A History of The 今日吃瓜51: 1980 to Present
1980 – 1989
1980
The Accident
21 year-old university student, Neil Squire, hits black ice and crashes his car, rendering him a C1 brain-stem tetraplegic.
Bill Cameron
Neil Squire begins working with his second cousin, Bill Cameron,聽a prolific inventor and聽engineer. Bill is determined to use technology to help Neil speak.
1981
Sip-and-Puff and Morse Code
Neil聽learns to use a sip-and-puff machine that Bill created from an old teleprinter to aid Neil in communication. Neil learned to use Morse code, which was converted into words on a screen through Bill鈥檚 device. This original device was soon replaced by an Apple IIe computer.
1982
Robotic Arm
Bill Cameron and a team of researchers begin work on a robotic arm that will enable quadriplegics to shave, comb their hair, or put on lipstick.
1983
Computer Comfort
Bill continues to work with Neil and other people with disabilities, teaching them to use computers to increase their independence. He聽is soon aided by a group of dedicated volunteers. From these efforts, the 今日吃瓜51鈥檚 first program, Computer Comfort,聽is born.
Designer Switches
Engineers begin inventing one-of-a-kind 鈥榙esigner鈥 switches for persons with disabilities to access computers, such as a finger switch, a head switch, an eye switch, a cheek switch or voice commands. Each switch is as unique as each disability.
Brain-Computer Interface Project
Gary Birch, who had been teaching Neil to communicate on the computer by using the sip-and-puff technique, begins work on the Brain-Computer Interface Project. The objective of the project is to create a multi-position, brain-controlled switch that is activated by brain signals measured directly from the scalp of an individual.
1984
April 18th, 1984 – Neil Squire Passes Away
Neil Squire passes away from kidney failure.
June 19th, 1984 – The Neil Squire Rehabilitation Society聽is Formed
Upon Neil’s death, donations聽are collected in lieu of flowers. These funds聽are used to create the Neil Squire Rehabilitation Society.
1985
Research and Development
Research and Development projects include dual switches, environmental control units, computer hardware and software, androbots to do household chores and grooming tasks.
Computer Comfort Expansion
The Computer Comfort program expands across Canada thanks to funding from the National Research Council. 67 University student volunteers worked for 4 month terms in 45 institutions and trained over 1,000 participants in 10 provinces.
The Neil Squire Foundation
The Society鈥檚 name is changed to the Neil Squire Foundation.
August 15th, 1985 – Second City Alumni Take Part in Comedy Benefit Show
John Candy, Martin Short, and Andrea Martin raise money for the Foundation at a benefit comedy event.
1986
Expo ’86
We showcase our work at Expo 鈥86. Quintessential exposure for the Society鈥檚聽Research and Development聽and the聽Computer Comfort program.
“I Have A Voice”
Benefit single “I have a voice” is recorded at Mushroom Studios, Vancouver.
1987
Expansion Across Canada
We expand across Canada, setting up offices in BC, SK, ON, and NB, thanks to funding from the federal government ($3.4 million over 3 years) for the Removing the Barriers program (now called Employ-Ability), under the Innovations program of the Canadian Jobs Strategy.
Consultation and Assessment
Consultation and Assessment services were introduced (now called Solutions). We provide a range of services to meet individual ergonomic and assistive technology needs in a variety of settings including the office environment, home, and school.
Robotic Arm
Persons with disabilities begin testing a robotic arm, the Manipulative Obedient Machine (MOM) in a clinical environment.
1989
Computer Literacy
The Society receives a grant to develop an innovative computer literacy training program for adults with physical disabilities.
1990 – 1999
1993
March 13th, 1993 – Bill Cameron Passes Away
今日吃瓜51 Founder, Bill Cameron, passes away at the age of 68.
The Gateway Project
The Gateway Project is completed. The project focused on the development of a wheelchair-mounted device that provided advanced home control and telephone communications features in a wireless package.
