CAN Collaborators

Abilities Centre is a charitable organization that delivers enriching sports and fitness, arts, research and education, and life skills opportunities for people of all ages and abilities.

Ability NB is a non-profit organization who’s mission is to empower the independence and full community participation of persons throughout New Brunswick who have a mobility disability. Our Accessible NB program aims to increase the accessible, universally designed workplaces throughout New Brunswick to enhance the employability of persons with a disability. The program offers a provincial accessibility review service for employers.

ABLE2 is a not-for-profit charitable organization that creates opportunities for people with disabilities to lead fulfilling lives by supporting them with programs and services. Canadians who have a disability face many barriers to society, including stigma, discrimination, poverty, exclusion from education and employment, and inequities in the health care and legal systems. ABLE2 believes in an inclusive community where all people are seen as able, respected, and valued. The programs and services empower persons of all ages across the disability spectrum and their families to build lives of meaning and joy as valued members of our community.

The Aboriginal Apprenticeship Board of Ontario was founded on research indicating the challenges and barriers that Indigenous youth and their communities face with equitable access to training and employment in the skilled trades through apprenticeship. We are composed of Aboriginal Skills and Employment Training Strategy (ASETS) holders to whom the Board is ultimately responsible. The Board works in conjunction with a Partnership Advisory Committee comprised of industry and government representation. Our partners and collaborators are national in scope and 4 years ago we began our national expansion. Indigenous people are more likely to suffer from invisible mental health related concerns due to the intersectional and intergenerational trauma handed from one generation to the next. Any and all assistance and recognition that can be offered to identify and overcome accessibility issues for Indigenous people will only serve to improve opportunities for their success. We bring an Indigenous perspective and input to the necessary work being conducted by CAN.

Accessibil-IT is a digital document accessibility service provider committed to ensuring communications are accessible for people who have visual or cognitive disabilities. Accessibil-IT is fully conversant and compliant with all relevant legislation and standards including The Accessible Canada Act, AODA, WCAG, ISO 14289 (PDF/UA). Services include remediation of PDF and Microsoft Office documents. We also provide document accessibility strategy development and WCAG 2.0/1 reviews for companies and organizations who want to be confident their documents have been designed to meet design accessibility standards. Accessibil-IT’s services are tested using a combination of manual control testing as well as use of industry standards testing tools and popular screen reader technologies. It is important to us that adaptive technology users have excellent user experience, meaning they can navigate the document and hear all content accurately.

Accessibrand™ is a collective of design, marketing and communications professionals whose lives have been impacted by disability. Our agency approaches every project with accessibility as our top priority. We have lived and proven experience.

Adaptability Canada (ADC) is the leading national provider of commercial accessibility related equipment and solutions for the public, private and non-profit sector organizations who manage large portfolios of real estate. From ordering equipment for staff to installation and ongoing maintenance, Adaptability Canada will help meet the need.

Giuseppina (Pina) D'Intino, founder of Aequum Global Access Inc. since 2016, drives disability inclusion and accessibility awareness through leadership and action strategies. With 30+ years' global experience in private and governmental sectors, she offers tailored consultancy services and education on accessibility implementation practices, disability awareness, and standards like AODA, ACA, DA, and E.N. 301.549. Pina advocates for disability rights through community engagements and research. Notable roles include co-chairing the Canadian Accessibility Network and leading initiatives like the Canadian Financial Institute on Assistive Technologies. Professionally qualified in inclusive design and project management, she's multilingual and committed to advancing accessibility.

Ai-Media‘s expert services provide an additional level of inclusion and access during events, guaranteeing the entire audience’s equal participation.

Changing Lives. Dedication to student success is Algonquin College‘s guiding principle and is demonstrated through the quality of its programs, staff, the continual expansion of its facilities, and by forging strategic partnerships.

The Alliance for Equality of Blind Canadians (AEBC), is a grassroots peer support advocacy organization of the blind, deaf blind and partially sighted, and has been advocating for our rights and equal access since 1992. We raise awareness through public education and government consultations on election, transportation, education and communication access issues. We advise on equity and inclusion when new programs, policies and systems are developed. We partner with other community organizations to engage the wider disability community. As volunteers, we donate our time, skills and efforts to amplify our voice to train and educate the public on diversity and inclusion. Toronto chapter members successfully advocated for the Ontario government Photo ID card for non-drivers, and for accessible federal government websites. Currently, we are hosting a series of workshops and information sessions on accessible customer service, web accessibility, accessible education and equitable employment.

Allied Therapy is based in Halifax, Nova Scotia. We offer remote and home based Speech Therapy, Occupational Therapy, Applied Behaviour Analysis, and Physiotherapy services across the province. It is a privilege to serve Nova Scotia by providing collaborative evidence-based assessment and intervention.

