What are the opening hours?

Monday 8:30am - 4:30pm Tuesday 8:30am - 4:30pm Wednesday 8:30am - 4:30pm Thursday 8:30am - 4:30pm Friday 8:30am - 4:30pm

CanAssist at the University of Victoria

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CanAssist at the University of Victoria

CanAssist addresses unmet needs of people who have disabilities or face barriers to meaningful participation in society.

Through our innovative technologies, programs, and services, we are advancing inclusion and accessibility for all ages and abilities. Creating a world without barriers, where all people can meaningfully participate and belong.

02/25/2026

On the last Wednesday in February, we celebrate Pink Shirt Day! 🩷This year’s theme is “sprinkle kindness.”

Now a movement celebrated across the globe, Pink Shirt Day was inspired by an act of kindness and resistance in Nova Scotia. Two high-school students took a stand against bullying by wearing pink in support of a fellow student.

Pink Shirt Day is a powerful reminder that intentional actions can create meaningful change in our communities. By wearing pink, we show that we stand together against bullying and for a world where everyone feels included, valued, and respected.

Image description: A group of 10 CanAssist staff members are standing together, smiling and looking directly at the camera. Several of the staff are wearing bright pink shirts. A few team members are holding up a sign that reads “sprinkle kindness”.

02/23/2026

Are you a post-secondary student who could benefit from a customized assistive technology?

CanAssist develops customized assistive technologies that help students learn, build skills, and take meaningful steps toward their career goals.

If this sounds like you or someone you know, complete our technology request form to connect with our team and make education and employment more accessible.

Submit your request here: https://ow.ly/85hX50Yknqc

Image description: CanAssist team members Jen and Brandon smile for the camera while sitting at a desk. Jen points to a piece of assistive technology on the desk, while Brandon, wearing glasses, types on his laptop. In the background, a poster reads 'We build tech so you can work,' and a whiteboard with code notes is visible.

02/19/2026

On this week’s episode of the Leaders of Inclusive Child Care podcast – “Leading Community Connections” with Wendy Kenward!🎙️✨

CanAssist speaks with Wendy, full of wisdom and heart from nearly four decades in the field. She shares her leadership journey and the profound impact of mentorship, storytelling, and community relationships. Learn how authentic connection with families, staff, and community creates truly inclusive programs.

Listen on your favourite podcast app and subscribe to the show to be the first to hear part two of the episode coming out on February 20th!

Video description: A picture of Wendy, who has short curly hair and is wearing a black shirt, amongst a colourful starry sky. Text reads: “Ep 9: Leading Community Connections – Part 1 with Wendy Kenward. Available on February 18th.” The Apple Podcasts, Youtube, and Spotify logos are present.

02/12/2026

Hey child care leaders – want to learn more about incorporating diverse cultures in your programs? Check out our latest podcast episode! 🎙️✨

In another two-part episode series, CanAssist speaks with Ana Delgado about building culturally responsive programs. She shares how strong relationships, intentional hiring, and trauma-informed practice helped her to create a welcoming, inclusive, and multicultural environment for all children. Ana’s experience can provide leaders with a roadmap for shaping inclusive spaces.

Listen to part one on your favourite podcast app and subscribe to the show to be the first to hear part two of the episode coming out on February 13th!

Video description: A picture of Ana, who has long dark hair and is wearing a blue shirt, amongst a colourful starry sky. Text reads: “Ep 7: Incorporating Culture as a Leader – Part 1. Available on February 11th.” The Apple Podcasts, Youtube, and Spotify logos are present.

02/11/2026

We are deeply saddened by the tragic events that have impacted families, educators, and community members in Tumbler Ridge and beyond.

We have witnessed firsthand the strong bonds within our northern communities, and we are holding the people of Tumbler Ridge in our hearts. There are no words that will feel adequate in moments like this, but know we stand with you in solidarity and grief.

We hope all who are feeling the weight of this loss are surrounded by support and care at this incredibly difficult time.

02/06/2026

Meet Alex!

We’re excited to welcome Alex (he/him) to the CanAssist team! Alex is a Computer Engineering co-op student at UVic and brings experience across healthcare, marine systems, and game development.

“Designing and improving the ergonomics and efficiency of a workflow has been an ongoing interest and working with CanAssist I hope to expand my knowledge of the different needs people have and how to best address them.”

When he’s not building or refining systems, Alex balances fitness and gaming. You’ll find him training calisthenics, climbing, practicing martial arts, or exploring Azeroth. Originally from Dubai, Alex now calls Canada home.

Welcome to the team, Alex!

Image description: Alex, a Computer Engineering co-op student at CanAssist, looks toward the camera while squatting in front of a red steel cabinet and putting away equipment. He is wearing black-framed glasses.

