Early Years

The Anxiety Disorders Association of Ontario (ADAO) was incorporated as a charitable non-profit organization in 1997. It was originally founded by Cheryl Driskell as the Agoraphobia and Peer Volunteer Association (APVA), with the goal of helping people who were housebound with agoraphobia. Cheryl had lived with panic attacks for 27 years and had developed severe agoraphobia. She was distressed by the discrimination, loneliness, and isolation that she faced, all of which increased her sense of hopelessness and powerlessness. She also discovered there was little community support for or understanding of her condition.

Over time, Cheryl transformed her experiences into action by founding APVA. She wanted those affected by anxiety to know they were not alone and that they would be accepted just as they were. APVA also wanted to educate the community about anxiety disorders, and dispel stigma, ignorance, and discrimination.

Creation of ADAO

In its early stages, APVA focused on developing a volunteer companion program for people with agoraphobia and panic. As APVA became better known, it started receiving more calls and requests for support for a variety of anxiety conditions. As a result, in 1999 the directors broadened the organization’s mandate and changed the name to Anxiety Disorders Association of Ontario (ADAO). ADAO branched out into other areas of interest developing anxiety and panic management workshops, raising awareness of anxiety through promotional materials, and publishing a quarterly newsletter for its members. ADAO was also involved in promoting services and programs for people affected by anxiety in Ottawa; one of these programs eventually developed into a 14-week Anxiety Management Program.

ADAO Today

While ADAO has undergone many changes since 1997, it is still fundamentally a community-based organization focused on the needs of people affected by anxiety. ADAO knows there is a wide range of approaches to anxiety, and it provides information and support to individuals regardless of their existing treatment and management options and to their loved ones.

It is important to note that ADAO does not provide therapy or therapeutic services to individuals.

ADAO is a registered charity that relies on the generosity of its supporters, partners and volunteers. ADAO does not receive any local, provincial or federal funding.