For over 40 years ARBI has provided outpatient rehabilitation and community integration programming for individuals with an acquired brain injury. Our onsite program provides intensive neuro-rehabilitation delivered by OT, PT, SLP, RT, social work and psychology. We offer group and one-to-one opportunities for engagement in meaningful recreational pursuits through our community integration program as well as single-discipline intervention through our outreach program. Unique to ARBI, we integrate our valued volunteers into the delivery of our programs. Evident in the approach we take every day for every client is our vision that each client lives their best life possible.

Autism Alliance of Canada (formerly formerly Canadian Autism Spectrum Disorder Alliance (CASDA)) coordinates national conversations about autism – bringing community voices to the federal government to guide their development of a National Autism Strategy.

BDO Canada is a member firm of the International BDO Network, providing assurance, accounting, tax, and advisory services to a broad range of clients across the country. It aims to create a collaborative working environment that makes it possible for its professionals and clients to achieve their goals.

Calgary and region’s largest Comprehensive Community College – with 17,500 full – and part-time students, Bow Valley College is a leader in business, health, community studies, technology, adult upgrading and English Language Learning. We provide career programming that will develop the skills and confidence you need to get a job in the most in-demand industries in Calgary, Alberta and Canada. In Alberta, Bow Valley College is a leader in the Disability Sector in supporting training and development through the Disability Studies certificate and Diploma programs.

At Branching Out it is our daily responsibility and joy to serve people who have neurodiversity’s and their families. We do this with community, choice and creativity. We are committed to extensive care solutions, recreation, and social programming, 1:1 support and day programming. The Team at Branching Out Support Services aims to offer the highest quality services to families in Dufferin County and beyond. We know this starts with value-based leadership, team work and a dedication to putting people first.

Bruyère Continuing Care is a multi-site academic health care organization that is maximizing quality of life and helping people stay and return home. We deliver a wide variety of services in aging and rehabilitation, medically complex, palliative, residential and primary care.

The Business + Higher Education Roundtable (BHER) is a non-partisan, not-for-profit organization bringing together Canada’s largest companies and leading post-secondary institutions. Since 2015, BHER has worked to harness the strengths of Canada’s business and post-secondary education sectors to build opportunities for young Canadians, boost innovation and drive collaboration. Canada’s business and post-secondary leaders face many challenges. Working together to solve these challenges is more critical than ever and will strengthen Canada’s economy along the way. BHER’s role is a convener and connector, bringing together to create a thriving Canada where everyone has an opportunity to reach their potential.

The Persons with Disabilities Advisory Committee (PDAC) at the Canada Border Services Agency (Accessibility at the Canada Border Services Agency, Established in 2013, is made up of volunteer members representing all branches and regions within Canada. PDAC’s mandate is to represent and promote the interests of persons with disabilities working at the CBSA and create awareness of the Accessible Canada Act. Supporting employees and management through education and guidance, and in conjunction with Culture and Change Management, PDAC provides recommendations, representations, support and guidance in: Recruitment /Retention, Career Development, Accessible / Inclusive, Work Space, Accommodations, Training and Learning

More info about the Canada Revenue Agency coming soon!

Canadian Assistive Technology is a distributor and retailer of assistive technologies for people who are blind, visually impaired, physically disabled or who have cognitive impairment or communication disorders. Our goal is to provide the highest level of service and support for our customers. We are a leader in finding new and innovative assistive technologies from new developers around the world for introduction to the Canadian market. We provide a high level of support, service and training for our clients. Any new major product purchase comes with a free one-hour training session. We offer a 30-day return policy on most of our products to help ensure the right fit for our customers. Our markets include K-12 education, post-secondary education, direct to consumer, many government programs providing workplace services. We have also begun shopping for a new location for a low vision focused retail location which will showcase products from optical magnifiers to high-end video-based magnification technologies. Our vision is to prove the Low Vision retail store concept and then to expand with additional locations across the country. Canadian Assistive Technology provides a number of online services including training webinars in conjunction with our suppliers, accessible remote support and one-on-one training via Pneuma Solutions new Remote Incident Manager platform. Our ever-growing product line is showcased on our website at www.canasstech.com. We also produce the AT Banter podcast, where we talk with advocates and members of the disability community to help educate and inspire better conversations about disability. The podcast has more than 300 episodes which can be found on all podcast platforms or on our website at www.atbanter.com.

Since 1925, the Canadian Chamber of Commerce has connected businesses of all sizes, from all sectors and from all regions of the country to advocate for public policies that will foster a strong, competitive economic environment that benefits businesses, communities and families across Canada.

