Break barriers, build belonging.

We envision a world without barriers where all people can meaningfully participate and belong.

Together, we can create a world without barriers, where accessibility and inclusion are built in, not added on. People of all abilities are welcomed and empowered. Participation is possible for everyone, and belonging is a given.

A CanAssist client using assistive tech in a playground setting

Education

Icon of a graduation cap representing education

Education is one of society’s most powerful tools for transformation.

Education
A CanAssist client working with assistive tech

Employment

Icon of a briefcase representing employment

Employment is a cornerstone of autonomy, dignity, and wellness.

Employment
A CanAssist client riding a mountain bike with assistive technology

Health & Wellbeing

Icon of a sprouting plant representing health & wellbeing

Health & wellbeing begin with the ability to participate in everyday life.

Health & Wellbeing

Mission

Our mission is to address unmet needs of people, particularly those with disabilities, by advancing inclusion and accessibility provincially, nationally, and internationally.

Icon of a person in a wheelchair that is crossed out representing inaccessibility
Challenge
Three icons of people each standing on pillars representing education, employment, and health & wellbeing, surrounded by a wall that blocks off a person in a wheelchair representing an estimated $16.8 billion dollar annual GDP loss

A huge portion of society is being excluded despite being talented, willing, and capable.

Only 59% of Canadians with disabilities are employed, versus 80% without. Barriers in education, health, and inclusion limit opportunities and deepen inequities. Canada loses an estimated $16.8 billion annually due to disability underemployment.

Conference Board of Canada. (2018), Employment and Social Development Canada. (2018), Government of Canada. (2022).

A triumphant smiling CanAssist client working outdoors in a beautiful manicured natural setting
Icon of a person doing martial arts representing our response
Our Response

We're challenging ableism, stigma, systemic issues, and self-doubt.

We are committed to transforming the physical, digital, and socio-cultural environments that shape the lives of people living with a barrier or disability. We work with all ages and abilities, designing solutions on our pillars of employment, education, and health & wellbeing, that adapt to individuals’ evolving needs to promote access, inclusion, and independence.

Icon of something hitting a surface and exploding representing our impact
Impact

2.7k

ATs

2,764 technologies delivered to individuals with disabilities

3.7k

Individuals

3,727 youth and adults benefited from technology solutions

20k+

Downloads

20,000+ downloads of CanAssist software applications

630

Participants

630 individuals secured meaningful employment with 75% success rate

7.5k

Licenses

Secured 7,500 licenses for the CanWork BC youth tool

8k

Trainings

8,000 early learning and care professional trainings delivered

Icon of a graduation cap representing education
Education

CanAssist supports students and learning environments, addressing individual needs and educating the public about accessibility and inclusion.

We’re committed to removing barriers and providing support so individuals with disabilities can access learning at every life stage, while working to shift mindsets by embedding disability education in schools and communities.

Quote

This training is highly realistic and relatable, addressing everyday challenges early childhood educators and leaders face.

– Educator

Inclusive Child Care

A system-wide approach to inclusion

Inclusive Child Care

Behaviour in the Early Years

Understanding children's behaviours as a community

Behaviour

CanWork BC Youth Tool

Employment support for youth with disabilities

Youth Tool
Icon of a briefcase representing employment
Employment

CanAssist helps individuals seeking employment and shapes policy toward more inclusive workplaces and cultures.

We drive long-term success by working at every level, from meeting individual needs with training and assistive technology to tackling systemic barriers through partnerships with employers, educators, service providers, and policymakers.

Quote

CanAssist has helped me find a job, and a steady source of income. It has made me feel more confident in the workforce. It has helped me have a more positive attitude toward life.

– John, Canassist participant

WorkTech

Custom assistive tech to help people work

WorkTech

CanWork BC

Resources to support hiring youth with disabilities

CanWork BC

Job Journey

Personalized job coaching and placements

Job Journey
Icon of a sprouting plant representing health & wellbeing
Health & Wellbeing

CanAssist helps people take part in daily life, connect with others, and enjoy activities, while supporting inclusion, independence, and mental health. We're creating a world where everyone can belong.

Living a meaningful life includes creativity, connection, nature, and everyday moments, and at the heart of all CanAssist initiatives is a deep commitment to mental health and overall wellbeing.

Quote

The guitar strummer is simply amazing! I never thought in a million years, after losing my arm, that I would ever play again. There are no words to describe the feeling of playing a song after 30 years.

– Gerard, CanAssist client

Guitar Strummer

Pedal-controlled accessible instrument

Guitar Strummer

Tech Showcase

A selection of CanAssist technology videos

Tech Showcase

MiraColt

Innovative horse simulator for riders with disabilities

MiraColt
Icon of a highway road leading off into the horizon representing our goals
Goals

5k

Careers

Support 5,000 individuals in securing employment

5k

Students

Reach 5,000 individuals through education initiatives

5k

Participants

Expand and scale programs reaching 5,000 participants

A child with their arm around their parent who is using assistive tech
Icon of a heart on a tag representing our brand values
Values

Collaboration

We prioritize a person-centered approach, learning from the community, building lasting partnerships, while promoting self-determination, autonomy, and participation.

Belonging

We commit to an intersectional approach, celebrating diverse identities, experiences, and backgrounds. We foster inclusion and create environments where everyone has equitable opportunities and support to succeed.

Innovation

We develop distinct and effective responses to unmet need, problem-solving and enabling creative, practical approaches. We embrace continuous learning, self-reflection, and positive change.

Inclusive Leadership

We lead by example, with care, curiosity, understanding, and openness. We ensure long-term growth and financial stability to continue our mission.

Spaces

Physical, digital, socio-cultural.

CanAssist improves the physical, digital, and socio-cultural spaces where people live, learn, work, and connect by designing barrier-free environments, developing assistive technologies, and promoting inclusive mindsets, policies, and practices.

A person using a computer with assistive tech and another person with a hand on their shoulder, representing the spaces we work in: physical, digital, and socio-cultural
Approach
A tour of CanAssist including the prime minster of Canada

Convener

Bringing people together to share their knowledge, experience, and perspectives.

A presentation facilitated by the Employment Strategy for Youth with Disabilities team at the Aspect BC conference

Amplifier

Providing a platform for all voices to be heard and shared.

Two CanAssist employees working on machinery with great focus

Investigator

Researching and analyzing current and past landscapes to bring ideas together and address gaps.

Participants at a CanAssist workshop

Sense-Maker

Unifying diverse perspectives to make ideas and programs accessible for everyone.

Big Picture

Discover how we’re turning vision into action.

CanAssist’s Strategic Plan and Case for Support outline our path forward to build a barrier-free world, where people of all abilities can thrive. Learn how your involvement can help create lasting change in employment, education, and health & wellbeing.

Strategic Plan

Our roadmap to a world without barriers, where all people can meaningfully participate and belong.

Download Strategic Plan (PDF 9.4 MB)

Case for Support

Four infographics explaining why your contribution matters.

Download Case for Support (PDF 2.4 MB)