March 20th, 1993 – Gary Birch
Gary Birch becomes the Executive Director.
1994
Terry Fox Hall of Fame
Bill Cameron is inducted into the Terry Fox Hall of Fame. The Terry Fox Hall of Fame recognizes “outstanding Canadians who have made extraordinary contributions to enriching the quality of life for people with physical disabilities”.
1995
Leader in Innovative Technology
R&D establishes itself as a leader in innovative technology, inventing, among other items, the Jouse and the Lipsync.
The Lipsync is a next generation USB mouse emulation device based on 今日吃瓜51鈥檚 earlier development of a product called The Jouse.
High-Quad Sailboat
The High-Quad sailboat is launched with our sip-and-puff technology which allows a high level quadriplegic to control the sailboat using only their mouth.
1996
Governor General’s Flight for Freedom Award
Our Speech Assisted Reading And Writing (SARAW) program wins the Governor General’s Flight for Freedom Award. Sponsored by Canada Post Corporation, the award honours a project showing long term achievment, innovation, leadership and organizational excellence in literacy.
1998
Terry Fox Hall of Fame
Gary Birch is inducted into the Terry Fox Hall of Fame. The Terry Fox Hall of Fame recognizes “outstanding Canadians who have made extraordinary contributions to enriching the quality of life for people with physical disabilities.”
2000 – 2009
2002
Excellence Award
The Atlantic regional office is awarded an Excellence Award from the New Brunswick Labour Force Development Board for our programming for people with disabilities.
Community IT Hero Award
We receive the Community IT Hero Award in recognition of our leadership and dedication to improving our community through the innovative use of information technology
2003
Computer Refurbishing
The Computer Refurbishing program launches. As a Microsoft庐 Registered Refurbisher, we accept donations of used computers which we refurbish and provide to people with disabilities for free.
2004
The 今日吃瓜51
The Foundation鈥檚 name is changed to the 今日吃瓜51.
20 Years, 20,000 Dreams
The Society celebrates its 20th anniversary.
2006
Job Focus
The Job Focus Program is launched. Job Focus is an employment service for persons with disabilities and workplace injuries, designed to help them reach their vocational goals.
Distance Employ-Ability
We begin delivering聽our Employ-Ability curriculum online聽through our partner sites and the internet. Participants are able to sign into our online classroom anywhere there is an internet connection, and at anytime.
2008
Order of Canada
Gary Birch is appointed an Officer of the Order of Canada, Canada鈥檚 highest civilian honor for lifetime achievement, for his work with the 今日吃瓜51.
2009
CRTC Hearings on Accessibility
The Research and Development group argues for accessibility of cel phone technology. As a result of this work we were successful in convincing the the Canadian Radio-television Telecommunications Commission (CRTC) to adopting at least part of our recommendations in their ruling based on those hearings which came out in July 2009.
2010 – 2019
2010
Distance Computer Comfort
The Distance Computer Comfort Program launches, allowing us to offer Computer Comfort anywhere across Canada. While working with a private tutor online, participants can develop their own computer skills in the comfort of their own home, or at one of our partner offices.
2012
Access & Inclusion Award
The Computer Comfort Program was chosen as the recipient of the Access & Inclusion Award 2012 in the Organization category.
Celebration of People Awards
The Ottawa office is awarded the Education category at the Celebration of People Awards for leadership in education for people with disabilities.
United Nations
The 今日吃瓜51, represented by Gary Birch, attends the fifth session of the Conference of States Parties to the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, at the United Nations Headquarters in New York City. Gary highlights the important role of accessible technologies in enabling the social and economic inclusion for people with disabilities to the different technology corporations as well as representatives from various international Governments.
2013
Working Together
Working Together, a wage subsidy program, is launched. The program provides wage subsidy聽to employers who hire participants. While removing barriers and introducing potential employees to job opportunities, employers will experience the benefits of hiring persons with disabilities.