The CCRW has a mission to help people with disabilities break down barriers to employment. We give job seekers the tools and confidence to educate and market themselves; we help them refine and demonstrate their abilities. We help employers become leaders in socially and fiscally responsible hiring and retention practices. It is important to us that employers understand the business case for hiring qualified employees with disabilities.

The Canadian Hospice Palliative Care Association – the national voice for hospice palliative care in Canada – is dedicated to the pursuit of excellence in care for persons approaching death so that the burdens of suffering, loneliness and grief are lessened. The CHPCA operated in close partnership with other national organizations and continues to work to ensure that all Canadians, regardless of where they may live, have equal access to quality hospice palliative care services for themselves and their family.

More info about Capco Canada coming soon!

Canada’s Capital University, Carleton University is a dynamic research and teaching institution dedicated to achieving the highest standards of scholarship.

Through its mandate to inform, enlighten and entertain, CBC/Radio-Canada plays a central role in strengthening Canadian culture. Rooted in communities, we offer diverse content in English, French and eight Indigenous languages.

To us, a more accessible CBC/Radio-Canada means offering an accessible and inclusive employee experience, reflecting disability in our stories and storytelling, and championing accessibility in all that we do. Our National Accessibility Plan is an important piece of our commitment to identifying, removing and preventing barriers, in alignment with fulfilling our mandate to inform, enlighten and entertain all Canadians.

We also deliver content in Spanish, Arabic, Chinese, Punjabi and Tagalog, as well as both official languages, through Radio Canada International (RCI).

CDP Communications has been a cornerstone in the digital document industry, focusing on specialized software that enhances both accessibility and quality control for a wide audience. Since its inception in 1984, the company has evolved to meet the dynamic needs of the printing and information solutions market. Their technology underpins critical processes in document composition, content management, and customer relationship management, among others, forging strategic partnerships across various sectors such as banking, insurance, and telecommunications. CDP's dedication to innovation and universal accessibility in digital documents (enterprise and desktop) highlights its leadership and commitment to advancing the field.

The Centre for Equitable Library Access, CELA, is a national not-for-profit organization providing accessible reading services to the approximately 3 million people across Canada with print disabilities. CELA offers access to a collection of over 1 million titles in multiple accessible formats, including audio, braille, print braille and e-text. Our services ensure that people with print disabilities across the country are more able to fully participate in learning, work and community life and contribute to the social, cultural and economic development and success of their local communities and Canada as a whole.

Being the Capital City of Canada and a municipal government, the City of Ottawa services and programs directly impact the health and wellbeing of residents with disabilities every day. We strive to meet the obligations of the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities and to continually make the City of Ottawa a more accessible city for all. The City’s Accessibility Office is at the heart of the City’s accessibility success and works collectively with the City’s Accessibility Advisory Committee, the Accessibility Working Group, other Ontario municipalities through the Ontario Network of Accessibility Professionals Council and residents with disabilities to develop the City’s multi-year accessibility plan. We believe that the City has a lot to offer a group like the Canadian Accessibility Network and would also learn a lot as well from the group. We believe that we are stronger together and that together we can make Canada more accessible for all residents and visitors.

Founded in 1918, the CNIB Foundation is a non-profit organization driven to change what it is to be blind today. We deliver innovative programs and powerful advocacy that empower people impacted by blindness to live their dreams and tear down barriers to inclusion. Our work as a blind foundation is powered by a network for volunteers, donors and partners from coast to coast to coast.

CollaborateVideo is a technology services company specializing in professional and accessible webcasting solutions. Our platform and team support clients across the private and public sectors with over 25 years of showcased innovation and client confidence. We prioritize user-friendly design and features that empower persons with disabilities to connect and participate in virtual and hybrid events seamlessly.

Community Futures Manitoba represents 16 Community Futures organizations established throughout rural and northern Manitoba. The goal of each Community Futures is to assist the communities in their region to develop their economic potential through entrepreneurship. One of the programs Community Futures offices deliver is the Entrepreneurs with Disabilities Program (EDP). The EDP program assists entrepreneurs with health conditions or disabilities through all stages of their business development from startup to succession planning.

Located in Nova Scotia on Canada’s East Coast, with campuses in the vibrant oceanside city of Halifax and an Agricultural Campus in the town of Truro, Dalhousie welcomes 21,000 students who join us from more than 115 countries around the world. Our 13 faculties expand understanding through teaching excellence and a drive for discovery that results in $214  million in external research funding each year. As Atlantic Canada’s leading research-intensive university and a member of the U15 group of Canadian universities, our research and innovation strength support world-leading researchers dedicated to driving our positive impact on society.

