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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.
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Disability drives innovation. Accessibility helps everyone.
Health & Wellbeing
Health & wellbeing flourish with participation in everyday life.
Mission
Our mission is to address unmet needs of people, particularly those with disabilities, by advancing inclusion and accessibility provincially, nationally, and internationally.
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).
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.
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
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.
This training is highly realistic and relatable, addressing everyday challenges early childhood educators and leaders face.
– Educator
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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.
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
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.
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
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
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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
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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
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We lead by example, with care, curiosity, understanding, and openness. We ensure long-term growth and financial stability to continue our mission.
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.
Convener
Bringing people together to share their knowledge, experience, and perspectives.
Amplifier
Providing a platform for all voices to be heard and shared.
Investigator
Researching and analyzing current and past landscapes to bring ideas together and address gaps.
Sense-Maker
Unifying diverse perspectives to make ideas and programs accessible for everyone.
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.
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Case for Support
Four infographics explaining why your contribution matters.
Why donate?
With your support we can empower children, youth, adults, and seniors with disabilities to thrive in work, learning, and life.