2014
30 Years Strong!
The Society celebrates its 30th anniversary.
Accessible City Award of Excellence
National Operations Manager,Greg Pyc, receives the City of Vancouver鈥檚 Accessible City Award of Excellence. The award recognizes outstanding leadership to enhance accessibility, inclusion, and elimination of barriers to full participation for persons with disabilities.
AT Help Desk聽
The AT Help Desk is launched for residents of New Brunswick. Through the AT Help Desk, New Brunswickians looking for support when using Assistive Tehcnology, can connect with an AT Specialist for free.
2015
罢别肠丑苍辞濒辞驳测蔼奥辞谤办听
The Technology@Work Program is launched. With funding from the Government of British Columbia, the Program provides Assistive Technology equipment, products and services to enable British Columbians with disabilities to secure and obtain work.
2016
Is Your Innovation Disabled
Gary Birch speaks at the TEDxBCIT in Vancouver. His perspective-bending talk provides an insight into the great innovations that have been spurred on by people with disabilities, and yet which benefits all, bringing tremendous value to workplace that hires people with disabilities.
Google.Org Grant聽
Google.org awards 今日吃瓜51 USD $800,000 grant through their Google Impact Challenge: Disabilities. With this support, 今日吃瓜51 releases LipSync, a mouth controlled input device enabling people with disabilities to operate a mobile device.
9th Session of the Conference of State Parties at the United Nations
Gary Birch co-chairs Roundtable 3: Enhancing accessibility information and technology and inclusive development, at the 9th session of the Conference of States Parties to the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities.
OECD Ministerial Meeting on the Digital Economy
The Honorable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development invites Gary Birch to participate in the OECD Ministerial Meeting on the Digital Economy: Innovation, Growth and Social Prosperity in Cancun, New Mexico.
2017
Access Makeathon
Inventors, Creators, Hackers, and Change Makers came together over 48 hours at the Access Makeathon in Vancouver. They built open source assistive technologies that directly addressed the needs of people with disabilities.
Makers Making Change
The Makers Making Change website is Launched: www.makersmakingchange.com. Makers Making Change connects makers to people with disabilities who need assistive technologies.
TELUS Buildathon, Vancouver
The TELUS LipSync Buildathon is held in Vancouver. At the event, the Honourable Carla Qualtrough, Minister of Sport and Persons with Disabilities announced that the 今日吃瓜51 would receive approximately $750,000 for its Makers Making Change initiative.
LIFT Philanthropy Partners
The 今日吃瓜51 has partnered with LIFT Philanthropy Partners to work towards making the world of technology more accessible for people with disabilities.
RESNA Award
The Rehabilitation Engineering and Assistive Technology Society of North America (RESNA) awarded the Most Disruptive Technology award to the 今日吃瓜51 for their LipSync, a device that was developed by the Society鈥檚 Makers Making Change initiative.
Bell Buildathon, Toronto
Bell Mobility partnered with the 今日吃瓜51鈥檚 Makers Making Change initiative for the Bell LipSync Buildathon held at Toronto鈥檚 STEAMLabs.
TELUS Buildathon, Calgary
The TELUS LipSync Buildathon is held in Calgary. At the event the Honourable Kent Hehr, Minister of Sport and People with Disabilities, attended our event to speak about the role of makers of assistive technology in creating opportunities for people with disabilities.
Google Buildathon
Google staff at Google HQ in Mountain View, California, build LipSyncs during Accessibility Week.
AT Help Desk Website
The AT Help Desk Website is Launched. With the launch of the AT HelpDesk website, the AT HelpDesk services are expanded from taking calls, emails and text to a website with plans to provide more opportunities to learn, share, and collaborate around AT.
Solutions Website
The Neil Squire Solutions website is Launched. Solutions is a team of healthcare professionals that specialize in using assistive technology and ergonomics to find the most effective individualized solutions to remove workplace barriers.