DeafBlind Ontario Services supports people who are deafblind, as well as people who are Deaf, hard of hearing and non-verbal with a developmental disability. Specialized services are customized to each person’s unique needs, method of communication, and goals to live their best life. On April 1st 2021, DeafBlind Ontario Services officially amalgamated with Array Services to enhance specialized services for people who are Deaf, hard-of-hearing, non-verbal and deafblind across Ontario. By coming together as one as DeafBlind Ontario Services, we have been able to increase capacity, serve more people and use resources more effectively. Our combined expertise in serving those who are Deaf, hard of hearing, non-verbal and deafblind is a natural fit.

D2L‘s technology is currently being used by customers in K-12, higher education, healthcare, government, and the enterprise sector. In nineteen years, our team has grown to include over 750 employees around the world.

Since 1977, Disability Alliance BC has been a provincial, cross-disability voice in British Columbia. Our mission is to support people, with all disabilities, to live with dignity, independence and as equal and full participants in the community. We champion issues impacting the lives of people with disabilities through our direct services, community partnerships, advocacy, research and publications.

The Disability Foundation is a charity that helps people with physical disabilities to feel empowered and inspired to redefine possibility. Find out about accessible activities including sailing, hiking, paddling, gardening, music and innovative solutions that help overcome barriers to accessibility.

Distinctability is an innovative social purpose employment support service provider that provides technology and people-focused solutions for employment, education, and life that help leverage the skills and capabilities of people with disabilities and mental health support needs. To learn more, visit the Distinctability website.

The Employment Accessibility Resource Network (EARN) is a community initiative, led by United Wat East Ontario, that brings together in partnership employers, service providers and other stakeholders with the goal of increasing employment opportunities for people with disabilities and promoting inclusive and accessible workplaces.

Espace MUNI is an organization working with municipalities within Quebec to promote a better quality of life for citizens by: supporting the development of family- and senior-oriented policies, as well as helping municipalities achieve the MAE child-friendly certification and promoting paternal involvement within their workforce.
Espace MUNI also boasts an inclusive municipalities program that, amongst others:
- hosts the Accessible Municipalities Network,
- promotes the métaPRISME app for integrating special needs children in summer day camps, which was developed with partners,
- and provides training on Inclusive Access, a conceptual accessibility framework developed by Patrick Fougeyrollas.

More information about Every Canadian Counts coming soon!

Eviance is a trusted hub of knowledge on cross-disability issues, operated by Canadian Centre on Disability Studies Incorporated, working with people with disabilities and their allies in Canada.

At EY, our purpose is Building a better working world. The insights and quality services we provide help build trust and confidence in the capital markets and in economies the world over. We develop outstanding leaders who team to deliver on our promises to all of our stakeholders. In so doing, we play a critical role in building a better working world for our people, for our clients and for our communities.

Fable is a leading accessibility platform powered by people with disabilities. Fable moves organizations from worrying about compliance to building incredible and accessible user experiences.  Digital teams work with Fable to improve accessibility for over 1 billion people with disabilities. Fable Engage connects digital teams to people with disabilities remotely and on-demand for accessibility research and testing. Fable Upskill provides custom accessibility training for digital teams to gain skills to build inclusive products. To learn more, visit the Fable website.

We are educators, accessibility and technology experts who believe in the potential of all learners. By creating strong partnerships with innovative learning environment, school districts, and leading education professionals, we believe that together we can unlock individual abilities and improve overall achievement. Our approach to education is unrivalled. We provide education professionals with access to a buffet of classroom resources, professional development, and career-advancing learning experiences, to advance teaching practice.

The Halifax Regional Municipality values diversity and inclusion in all that we do, think, and pursue. Diversity is more than race, ability, sexual orientation, language, gender or any other descriptive category. Diversity is understanding and utilizing different views, ideas, life experiences, skills and knowledge. At the Halifax Regional Municipality, we recognize diversity and inclusion as core values, thus laying the foundation to represent the communities we serve. The Office of Diversity & Inclusion/ANSAIO consists of the African Nova Scotian Affairs Integration Office (ANSAIO), Diversity Advisors and Local Immigration Partnership. The Office provides leadership, strategic direction, policy advice, professional development and expertise to all aspects of the Halifax Regional Municipality with respect to diversity and inclusion. The Office also engages external shareholders in supporting corporate diversity and inclusion initiatives and services.

Hidden Mobility Disabilities Alliance Ltd. (HMDA) is an incorporated non-profit formed to advocate for meaningful accessibility for the approximately 4.25 million Canadian adults with hidden mobility disabilities (HMD), also known as limited mobility. The causes of hidden mobility disabilities are varied, of which the most common are osteoarthritis, COPD, and heart disease. The primary environmental barriers are distance to be walked (of over 15 meters) and time standing unsupported (of over 2 minutes). HMDA is currently funded for a three-year research project on how best to ensure accessibility for those with HMD.

