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You helped us set a world record, now help us make an even larger impact!
On December 3rd, 1,816 people came together to help us set a new GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS™ (new window) title for the most people to take an online Assistive Technology lesson in 24 hours. While this world record is an amazing achievement for Neil Squire, there is still a tremendous amount of work that needs to be done to level the playing field for people with disabilities.
Access to Assistive Technology continues to be a global unmet need. With your support we can bridge the gap by developing and delivering affordable Open Source Assistive Technologies to those who need it the most. However, this is only one part of our work at Neil Squire. Every day we help people with disabilities become more connected to their communities and live fuller, more meaningful lives. Our free programs help them increase their digital literacy and achieve employment.
As the pandemic continues on, so does the need for our work. Our programs remain critical for Canadians with disabilities – an already marginalized and high risk group – particularly for those in rural communities, indigenous communities, and areas with low technology infrastructure.
Your gift will support our work in the areas of Innovation, Digital Literacy, Employment, and Assistive Technology.
Donate now by visiting: CanadaHelps.org (new window).
For other ways to give or to learn more about how your donation will make an impact, please visit our donation page.
Thank you for your generosity. We couldn’t do what we do without your support.
Read Some of Our Success Stories from the Past Year
 Working Together participant, Sarah |
At the age of three, Sarah was diagnosed with cerebral palsy. Soon after, she began using a power chair.
“The major things it affects are my gross motor skills, weaker in my left side,” she says. “Cognitively, I am very high functioning; I just experience some physical barriers. I have been using assistive technology like Dragon Naturally Speaking for about 14 years and consider myself to be highly experienced.” Read Sara’s story: “It Has Given Me Confidence in Myself and What I Can Contribute to the Workplace” |
 Working Together participant, Marissa |
At age 14, Marissa was diagnosed with a left temporal glioblastoma, a cancerous brain tumor. While still in high school, she underwent chemotherapy and radiation. Although successful in treating the brain tumor, she now copes with long-term side effects from these treatments, including poor memory, difficulty processing information, lack of motivation, and fatigue.
Read Marissa’s Story: Marissa Finds Confidence and Independence With Working Together |
 Distance Computer Comfort participant, Melanie |
Melanie has been a contract instructor at Carleton University since 2013, teaching philosophy and religion. Earlier this year, she graduated from McGill University with a PhD.
“While I was working, I underwent a severe progression of an inborn muscle disorder,” she explains, noting that it impacts her mobility and eyesight. “I found myself faced with a host of new obstacles, just to continue doing what I loved – teaching and researching and academic service.” Read Melanie’s Story: “I’m Just Really Grateful That There Are Programs Like This Out There,” Distance Computer Comfort Helps Melanie Stay Competitive in Her Field |
 Makers Making Change participant, Bonnie |
Bonnie lives in Portage la Prairie, Manitoba with her husband and cat. She’s very active and has a small business doing web design.
“We’re hoping to get more into that, which is part of the reason why the tray for the wheelchair became so important,” she explains. Bonnie has Larsen Syndrome, a disorder affecting the development of bones in the body. With her major joints dislocated, she has used a wheelchair all her life and uses a ventilator. Read Bonnie’s Story: Bonnie and Marc Work Together to Design a Wheelchair Lap Tray |
 Working Together participant, Jason |
As an adolescent, Jason was diagnosed with Anxiety(new window) and Psychosis(new window). Later in life, this affected his ability to maintain stable employment. He can become overwhelmed in crowded and busy environments and uses medication support for this.
In the past, Jason has held a variety of jobs and picked up a variety of skills. He has worked as an ice maker/technician, bakery assistant, and a maintenance/landscape labourer. Read Jason’s Story: Jason Builds His Confidence |
 Digital Jumpstart participant, Robert |
Robert has a learning disability and a hearing impairment. He does not read or write.
After six hard months at home due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Robert joined the Colchester Community Workshops program. As part of his individual vocational plan, he then joined Neil Squire’s Digital Jumpstart program to learn computer skills. Read Robert’s Story: Digital Jumpstart Opens Up Robert’s World |
 Working Together participant, Drake with his manager |
Drake has been diagnosed with an intellectual disability. His barrier to employment is memory; he may need to do or hear something multiple times to fully understand it.
Drake was referred to Neil Squire’s Working Together program in Summer 2020. He received personalized training from his Career Facilitator to help him become job-ready. He also worked with his Job Developer to secure long-term employment. Read Drake’s Story: Drake is Proud to Help Support His Family with His New Job |
 Digital Jumpstart participant, Jaycee |
Jaycee is a talented musician based out of Agassiz, playing with the Vancouver Adapted Music Society. Music played a big part in her recovery from surgery to remove a brain tumour.
“Because I wanted to speak properly and use my hands, I took a guitar I hadn’t touched in literally decades, 35 years or better,” she explains, noting that she had to re-learn the songs with a lot of patience. Read Jaycee’s Story: “If I Can Do It, Anybody Can Do It,” Jaycee Learns Computer Skills with Digital Jumpstart |