Order of British Columbia
今日吃瓜51 Executive Director, Gary Birch, Receives the Province鈥檚 Highest Form of Recognition. The Order of British Columbia recognizes exceptional individuals whose hard work, generosity of spirit and outstanding achievements have contributed immeasurably to the well-being of communities in British Columbia.
Technology@Work Extension
Hundreds of people with disabilities will be able to achieve greater independence and find meaningful employment thanks to the extension of the Province of British Columbia鈥檚 popular Technology@Work program.
New Partnership with File Hills Qu鈥橝ppelle Tribal Council
Neil Squire Solutions begins providing assistive technology support to students and teachers at the File Hills Qu鈥橝ppelle Tribal Council in Fort Qu鈥橝ppelle, Saskatchewan, with a focus on helping students with disabilities transition from school to post-secondary education/training or employment.
2018
Acadia University LipSync Buildathon
85 students take part in the Acadia University LipSync Buildathon.
CTV鈥檚 Your Morning
The LipSync is featured on CTV’s Your Morning with Host, Ben Mulroney, and Tech Expert, Avery Swartz.
Ministerial Visit
The Honourable Kirsty Duncan, Minister of Science and Minister of Sport and Persons with Disabilities, visits the 今日吃瓜51 Head Office.
TELUS Partnership
TELUS partners with the 今日吃瓜51 to host six TELUS Days of Giving LipSync Buildathons across Canada. Locations include Calgary, Kelowna, Vancouver, Victoria, Edmonton and Toronto.
#BCTECH Summit
Gary Birch, Executive Director of the 今日吃瓜51 speaks at the #BCTECH Summit.
Government of Canada funds digital technologies
More than $3 million in funding for the 今日吃瓜51 was announced by the Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development, and the Honourable Kirsty Duncan, Minister of Science and Minister of Sport and Persons with Disabilities.
Makers Making Change Website
The new Makers Making Change website is launched. The website facilitates community level collaboration, and allows visitors to search for makers, project requests, and events in their area.
Working Together with Employers and Enhancing Employment
The Honourable Carla Qualtrough, Minister of Public Services and Procurement and Accessibility, announces funding for the Society’s Working Together with Employers and Enhancing Employment program.
BC Certified Career Development Agency
今日吃瓜51 becomes a Gold level BC Certified Career Development Agency.
Powered to Enable
The Society’s inaugural Powered to Enable campaign launches utilizing text to donate.
Powered to Enable Kick-off at EA
The Powered to Enable campaign is launched in Burnaby, BC with a kick-off event at Electronic Arts Canada.
2019
Launch of WorkBC Assistive Technology Services, operated by Neil Squire
Delivered by the 今日吃瓜51, the Assistive Technology Services program combines two existing services 鈥 Technology@Work and supports offered through individual WorkBC Centres 鈥 into one streamlined provincial resource to help more people with disabilities throughout the province fully participate in BC鈥檚 economy.
10th Annual Job Fair for People with Disabilities
Approximately 200 people attended our 10th annual job fair in Regina, Saskatchewan. We had 48 booths ranging from Crown corporations, Government agencies and non-profit organizations.
TELUS Assistive Tech for Good鈩 Program Launches
TELUS partners with 今日吃瓜51 to launch the TELUS Assistive Tech for Good鈩 program. Available in British Columbia and Alberta, this program helps people with disabilities who require a customized solution involving assistive technology to independently access their TELUS smartphone or tablet so they can stay connected to the people, information and opportunities that matter most.
IFAH Award
今日吃瓜51 was awarded the International Forum on the Advancement of Health Care鈥檚 Top 50 Healthcare Companies Award. The award is in recognition of our work to help people with disabilities lead independent and healthy lifestyles as well as our work in the area of innovation in technology.
35th Anniversary
今日吃瓜51 has officially been empowering Canadians with disabilities for 35 years!