The HSSSBC’s mission is to enhance and support the sustainability and quality of Home Sharing and other housing options for adults with developmental disabilities throughout British Columbia. The HSSSBC will actively foster collaborations in the Home Share community locally, provincially, nationally and internationally. The aim is to advance the sustainability of the model and quality of life outcomes by supporting the development of peer networks, communities of practice and partnerships. A key focus area is the promotion of cultural safety for Indigenous people across the Home Sharing community and building on a foundation of trust, respect and humility. With a specific focus on Home Sharing, we will increase the knowledge, skills, and abilities of individuals, their families, Home Sharing providers and coordinating agencies. Sharing resources, tools and providing opportunities for learning and development, the HSSSBC will support consistency of practice. By addressing the opportunities and challenges that exist now and, in the future, the HSSSBC will support the sustainability of the Home Sharing model through quality improvement. Currently, the model faces real challenges related to rapid growth, housing availability, availability of the service in small urban centers and northern communities, increases in housing and living costs, and changing support needs over time. We will collaborate with partners in the Home Sharing community and disability sector to leverage opportunities and address challenges.

Inclusion BC is a non-profit federation working with partners to build community and enhance the lives of children, youth and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities, and their families. They do this by supporting people’s abilities, promoting positive action, and advocating for rights, responsibilities, and social justice. Inclusion BC is supported by a membership of individuals, families, and 65-member organizations who are working together to build inclusive communities across the province of British Columbia.

Inclusion Nova Scotia is a provincial not-for-profit organization committed to ensuring that individuals with intellectual disabilities and their families have the support they require to live full and inclusive lives in community. We do this by working alongside individuals and families, promoting rights and values in keeping with the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD), encouraging reform, and collaborating with other organizations for social justice. To learn more, visit the Inclusion Nova Scotia website.

Inclusive Society is a research initiative that aims at maximizing the impacts of innovation in Quebec. We believe that organizations representing people living with disabilities, public or private organizations and universities can put their expertise together to find solutions to the numerous obstacles encountered by people with disabilities. Partners of the Inclusive Society initiative agree to contribute to the identification of priority barriers as well as supporting, by different means, the solutions put forward to eliminate or reduce them. The partners are contributing to the projects supported by Inclusive Society by sharing their expertise as well as human, financial or material resources.

The Inclusive Workplace and Supply Council of Canada (IWSCC) is a Canadian non-profit created to allow Veterans and/or people with disabilities who own businesses to be officially recognized as Diverse Suppliers. The IWSCC assists business owners through a certification process that can expand their business opportunities to include some of Canada’s leading brands and public-sector organizations.

IL CANADA is the national umbrella organization, representing and coordinating a network of Independent Living Centres at the national level.

Ingenium, formerly called the Canada Science and Technology Museum Corporation, is a Canadian Crown corporation responsible for overseeing national museums related to science and technology.

More info about L’Arche coming soon!

La Cité is Ontario’s largest French-language college of applied arts and technology. Established in 1989, it is located in Ottawa (with a satellite campus in Hawkesbury and a business office in Toronto) and now offers more than 90 programs to some 5,000 students.

Make a Difference Through Inclusion Ltd. (MADTI), is a social enterprise, for-profit company that focuses on creating a better world by equalizing access for all abilities. Offering services to private and public service providers and non-profit organizations who are needing a team of professionals with various expertise in technology, innovation, and accessibility to help modernize their business while building an accessible and inclusive environment for their clients, customers, and employees. As part of MADTI’s social commitment to help remove barriers MADTI also participates and collaborates with like-minded organizations and individuals with an ecosystem of changemakers.

Manitoba Possible is a non-profit organization serving Manitobans with disabilities. Programs range from case management & therapy services for children, the province’s wheelchair loan program, employment preparation & vocational rehabilitation, the provincial accessible parking permit program, newcomer navigation & support, recreation & leisure programs and many more. Manitoba Possible has three offices in Winnipeg and six rural and northern communities. All programs emphasize choice and self-determination and align with its mission of working together to eliminate barriers to fill and equal participation.

More information about March of Dimes coming soon!

Founded in Montreal, Quebec, in 1821, McGill University is Canada’s top ranked medical doctoral university. McGill is consistently ranked as one of the top universities, both nationally and internationally. It is a world-renowned institution of higher learning with research activities spanning three campuses, 11 faculties, 13 professional schools, 300 programs of student and over 39,000 students, including more than 10,400 graduate students. McGill attracts students from over 150 countries around the world, its 12,000 international students making up 30% of the student body. Over half of McGill students claim a first language other than English, including approximately 20% of our students who say French is their mother tongue.

