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Who We Are 

The Ontario Spondylitis Association (OSA) is a province wide nonprofit volunteer association formed by people with ankylosing spondylitis (AS) and its associated diseases, their families, friends and health care professionals.

OSA was founded by the late Dr. Hugh Little convincing patients in 1985 about the value of patient education.  Early patients realized that a wide range of discussion between themselves and their rheumatologists was a very valuable process of educating themselves on AS and how to live with it. OSA was created under the auspices of The Arthritis Society, Ontario Division.

In 2005, the OSA is celebrated 20 years of providing education and services to people living with AS. The donations of members and their fundraising efforts have enabled OSA to fund research scientists working on the disease to shed light on controlling symptoms and the eventual care of AS. OSA has, over the last few years, donated $75,000 towards such work.

Our Vision

Sharing hope, help and support through research, education and communication

Our Mission

To provide an Association for people with anklylosing spondylitis and related diseases that supports and promotes continouous education, improved health and wellness for all family members and a dedicated commitment to raising funds for AS research

Aim of the OSA

• To provide education and information to people with ankloysing spondyltitis, their families, general practitioners, rheumatologists, physiotherapists and other members of the medical community
• To establish local contacts in communities in Ontario that could provide support for people with AS and related diseases in and around those communities
• To sponsor forums for the purpose of promoting medical, health and wellness issues that would enable mutual support and self management of the disease
• To provide funding for medical and scientific research into the causes of the disease and to help identify people willing to participate in research projects
• To provide an interactive forum to promote individual sharing of experiences and tips relating to AS and related diseases that would help others

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