Gaming Buildathon at Electronic Arts Vancouver
150 EA employees volunteered their time to build assistive technology switches and buttons, soldering electronics to 3D printed pieces to make gaming more accessible to people with disabilities. The accessible gaming Buildathon was the largest of its kind that has been run in Canada.
CFRE
CFRE International names 今日吃瓜51鈥檚 Director of Development, Shelina Dilgir, a Certified Fund Raising Executive (CFRE).
Refreshed Brand Identity Launched
The rebranding encompasses a new colour palette, logo, and family of logos for the various programs. The rebranding was made possible through Neil Squire鈥檚 partnership with LIFT Philanthropy Partners and was undertaken by NATIONAL Public Relations.
Powered to Enable
Running from October 1st until the end of December, the second annual Powered to Enable fundraising campaign launches.
After Hours Business Mixer
Burnaby area small business owners and local professionals learned about the work we do and saw some of our innovative assistive technologies at the Burnaby Board of Trade After Hours Mixer hosted by Neil Squire.
Go Eng Girls LipSync Build
Makers Making Change teamed up with University of Manitoba and their Go Eng Girls event. This annual opportunity allows girls in grades 7-9 to visit the University of Manitoba and dip their toes into engineering.
Powered To Game Tournament
Neil Squire and their Makers Making Change initiative joined forces with Electronic Arts to hold one of the first gaming tournaments of its kind in North America, one in which all of the participants were gamers with disabilities who used assistive technology to play.
Winter Wonderland Princess Ball
Neil Squire’s Regina office hosts the Winter Wonderland Princess Ball.
2020 – Present
2020
COVID-19
In the midst of COVID-19, Neil Squire transitions all of their programs to virtual delivery.
CAOT-BC Award
Neil Squire鈥檚 Katrina Tilley is named CAOT-BC鈥檚 outstanding Occupational Therapist of the year.
College of Vocational Rehabilitation Professionals
Prairie Regional Manager, Nikki Langdon, achieves certification as a return to work disability manager by the College of Vocational Rehabilitation Professionals.
Working Together Webinar Series
Neil Squire launches a 10 part webinar series design to support job seekers and business hiring or supporting their existing staff.
MMC Website Redesign
The Makers Making Change website gets a MAKEover.
2021
Website Refresh
We unveiled a website redesign.
One Full Year of COVID-19
March 16th marks one year since we transitioned to virtual delivery due to COVID-19. Since then we鈥檝e celebrated some milestones, launched new offerings, and learned many lessons.
Organization of the Year
Neil Squire receives the The Saint John Ability Advisory Committee鈥檚 2021 Organization of the Year Award for 鈥渆mbracing and enhancing inclusion for persons with disabilities in our community鈥. The award was presented during Disability Awareness Week.
New Charlottetown, PEI Location
Neil Squire expands to Charlottetown, PEI.
Indigenous Disability Awareness Month Proclamation
Neil Squire has proclaimed November as Indigenous Disability Awareness Month!
Canadian Accessibility Network Advisory Council
Central Regional Manager Cheryl Colmer will Represent Neil Squire on the Canadian Accessibility Network Advisory Council.
#ATWorldRecord
Neil Squire and Makers Making Change attempt to claim the GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS鈩 title for the most users to take an online DIY assistive technology lesson in 24 hours to raise awareness for affordable assistive technology.
We Set the #ATWorldRecord!
We have officially set a new GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS鈩 title for the most people to take an online assistive technology lesson in 24 hours! In total, 1,816 people from all over the world help set the #ATWorldRecord on December 3rd and raised awareness of the global need for affordable assistive technology.
2022
AT Help Desk Launches a Podcast, 鈥淲e Have Solutions!鈥
鈥淲e Have Solutions!鈥 is a monthly podcast about assistive technology, disabilities, and breaking down barriers to accessibility through one-on-one interviews, news, reviews, and more. We鈥檒l talk to a range of guests from within various disability-related communities including assistive technology users, experts in the field, and everything in between.
