CAF Programs

Ontario Programming

• Youth Internships
  Ontario based, this highly successful initiative has supported over 100 young adults, many of whom live with disabilities, with valuable in-person internships and mentorship opportunities.  Designed to build skill levels, confidence and networking skills, these paid placements provide hands-on experience under the guidance of CAF team members.
• Youth Leadership
  Filling a gap in “civic education” our recently launched ‘Youth Leadership Programs’ provide accessibility and inclusion “best practice” education sessions for local high-school and post-secondary school students and teachers.  Designed to familiarize them with “accessibility” legislation and inclusion best practices we hosted 150 students in Northumberland County and have sessions planned for Central, Southwestern and Northern Ontario. Our goal is to reduce stigma and misconceptions, change attitudes, provide skill development and encourage leadership and changemaking activities that can be carried forward into future careers and community activities.
• Seniors Safety First
  Funded by the Ontario Government and New Horizons for seniors, our new coffee chats and education sessions offer a space for older adults in Eastern Ontario and their caregivers to come together to share tips and tools related the to safely navigating todays changing world. From tech-focuses sessions, to emergency preparedness, safety comes in all shapes and sizes.
• Young Caregivers Club
  Children, teens, and young adults caring for siblings, parents, or grandparents face unique challenges. This Ontario-funded and developed initiative offers coping strategies, expert guidance, and practical resources to support youth in caregiving roles and help them prioritize self-care. Supported with a local grant from Petro Canada.  
• Accessibility Mapping
  Our Ontario-led accessibility mapping efforts promote inclusive communities by identifying barrier-free locations and providing education around the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA).

National Programs:

• Publishing and Education
  CAF reaches a network of over 500,000 Canadians through our four national magazine titles, and accessible websites. Our publications promote inclusion, accessibility, and the rights of persons with disabilities across the country with the majority of distribution in Ontario. Titles include: Caregiver Solutions, Abilities, Today’s Kids and Rehab and Community Care Medicine. 
• Accessible Skies – Our study, funded by Accessible Standards Canada, will identify and analyze the barriers for travellers with cognitive disabilities and their care partners throughout the airport experience. Our goal is to influence accessibility standards in Canadian airports, reducing barriers and promoting best practices. We are working in partnership with O’Hara Accessibility & Aging and HelpAge Canada.
• Caregivers Club
  A coast-to-coast on-line resource for shared content, networking resources, and peer support. With more hundreds of stories, tips and solutions based advice from experts and caregivers alike, this is a well-used program.
• Canada Cares
   Through Canada Cares, we support adults 55+ and their caregivers with resources, education, and tools to navigate today’s ever-changing world. Our mission is simple but powerful: to advocate, educate, raise awareness, and deliver meaningful programs that empower individuals and strengthen communities.
• Canada Cares Awards, One Wish Awards and Make Me Smile gifts.
  Celebrating and supporting caregivers across Canada through national recognition and meaningful financial assistance. Over the past decade, Canada Cares has recognized over 500 family and professional caregivers. Our 2025 Nominations are now begin accepted.
• Return to Work
  This Ontario-centered initiative offers customized support for caregivers and vulnerable adults or children navigating the transition back into employment or education.
• Financial Literacy for Youth Living with Disabilities – Money Talks
  Developed with funding from CIBC, this resource equips youth with disabilities with the knowledge and tools needed to manage personal finances and reduce financial risk post-graduation.

 * Partnerships, Mentorships and Supports

As our mandate is to improve both accessibility and inclusion from across the country CAF provides fundraising, coaching, marketing, content development and educational assistance to supports to other like-minded charities to help further their goals and objectives.