This Monday (February 20th) is Family Day! Many Canadians will have the opportunity to step away from work and spend some much-needed quality time with their loved ones. Please note that our offices will be closed so our team can do exactly that.

Meaningfully engaging with family, be it your parents, siblings, children, or chosen family, is incredibly important to leading a happy life. According to the Highland Spring Clinic, family time reduces stress, improves mental health, and lengthens life expectancy.

This weekend might also provide an opportunity to visit seniors or family members whose health may impact their mobility.  If you notice any fall risks or if your visit brings questions to mind about a loved one's safety in or around their home, an occupational therapy assessment might be helpful.

As such, we encourage everyone to seize the day and have spend time with your favourite people. Here are some local suggestions to guide your holiday:

Hiking Trails
- Gatineau Park (Gatineau)
- Mer Bleue Bog (Ottawa)
- Pinhey Trail (Ottawa)
- Lemoine Point (Kingston)
- Lyn Valley (Kingston)
- Pembroke Waterfront Park (Pembroke)

Museums
- The Canadian Museum of Nature (Ottawa)
- The Canada Science and Technology Museum (Ottawa)
- Marine Museum of the Great Lakes (Kingston)

Indoor Recreation
- LaserMaxx (Ottawa)
- Merivale Bowling Centre (Ottawa)
- The Fun Zone (Kingston)
- Putt N' Blast (Kingston)

Tomorrow marks the annual International Day of Persons with Disabilities.

Launched by the United Nations in 1992, the occasion celebrates the contributions of people with disabilities, promotes their rights and well-being, and increases awareness, understanding, and acceptance.

Modern OT recognizes the importance of this day’s message of inclusion, equality, and accessibility for all individuals, and works with clients to help them overcome perceived barriers or biases to remain active in their community.

Today, and every day, we should remember the importance of imagining a better future for everyone. The disability rights movement recognizes that people with disabilities are instrumental members of our community who must be represented in the way society is organized.

We invite our readers to check out the resources in this article to access disability-related support and learn more about creating a just world for all.

Join Modern OT and others at this year's Brain Injury Association of the Ottawa Valley (BIAOV) Fall Fundraiser.  Together we are helping brain injury survivors and their families build skills, make connections, and find support in their community! 

Tickets are still available and can be purchased on Eventbrite: https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/biaov-15th-annual-fall-fundraiser-tickets-424465065437

When: Wednesday October 19, 2022

Time: 5:00-8:00pm

Where: Bayview Yards, 7 Bayview Station Road, Ottawa (Home of Invest Ottawa)

Dress: Business Casual

Tickets: $100 each

What to expect:  Live music, Raffle, 50/50, food stations and bar.
Please note that there is no ATM on site. The bar and raffle will accept debit and credit purchases, and 50/50 will be cash-only.

Thank you for your support!
See you there!