02/04/2026

We’ve got a new episode of the Leaders of Inclusive Child Care podcast for you! 🎙️✨

Learn about a Métis approach to leadership with Kari-Anne Barr as she shares how love, reciprocity, and cultural integrity shape her work. As a pedagogist, Kari-Anne supports child care programs to shape environments for creative exploration and expression. Discover how Métis language, land-based learning, and community values can enrich programs and elevate children as knowledge-holders.

Listen on your favourite podcast app – available now!

Video description: A picture of Kari-Anne, who has dark hair, long beaded earrings, and is wearing a traditional Métis sash, amongst a colourful starry sky. Text reads: “Ep 6: Leading through a Métis lens with Kari-Anne Barr. Available on February 4th.” The Apple Podcasts, Youtube, and Spotify logos are present.

01/30/2026

Meet Liam!

Liam (he/him) has returned to CanAssist for his second co-op as a Mechanical Design Technician, contributing to mechanical design, prototyping, and fabrication of innovative assistive technology solutions.

A third-year Mechanical Engineering student at UVic, Liam brings a strong hands-on background in machining and fabrication and enjoys refining practical, functional designs.

“As a returning co-op student, I’m excited to continue my work at CanAssist and further develop my hands-on mechanical engineering skills through impactful assistive technology projects.”

When he’s not in the workshop, Liam can be found mountain biking, skiing, surfing, fixing cars, or working on mechanical projects.

Welcome back, Liam!

Image description: Liam, a Mechanical Design Technician co-op student, works at a steel fabrication bench while wearing protective welding gear in the CanAssist workshop.

01/29/2026

Need a new podcast for your morning commute? We got you! 🎙️✨

Nikki McCrimmon (Desjarlais), Executive Director at Métis Community Services BC, joins us for a two-part episode on trauma-informed leadership in child care. She explains how curiosity, trust, and collaboration can transform the way we support children and families. This episode offers powerful guidance for leaders committed to compassionate, responsive care.

Listen on your favourite podcast app and subscribe to the show to be the first to hear part two of the episode coming out on January 30th!

-InformedCare

Video description: A picture of Nikki, who has long hair, glasses, and is wearing a traditional Métis sash, amongst a colourful starry sky. Text reads: “Ep 4: Trauma-informed Leadership in Child Care – Part 1 with Nikki McCrimmon. Available on January 28th.” The Apple Podcasts, Youtube, and Spotify logos are present.

01/26/2026

You're invited: Community dialogue with CanAssist 💬

This Thursday, January 29th, 2026 at 10:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. (PST)

CARSA, University of Victoria, 3800 Finnerty Road, Victoria, BC V8P 5C2.

We'll be talking about how you respond to climate events like heavy rain and heat domes on campus, through the lens of accessibility. Zero cover charge!

RSVP: canassist@uvic.ca

Image description: CanAssist with the Pacific Institute for Climate Solutions. How do respond to climate events on campus? Street with massive snowfall, cars and trees covered in snow.

01/22/2026

Get ready for a new episode from the Leaders of Inclusive Child Care podcast series! 🎙️✨

How can we transform our child care programs to meet the needs of every child? In this episode, we chat with Carrie Rickards, the Executive Director of the Eva Joseph Learning and Cultural Society on the Akisqnuk Reserve, which includes Little Badgers Early Learning Programs. Carrie speaks to the role inclusive leadership plays in supporting the systems, trainings, and mindsets that help children thrive. She explains how intentional policies and a dedicated inclusion role transformed her program—and how leaders can spark the same change in their communities.

Listen on your favourite podcast app – available now!

Video description 1: A picture of Carrie, who has long curly hair and glasses, amongst a colourful starry sky. Text reads: “Ep 3: Supporting Children’s Needs as a Leader with Carrie Rickards. Available on January 21st.” The Apple Podcasts, Youtube, and Spotify logos are present.

01/21/2026

Today is Bell Let’s Talk Day, a national initiative raising awareness about mental health in Canada. At CanAssist, we believe in the importance of support, understanding, and connection. Open conversations about mental health help reduce stigma and build stronger, more supportive communities.

Today, take a moment:
• Check in with yourself without judgment
• Reach out to someone who may be struggling quietly
• Listen, learn, and recognize how mental health affects our communities

If you or someone you know needs support, visit for helpful resources. Together, we can make a difference.

Image description: A bright blue gradient background with faint, smiling face outlines scattered across it. Centered white text reads, "Take a moment for mental health." Below the text is the Bell Let’s Talk logo: a speech bubble containing a smiling face, followed by the words Bell Let’s Talk.

Address

3800 Finnerty Road, CARSA, University Of
Victoria, BC
V8P5C2

Opening Hours

Monday	8:30am - 4:30pm
Tuesday	8:30am - 4:30pm
Wednesday	8:30am - 4:30pm
Thursday	8:30am - 4:30pm
Friday	8:30am - 4:30pm

Telephone

+12507217300

Website

http://www.canassist.ca/

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