A leader in online and experiential learning, Mount Saint Vincent University takes a personalized approach to education to nurture socially responsible global citizens. With equity, diversity, inclusion and accessibility at the fore, MSVU has been challenging the status quo since its founding 150 years ago (1873) and today prioritizes access and impact for all underserved groups. The MSVU Accessibility Plan 2022-2025 provides direction on how the university will work to further remove barriers and support its community and visitors. Through this plan, the university aims to create spaces that are truly inclusive of all. MSVU has been nationally recognized for having one of the lowest student-to-professor ratios across its programs in Arts, Science, Education and Professional Studies; for providing students early access to valuable research opportunities; for its legacy in the advancement of women; and for facilitating critical advancements in food security, healthy aging, literacy, nutrition, childhood development and more. MSVU is located in Mi’kma’ki, the unceded and ancestral territory of the Mi’kmaq People.

More information about the Municipality of Clarington coming soon!

The National Educational Association of Disabled Students (NEADS) has had the mandate to support full access to education and employment for post-secondary students and graduates with disabilities across Canada.

ND Connect is a lived-experience-based mentorship and community platform by-and-for neurodivergent adults. On ND Connect, you can find mentors, friends, and an authentic, supportive community that gets you and wants to help you thrive. You can also access weekly hangouts that help you build genuine connections that can last a lifetime. ND Connect also partners with post-secondary institutions to democratize access to mentorship and improve campus belonging for neurodivergent students.

The Neil Squire Society has been revolutionizing the lives of Canadians with disabilities since 1984 through accessible assistive technology. Speaking to a loved one. Checking email. Maintaining or finding a new job. Since day one, our mandate hasn’t changed – we believe people of all abilities should have the opportunity to live, work and play without barriers. Our work is focused on four distinct areas: Innovation, Digital Literacy, Employment and Assistive Technology. We create affordable assistive technology products that give people with disabilities greater control over their lives. We offer immersive programs that teach people with disabilities how to use technology and succeed both at home and in the workplace. We provide ergonomic solutions and access to assistive technologies that remove barriers for people with disabilities. Together, our work enables people with disabilities to achieve their goals, reach their full potential and continue living life to the fullest.

The Government of Nova Scotia’s Accessibility Directorate is situated within the Department of Justice. It is responsible for administering Nova Scotia’s Accessibility Act and advancing issues across government. The Directorate works collaboratively with persons with disabilities, public sector entities, businesses, community organizations, and others to prevent and remove accessibility barriers across the province. Priority areas include: standard development in the built environment, education, employment, goods and services, information and communications, and transportation, awareness and capacity building, collaboration and enforcement, monitoring and evaluation, and government leading by example.

The Nova Scotia League for Equal Opportunities is a catalyst in building social, community, and political leadership of persons with disabilities within Nova Scotia. We achieve this at a national level through our national affiliate, the Council of Canadians with Disabilities (CCD) and through provincial affiliates around the province and across the country. We envision a future where the abilities of persons with disabilities are fully recognized, developed and living as equals in society. The League takes a leading role and is a major contributor to many important and valuable community efforts. We are a cross-disability voice of Nova Scotians with disabilities. Our ongoing activities include; Provincial Access Awareness, Disability Student Scholarships, Disability Information Sharing Sessions, Disabled and Seniors Community-based Transit, Preparing Provincial Caucus Research Papers, Disability Emergency Preparedness, United Nations Disability Education, and Provincial Disability Tourism Improvements.

Nunavummi Disabilities Makinnasuaqtiit Society, also known as NDMS, is the only cross-disability organization in Nunavit. We provide support to people across the lifespan from infants to Elders. NDMA developed out of grassroots community-based action. In 1999, Nunavut Tunngavik Inc. Provided support, in the form of office space and staffing, to a small group of individuals who sought to bring awareness and justice to people with disabilities in Nunavut. In 2005, NDMS was incorporated as a society, and became the representative organization for people living with a disability in Nunavut.

Ontario Council of Agencies Serving Immigrants (OCASI) was formed in 1978 to act as a collective voice for immigrant serving agencies and to coordinate responses to shared needs and concerns. OCASI is a registered charity governed by a volunteer board of directors. Its membership comprises more than 200 community-based organizations in the province of Ontario. The Accessibility Initiative is a national bilingual project that aims to enhance the knowledge and skills of settlement sector professionals so that they are better equipped to serve im/migrants with/visible disabilities. A range of online professional development activities, tools, and resources are created to assist organizations serving im/migrants in creating accessible and inclusive spaces. Also addressed is the need for agencies to comply with national and regional legislation related to accessibility, while providing effective settlement services to migrants with disabilities.

