OCDSB's Storefront Program: Where Everyday Heroes Transform Lives
The Ottawa-Carleton District School Board’s Storefront Program has long been a beacon of success, empowering young adults with intellectual disabilities to confidently enter the workforce. At the heart of this transformative program are two dedicated individuals, Nancy Ford and Tanya Ashton, who were recently honoured with the Everyday Hero award at the 2025 Developmental Disabilities & Possibilities Conference.
Each year, Storefront welcomes twelve young adults, aged 18 to 20, into a two- or three-year program that truly transforms them. They emerge not only with essential technical abilities but also with the indispensable "softer" social skills crucial for thriving in the workplace. The program's strength lies in its seamless integration of practical work experience, complete with dedicated job coaching, and classroom instruction designed to foster independence in areas like communication, personal finance, work-life skills, and healthy living.
Since its inception in 1989, Storefront has been instrumental in hundreds of success stories, preparing graduates for fulfilling employment or volunteer roles. The consistent, remarkable achievements of the program are a testament to the unwavering dedication of its staff.
Nancy Ford, a Job Coach and Educational Assistant, and Tanya Ashton, a Special Education Teacher, are the driving force behind Storefront's outsized impact. Their commitment to transforming the lives of these young adults is truly exceptional.
“We were proud to accept the award on behalf of the Storefront program in the Everyday Hero category,” said Nancy Ford.
Their profound influence is echoed by school leadership. Jason Rama, Principal of Ottawa Technical Secondary School, shared, "Nancy and Tanya have earned a well-deserved distinction! They teach and lead not for accolades but to profoundly and positively impact student trajectories as they transition from high school. Their work is absolutely heroic, and we could not be more proud of two amazing educators."
Matt Armstrong, Vice Principal at Ottawa Technical Secondary School, added, “It's a fantastic and well-deserved acknowledgement. While they are not motivated by recognition, this distinction highlights their significant impact in positively transforming lives.”
The Everyday Hero award is a fitting tribute to Nancy Ford and Tanya Ashton, whose tireless efforts continue to shape brighter futures for young adults in the Ottawa-Carleton District School Board.