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Ability Online has a diverse and dedicated volunteer Board of Directors drawn from all walks of life.
They share the dream of making Ability Online a place like no other, and they work hard in all kinds of ways to make that dream come true. They keep their eyes on the prize of continually improving the service we offer to our members. Board meetings are animated discussions full of good ideas that are limited only by the realities of time and money. We’re working on those!
I believe that we all need to give something back to the world for what it has so generously given to us, and I believe a charity is a good place to start. A charity that focuses on children is even better, because kids are our future. And some children need more help than others. So, when I went in search of the right children’s charity, I had some goals.
I was interested in one that was not yet well-established, because then it would truly appreciate me when I got involved. I also wanted one that was not specific to one illness or disease; a charity that crossed all boundaries and was not an exclusive club - if you can think of having a disease as being in a club. It’s one way of looking at it. The ideal charity would be one that covered all geographic areas in the world without being limited in its reach by bricks and mortar. And, finally, it would be an organization that would not abandon the child when adulthood arrived; one that would never leave anyone out in the cold.
I found all of this in Ability Online. And I’ve found the work we do to be truly inspiring. Even though I can’t stop in at the local pediatric centre to visit our members and check out how they’re doing, I can read their happiness and growing confidence in their messages. And I can imagine smiling faces in a world where people are not judged by how they look, or act.
When I took on the responsibility of involvement with Ability Online, I took on the task of making it a better place for children by working hard to find the funds and the energy to give them the online tools they need to surpass their disabilities and disadvantages. We don’t have them all yet, but we’re working on it.
Being a bit of a music buff, the chorus from a song comes to mind....
“We are the world, we are the children
We are the ones who make a brighter day
So lets start giving
There's a choice we're making
We're saving our own lives
It’s true we'll make a better day
Just you and me”
Email: miket@abilityonline.org
George Kyriakis, Vice-Chair – Director, Education Sales & Marketing, Microsoft Canada
Children inspire me. I joined the Board at Ability Online to apply my skills in order to help them expand their reach and online services to children.
Hopefully a child out there will log on to Ability Online for the first time as a result of my efforts and will be inspired, too.
Andrew Crighton, Executive – Founder and Principal, iPrimate Communications
I am a person who believes in possibility. What sets us primates apart from other animals is that we can reach farther toward seemingly impossible goals by putting tools to work. The computer is arguably the most powerful tool ever invented. It grants us amazing powers to extend our reach, especially in the online world.
It just makes sense that those who most need such a tool – young people with disabilities – should have special programs, projects and a support network to help them realize the benefits of computing. That’s why I’m involved in Ability Online. I foresee a future where everyone has what they need to get an equal shot at possibility, and no-one gets ‘dissed’ for their lack of ability.
Cara Flemming, Executive – Director of Operations and Controller, Shared Information Management Services, University Health Network
I feel fortunate that Ability Online and I found each other. I've spent most of my career in healthcare information management and finance. It’s rewarding, but a bit abstract, so to be able to serve an organization whose purpose is to "enhance the lives of young people with disabilities or illness by providing an online community of friendship and support" is a great fit.
I've gained an enormous amount of new knowledge, and hopefully made a worthwhile contribution to an exceptional organization.
Robyn Grant, Secretary – Partner, Borden Ladner Gervais LLP
I am fortunate and delighted to be a Board member and supporter of Ability Online, an organization that empowers children with disabilities.
By providing a supportive online environment where learning and friendships can flourish, I think that Ability Online goes a long way to removing some barriers and challenges that might otherwise face disabled children in their everyday lives. Children are our future and deserve all opportunities that we can help make available to them.
Barbara Anthony – Coordinator, Recreation Awareness Program, Bloorview Kids Rehab
I support Ability Online because it creates opportunities for children and youth with disabilities to say: "I can, I will!"
By connecting participants electronically, in a safe and nurturing environment, Ability Online helps them to make friends, have fun, learn new things and enjoy a special sense of belonging. I believe all children and youth with disabilities should have the chance to experience "the wind beneath their wings" through the unique magic of Ability Online.
David Ballantine – Senior Sales Vice-President , Allstream Wholesale, International & Carrier Services, MTS Allstream
Scott Gasson – Director, Internal Audit, Corby Distilleries Ltd.
Throughout my life and career I've recognized the importance of breaking down barriers. I am now privileged to be associated with an organization that provides an environment that frees young people from physical or emotional barriers related to a disability or illness. I feel the networking opportunities provided to the children's parents to openly talk with others in similar situations is an invaluable service. I hope that my contribution will continue to foster the "I Can" and "I Will" attitude embraced by all those in the Ability Online community.
Nadir Hirji – Partner, Accenture Health and Life Sciences Practice
I feel privileged to be a part of a great organization like ABOL. With everything that is happening in our world today and the pressures of society, I can't think of a better cause than helping children, all children, be children.
ABOL provides that opportunity by enabling children to work together to fully participate in society. This builds confidence, friendship, and social activism among ABOL members.
Working and helping children has always been a passion for me. From coaching at the YMCA, to being on the scholarship board committee of the Childrens Aid Foundation, to sponsoring a child in Africa, there is no better cause than trying to help children achieve their potential. I hope my experience helping companies transform processes, move services online, and become more customer centric will help ABOL meet it current and future vision and help more children to achieve their potential
John So – Constable, Peel Regional Police
My involvement with Ability Online stems from a genuine belief in the Peel Regional Police’s vision for a safer community.
Ability Online is a small community unto itself, and one where safety and security are paramount.
Ron Withers – Director, Enterprise Services, Microsoft Canada
Ability Online is a wonderful way for me to contribute to improving the world, by improving the lives of others.
I can’t think of a more worthwhile purpose than to channel my time, energy and ideas to enable very special children to realize their full potential.
