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About Us
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About Us
The Open Access Resource Centre (OARC) is committed to improving the lives of Manitobans with communication challenges or who are non-speaking through the use of communication devices. OARC helps individuals receive their own long-term systems as well as providing the supports needed for successful implementation of a device as a communication tool.
There is an application form to fill out and submit to OARC to begin the process of acquiring a device for a child new to our services. OARC provides training and support for families who are maintaining the equipment, for support teams who are learning how to use devices and AAC apps, and for everyone around the successful implementation of such devices.
OARC staff work in a consultative capacity with your child's Speech-Language Pathologist (SLP). SLPs are professionals who have the education and training to provide essential support to you and your loved ones on your Augmentative & Alternative Communication (AAC) journey. We will work together to help you find the right AAC system (as it is not "one size fits all") and will help you and the people you communicate with learn to use AAC. We have a small library of equipment available for trial. This is intended to assist with determining the best access method or communication software for a particular child. An example of this may be when we are determining if eye gaze access or switch access may be appropriate. Your Speech-Language Pathologist may also work with an Occupational Therapist and a Physical Therapist when the AAC user has different physical skills that impact the way they interact with an AAC system.
We are fortunate in Manitoba to have a range of publicly funded Speech-Language Pathology services for both preschool and school age children that are available for free to families. Information on preschool-based services can be found through the Children’s Therapy Network of Manitoba: https://www.gov.mb.ca/fs/ctnm/index.html
For school-age children, services are often available through your child’s school or school division. It is recommended you speak with your child’s school directly about available services.
There is an application form to fill out and submit to OARC to begin the process of acquiring a device for a child new to our services. OARC provides training and support for families who are maintaining the equipment, for support teams who are learning how to use devices and AAC apps, and for everyone around the successful implementation of such devices.
OARC staff work in a consultative capacity with your child's Speech-Language Pathologist (SLP). SLPs are professionals who have the education and training to provide essential support to you and your loved ones on your Augmentative & Alternative Communication (AAC) journey. We will work together to help you find the right AAC system (as it is not "one size fits all") and will help you and the people you communicate with learn to use AAC. We have a small library of equipment available for trial. This is intended to assist with determining the best access method or communication software for a particular child. An example of this may be when we are determining if eye gaze access or switch access may be appropriate. Your Speech-Language Pathologist may also work with an Occupational Therapist and a Physical Therapist when the AAC user has different physical skills that impact the way they interact with an AAC system.
We are fortunate in Manitoba to have a range of publicly funded Speech-Language Pathology services for both preschool and school age children that are available for free to families. Information on preschool-based services can be found through the Children’s Therapy Network of Manitoba: https://www.gov.mb.ca/fs/ctnm/index.html
For school-age children, services are often available through your child’s school or school division. It is recommended you speak with your child’s school directly about available services.
Our Mission
To empower individuals with communication challenges, their families, and their communities by providing speech-generating devices and support so everyone's voice is valued.
Our Vision
Everyone has a voice and is heard.
Our Staff
Our dedicated team at the Open Access Resource Centre (OARC) is committed to improving the lives of Manitobans with communication challenges through the use of augmentative and alternative communication devices. Our staff are experienced professionals who are passionate about ensuring that every child has a voice and is heard. We provide consultation on evidence practices in the field of AAC and help teams identify the best system to suit their child's needs. We operate a small equipment loan program for determining access methods for a child who may be unable to use direct selection (touch). To ensure successful implementation of communication tools, we provide ongoing support and maintenance of devices acquired through us. Contact us today to learn more about how our wonderful staff can assist you!
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Marnie Loewen
Executive Assistant
Marnie Loewen
Executive Assistant
Marnie spent 7 years coordinating the Cerebral Palsy Association of Manitoba's annual stationary bike race fundraiser before returning to OARC in 2014. She has previously served on OARC's Board of Directors and worked part-time as an administrative assistant at OARC. Marnie's adult daughter communicates using a speech generating device and first borrowed a BIGmack from OARC's lending library back in 1995.
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Samantha Enns
Speech - Language Pathologist
Samantha Enns
Speech - Language Pathologist
Samantha (Sam) Enns is a dedicated Speech-Language Pathologist who joined our team in November 2022. She earned her Master of Clinical Science degree in Speech-Language Pathology from the University of Western Ontario. Prior to joining our team, Sam worked as rural clinician in the Interlake gaining valuable experience in both the educational and healthcare settings as well as private practice. Throughout her career she has gained experience working with AAC users, their families and support teams in diverse environments, including homes, schools, daycares, preschools, nursery schools and community settings. Sam is passionate about empowering teams with the skills they need to help children develop authentic and autonomous communication. Beyond her work with children and their support teams, Sam is enthusiastic about developing and leading interactive presentations and workshops on a variety of AAC topics. In her free time, Sam teaches acting classes to children and youth.
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Debby Wile
Administrative Assistant
Debby Wile
Administrative Assistant
Debby Wile began her Administrative Assistant position in April 2022. Debby has 15 years’ experience in accounting and administrative work environments. In her previous life, she worked as a graphic artist after graduating from Advertising Art. If you need to contact the office it will likely be Debby who answers your call and points you in the right direction.
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Leanne Sinclair
Assistive Technology Specialist
Leanne Sinclair
Assistive Technology Specialist
Leanne brings more than 15 years of experience creating, implementing, and delivering training programs. She has been supporting special needs families, and their teams, since joining OARC in 2018. She brings extensive knowledge of AAC and SGD’s, and provides the unique perspective of also being the parent of an AAC user. Leanne specializes in real-life modeling, introducing AAC to preschools, and incorporating literacy instruction. Leanne also manages most of OARC's social media.
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Val Buisse
Speech - Language Pathologist
Val Buissé
Speech - Language Pathologist
Val joined the OARC staff in August 2007. She brings with her an extensive knowledge of Speech Generating Devices (SGDs) having specialized in the area of Augmentative and Alternative Communication for the past 14 years. With a strong comittment to enriching the lives of non-verbal individuals through the proper use of SGDs she is an integral part of our organization.
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Our Board Of Directors
June 2024 - Present
Executive
Jennifer Barthel, President
Shellie Hatch, Past President
Rina Urish, Vice President
Steven Peleck, Secretary/Treasurer
Board Members
Elizabeth Grauer
Donna Passey
Dorian Phillips
Trish Guimond
Ashleen Scott
Kristina Ostermann
If you are interested in serving as a member of the Board of Directors, please contact us.
The Open Access Resource Centre (OARC) is dedicated to enriching the lives of Manitobans who have communication difficulties or who are non-speaking by providing access to Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC)
The Open Access Resource Centre acknowledges we are located upon Treaty #1 and the homeland of the Red River Metis Nation. We work in partnership with children, families and communities who reside on ancestral lands and traditional territories throughout Manitoba. We thank Mother Earth for life-sustaining waters. We understand all benefit from and take responsibility for these gifts.Open Access Resource Centre is committed to continued reflection and dialogue to ensure a place where everyone’s voice is heard.
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