The Ontario Disability Employment Network (ODEN) is a professional network of employment service providers united to increase employment opportunities for people who have a disability. Our vision is that all people who have a disability in Ontario have access to the labour force and the ability to achieve meaningful employment ODEN has over 140 member agencies, all in the business of helping people who have a disability get into the workforce. Members are from every corner of the province and support people of all disability types. Beyond Ontario, we have connections with organizations in most provinces and territories of Canada.

Modern and forwarding-thinking, Ontario Tech University advances the discovery and application of knowledge to accelerate economic growth, regional development and social innovation. We inspire and equip our students and graduates to make a positive impact in a tech-focused world. We believe it’s not only about developing the next tech breakthrough. Understanding and integrating the social and ethical implications of technology are our key differentiator. We adapt to the ever-changing educational landscape by experimenting with the most effective ways to deliver flexible and dynamic learning, giving more choices to more people. By offering a range of credentials and experiential learning opportunities, and sparking entrepreneurship activities, we provide learner-centered educational options. Our students enjoy a stimulating campus life experience that includes hundreds of clubs, cultural and community events, recreational opportunities and a growing varsity athletics program featuring basketball, badminton, curling, dance, golf, hockey, rowing, soccer, and women’s lacrosse. In addition to excellence in teaching, we offer our students experiential learning opportunities through internships, co-ops, practicums, research projects and more. In fact, 85 percent of upper-year undergraduate students participate in experiential learning. We collaborate with industry, community, government and academic organizations, bringing them together with our researchers and students to uncover innovative solutions for our partners’ most pressing problems. The home to more than 80 specialized research laboratories and facilities, we’re committed to attracting passionate and capable scholars to our high-tech campus.

Ottawa Foyers Partage has over 40 years of experience in providing quality and innovative support to persons with disabilities in the Ottawa area. Our early residents and founders were instrumental in working to end the institutionalization of disabled persons in Canada and their trailblazing spirit continues to inspire our work. We empower people to thrive and live their best life. We believe that every person has the right to live a fulfilling life and achieve their full potential, and we are here to help make that a reality. We offer a range of services to support people with developmental disabilities and their caregivers including; 24/7 residential services, supported independent living, respite services, and innovative community programming.

Propeller Dance is a charitable organization that transforms the art of dance and promotes artistic diversity by removing obstacles to participation in professional and community-level integrated dance.

Public Services and Procurement Canada services federal departments and agencies as their central purchasing agent, real property manager, treasurer, accountant, pay and pension administrator, integrity adviser and linguistic authority.

Queen’s University is a public research university in Kingston, Ontario, Canada. Founded on 16 October 1841 via a royal charter issued by Queen Victoria, the university predates Canada’s founding by 26 years.

Canadian Disability Policy Alliance is a national collaboration of disability scholars, disability advocated and decision makers. Founded in 2009 as a SSHRC community-university research alliance.

Recreational Respite (est. 2008) promotes inclusion, encourages community participation, and nurtures social health and connectivity for children, youth and adults with disability, mental illness, disease, or other vulnerabilities, across Canada. Our work has been extensive in both Canada and internationally, promoting knowledge sharing with organizations (non-profit and for profits) to collaborate and maximize the program and service delivery but minimize the financial, attitudinal, systemic, and stigmatic barriers that many of these individuals and their families, face. Recreational Respite’s national team of recreation professionals offer direct one to one service in the community and group programming (in person and virtually). Involved in multiple collaboratives and national partnerships, Recreational Respite and other organizations work in collaboration toward the common goal of removing barriers to participation for our most vulnerable populations. Recreational Respite’s collective work identifies ways to promote accessible, impactful, and sustainable best practices.

The Rick Hansen Foundation Accessibility Certification TM (RHFAC) program works to help improve accessibility of the built environment in Canada – the places where we live, work, learn and play.

Saint Mary’s University is located in Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada. The school is best known for having nationally leading programs in business and chemistry, as well as one of the best Canadian women’s basketball programs.

SARC has over five decades of experience in supporting nonprofits in the areas of training, consulting, services, and leadership. With a membership of approximately 100 community-based organizations, we are committed to providing quality services and training opportunities to our membership and beyond. SARC provides services to nonprofit organizations to expand their potential and support the work they do within their communities. Our work is organized into three divisions; Member Services, SARCAN, and Finance. The Member Services team provides leadership for the sector and supports community-based organizations through training, consulting and services. The SARCAN Team is a leader in sustainable recycling, environmental protection, and opportunities for people of all abilities, and the Finance Team provides financial and administrative services in support of SARC’s services and SARCAN Recycling.