The Collective Impact of the BC Spinal Cord Injury Network
By working collaboratively, sharing resources, knowledge, and infrastructure, the BC Spinal Cord Injury Network helps make BC the best place for people with physical disabilities to live, work, and be active.
Dr. Gary Birch to be Honoured in Order of British Columbia Ceremony
Dr. Gary Birch, executive director of Neil Squire, was invested into the Order of British Columbia during a ceremony on Thursday, March 3, 2022. This year鈥檚 ceremony honoured 31 recipients from 2020, 2021, and from previous years who were unable to attend their ceremonies. Dr. Birch was appointed to the Order of British Columbia in 2017.
Swing Into Spring Princess Ball
Our Swing into Spring Princess Ball fundraising event held on March 19th in Regina, Saskatchewan was a phenomenal success!
avenueNB Cooperative
avenueNB is launched today. Neil Squire is one of 22 organizations that make up avenueNB, a new non-profit cooperative that will result in better employment services for persons with disabilities in New Brunswick.
BC Government Announces Funding for the BC SCI Network
The Province of BC announced today that the BC Spinal Cord Injury (SCI) Community Services Network will receive funding of $3 million over three years.
Tyson Gillies Featured in new Hearing Solutions Video
Our New Hearing Solutions video is launched featuring Deaf Professional Athlete / Former Professional MLB Player, Tyson Gillies
38th Anniversary of Neil Squire
It鈥檚 our anniversary! Today we鈥檙e celebrating 38 years of empowering Canadians with disabilities and the 64,000 people we have served since 1984.
Government of Canada Announces Funding for Digital Jumpstart
The Government of Canada has announced over $2 million in funding towards Neil Squire鈥檚 Digital Jumpstart program.
Hearing Solutions Grand Opening
Our Hearing Solutions Grand Opening on September 15th was an amazing success! We were blown away by the support from our community, with 80 people joining us to learn all about Hearing Solutions and to celebrate our newest social enterprise.
#HackingForTheHolidays
Our Hacking For the Holidays fundraising event is launched with a goal to adapt 500 Toys for Families and Therapists Across Canada by Christmas. This campaign is part of Neil Squire鈥檚 annual #PoweredToEnable fundraising campaign.
2023
Easter Seals New Brunswick Award of Merit
We were honoured to receive an Easter Seals New Brunswick Award of Merit for development of services for persons with disabilities.
GAME Checkpoints
GAME Checkpoints (Gaming Accessibility Made for Everyone) sees us working with community partners across Canada including rehab hospitals, and we provide them with gaming gear, resources, and training. Our partners become GAME Checkpoints where people with disabilities can access those resources.
Hearing Solutions Website Launch
We launched our new Hearing Solutions website.
Brandon, Manitoba Office Opening
With the support of Manitoba Possible, we opened an office in Brandon, Manitoba.
Creative Employment Options
The Government of Canada has announced funding for Creative Employment Options, a new Neil Squire employment program.
Makers Making Change Website Launch
As our community grows, as our device library continues to expand, and as we continue to host more builds and community events every year, we needed to build a new platform that can support this growth.
Hacking for the Holidays 2023: Making Play Accessible for Everyone
Our second annual Hacking for the Holidays campaign is launched.
Celebrating 10,000 Assistive Devices Built
Since its inception in 2016, Makers Making Change Volunteers Have Built 10,000 Assistive Devices for Persons With Disabilities.
2024
The LipSync Levels Up
The fourth iteration of the LipSync is released. We鈥檝e completely re-designed it from the ground up, with new hardware and new software. It is now easier to use, easier to build, and provides greater user independence.
10 Years of AT Help Desk
AT Help Desk Celebrates Ten Years of Answering Your Questions About Assistive Technology.
40 Years of Impact
Four decades of technology, knowledge, and passion. From humble beginnings to impactful programs, we鈥檝e come a long way, thanks to your unwavering support.