Equity Strategy Panel Discussion

Dear Community Partners, Stakeholders and Allies, The City Council of Ottawa has recently approved its first Women and Gender Equity Strategy . To celebrate its launch, the City is holding a panel discussion to highlight the underpinning concepts and priorities of the WGES and discuss opportunities to advance women and gender equity in the time of COVID-19. We are pleased to invite you to attend the panel discussion titled “Women and Gender Equity – a continued commitment in challenging times” to be held on May 28th, 9:00 AM to 11:30 AM on Zoom. We are also pleased to announce our guest speaker, Anjum Sultana, the National Director of Public Policy & Strategic Communications at YWCA Canada. She was recently named a Global Woman of Distinction by the NGO Committee on the Status of Women, representing North America and Europe. The panel includes a number of women leaders who will share aspects of their work and speak to the City’s Women and Gender Equity Strategy. Attendees will also enjoy an art performance by Celina Cada-Matasawagon, an accomplished hoop dancer. While there is no cost to attend, registration is required before May 26th 4:00 PM EST. To register for this event, please visit Women and Gender Equity – A Continued Commitment in Challenging Times Tickets, Fri, 28 May 2021 at 9:00 AM | Eventbrite. Please share this invitation with contacts, colleagues and those in your circle who may be interested in attending. We look forward to hosting you on May 28, 2021! Women and Gender Equity Team Gender and Race Equity, Indigenous Relations, Diversity and Inclusion Branch Community and Social Services Department womengenderequity@ottawa.ca

Improved Para Transpo booking hours

Starting May 12, all Para Transpo customers can book next-day trips between 7 am and 5 pm on the day prior to their trip. Any customer can call the Reservation Line (Tel: 613-244-7272; TTY: 613-244-4833) at any time between 7 am and 5 pm. Para Transpo customers can also use the online trip reservation form between 7 am and 3:30 pm as a quick self-serve option for next-day or Statutory Holiday bookings. Expanding booking hours is the next in a series of improvements planned for Para Transpo customers. Over the past several years, these improvements have included: increasing capacity to accommodate more trips improving the phone queue system for customers who call to book their trips increasing staffing on the phone lines making it easier to use a Presto monthly pass on Para Transpo adding an initial online option for booking and cancelling trips OC Transpo continues to work on projects that deliver expanded online booking, cancellation, account management, trip arrival time, and allow the use of a Presto card onboard Para Transpo minibuses and taxis.

Assistive Technology in May through Ottawa Public Library

Within Ottawa Public Library’s regular digital literacy series “Tech Café”, we have organized a mini series on assistive devices and settings.  This series will be of interest to all wanting to know more about the options for assistive technology.  Assistive Technology in May Join us for a 3-session Assistive Technology series offered in partnership with Ottawa Foyers Partage on Thursday at 4 pm starting on May 13. First Steps in Getting Technology for Your Needs: Thursday, May 13, 4 pm Assistive Settings and Features on Your Device: Thursday, May 20, 4 pm Options for Obtaining Assistive Devices and Technology: Thursday, May 27, 4 pm Free, Registration for these online workshops is required on the Ottawa Public Library website through the links above.  No Library card is required as registration is done through Eventbrite. Please phone InfoService with questions 613-580-2940 Can’t make the date and time of the program?  No worries:  these sessions are being recorded and will be available a few weeks after the event through the Ottawa Public Library’s YouTube Channel.