More information about the Sinneave Family Foundation coming soon!

Specialisterne Canada Inc. is a charitable not-for-profit Canadian organization focused on services for employers, employees, as well as outreach and public education.

Spinal Cord Injury Canada was established in 1945 by WWII veterans who sustained spinal cord injuries in the war. Back then, our founders did amazing things like help create the Department of Veterans’ Affairs, establish the world’s first rehabilitation centre for people with spinal cord injuries, and build a supportive network of people and organizations across the country. Over the years, Spinal Cord Injury Canada established divisions across the country, which now includes eight provincial organizations, referred to as Corporate Members. Together, we are a federated network supporting people with spinal cord injuries and other physical disabilities all across Canada.

St. Francis Xavier University is a public undergraduate liberal arts university located in Antigonish, Nova Scotia, Canada. It is a member of the Maple League, a group of primarily undergraduate universities in Eastern Canada.

Statistics Canada is the national statistical office. The agency ensures Canadians have the key information on Canada’s economy, society and environment that they require to function effectively as citizens and decision makers.

Thompson Rivers University (TRU) is a public teaching and research university offering undergraduate and graduate degrees and vocational training. Since 1970, TRU has taken pride in providing an excellent education to every student who comes to us – from a wide variety of backgrounds and perspectives, at various stages of the learning journey. We serve more than 25,000 students – on our campuses in Kamloops and Williams Lake, and via distance or online courses and programs through Open Learning.

Transport Canada is a federal institution, leading the Transport Canada portfolio and working with our partners, Transport Canada is responsible for transportation policies and programs. We promote safe, secure, efficient and environmentally responsible transportation.

The University of New Brunswick is a public university, the oldest English-language university in Canada, and among the oldest public universities in North America. UNB was founded by a group of seven Loyalists who left the United States after the American Revolution.

The University of Ottawa, often referred to as OttawaU, uOttawa, or U of O, is a bilingual public research university in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada.

UFV is a fully accredited public university the communities and students of British Columbia’s Fraser Valley from a distributed network of campuses and online services. With scores of programs at numerous degree and credential levels, UFV makes it possible for students of all ages and backgrounds to pursue higher education. In 2019-20, UFV had an enrollment of nearly 16, 000 students. UFV was established in 1974 as Fraser Valley College; in its first few years it created a strong presence throughout the region with locations in Agassiz, Chilliwack, Mission and Hope. The college was elevated to University College status in 1988 and given the authority to award four-year degrees, becoming a fully accredited university in 2008. UFV offers its students more than 60 undergraduate degree, certificate, and diploma programs, including 17. Bachelor’s degree programs. It also has 10 master’s and postgraduate programs, and numerous trades and apprenticeship programs. UFV takes conscious steps to ensure it reflects the diversity of its region. Abbotsford is the third-most diverse city in Canada, and this is reflected by both the student body and the staff at the University. Reflecting the Fraser Valley’s strong ties to northern India, UFV offers programs in Chandigarh, India. The University also actively engages with the region’s Indigenous communities through its Indigenous Affairs Office and offers Indigenous student significant resources through the Indigenous Student Centre.

Founded in 1827, the University of Toronto has evolved into Canada’s leading institution of learning, discovery, and knowledge creation. We are proud to be one of the world’s top research-intensive universities, driven to invent and innovate.

The University of Victoria is a public comprehensive research university located in the Greater Victoria municipalities of Oak Bay and Saanich, British Columbia, Canada. The university has ranked as the second-best comprehensive university in Canada for three successive years.

Waterloo is a member of the U15, a group of research-intensive universities in Canada. The university operates the largest post-secondary co-operative education program in the world, with over 20,000 undergraduate students in over 140 co-operative education programs.

VIA Rail was born from a vision to connect and unite the cities and people of Canada with a safe, comfortable and environmentally responsible service from coast-to-coast. Having served over 5 million passengers, VIA Rail’s mandate is to operate the national passenger rail services on behalf of the Government of Canada, offering intercity rail services and ensuring rail transportation services to regional and remote communities. Its objective is to offer a safe, accessible, efficient, reliable, sustainable and environmentally friendly passenger rail service that meets the needs of Canadian passengers.

The WSIB provides wage-loss benefits, medical coverage and support to help people get back to work after a work-related injury or illness. It is funded by premiums paid by Ontario businesses and provides no-fault collective liability insurance and access to industry-specific health and safety information.

York University is a public research university in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. It is Canada’s third-largest university, and it has approximately 55,700 students, 7,000 faculty and staff, and over 315,000 alumni worldwide.