PADDLE Program

03/20/2026

April Calendar is up!!

03/20/2026

Woohoo!

03/20/2026

Congrats to Geraldine M this weeks Cash Calendar winner!
Calendar #0253

03/18/2026

Updated ARCH Factsheet Alert! ✨

What is the Accessible Canada Act (ACA)?
Find out how this federal law helps identify, remove, and prevent barriers for people with disabilities — including those in Ontario. This factsheet answers:
• What is the ACA?
• Who it impacts
• What it does to remove barriers
• Where to get more info

Now available in English, French!
Full Factsheet: https://archdisabilitylaw.ca/resource/fact-sheet-what-is-the-accessible-canada-act/



[Image description: Graphic from ARCH Disability Law Centre with a green background promoting an updated factsheet titled “What is the Accessible Canada Act?” The ARCH logo appears at the top.
On the left side is a preview of the factsheet, which explains that the Accessible Canada Act (ACA) is a federal law aimed at identifying, removing, and preventing barriers for people with disabilities in Canada by 2040. It clarifies that the ACA applies to federally regulated sectors, including transportation (airplanes, trains, interprovincial buses), telecommunications, banking, and federal government services and workplaces.
The factsheet outlines how the ACA may impact people with disabilities living in Ontario by improving accessibility in federal programs and services such as employment, travel, and access to government buildings. It also explains that the ACA requires organizations to develop accessibility standards in areas such as employment, the built environment, communication, transportation, procurement of goods and services, and information and communication technologies.
The factsheet notes that federally regulated organizations must create accessibility plans, consult with persons with disabilities, establish feedback processes, and report on progress.
On the right side of the graphic, large bold text reads: “Updated factsheet available in English & French.” Below, a dark green text box asks: “What is the Accessible Canada Act?” Bullet points list key topics covered:
-Does the ACA impact persons with disabilities living in Ontario?
-The ACA is a federal law. What does this mean?
-What does the ACA do to identify, address and remove barriers?
-Where to go for even more information
At the bottom, a call-to-action reads: “Link to factsheet in caption!”]

03/16/2026

Highball outing cancelled today. Pick up 3pm at The PADDLE Program

03/13/2026

Congrats to this weeks cash calendar winner Geraldine Z
Calendar #0202

03/11/2026

WE ARE HIRING! PLEASE SHARE!

COMMUNITY CONNECTOR – CRISIS PREVENTION INTERN

The PADDLE Program – North Bay, Ontario

The PADDLE Program is seeking a Community Connector – Crisis Prevention Intern to support adults with developmental disabilities in building community participation, social connection, and personal safety skills.

This position is funded through the Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corporation (NOHFC) People and Talent Program.
________________________________________
POSITION DETAILS
Location: North Bay, Ontario
Term: 52-week internship
Hours: 35 hours per week
Compensation: $19/hr
________________________________________
ABOUT THE ROLE
The Community Connector supports adults with developmental disabilities in community-based learning, crisis prevention, and social participation.

This role focuses on helping participants build relationships, access community resources, and develop skills that reduce isolation and prevent crisis situations. The position emphasizes experiential learning, communication support, and the development of meaningful community connections.
________________________________________
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
• Support adults with developmental disabilities in community activities and experiential learning opportunities
• Assist participants with developing communication, safety awareness, and decision-making skills
• Help identify early warning signs of crisis and support preventative strategies
• Facilitate positive peer relationships and community connections
• Support participants in navigating community environments safely and confidently
• Document observations and progress related to participant goals
• Work collaboratively with program staff and families
________________________________________
QUALIFICATIONS
• Diploma or degree in one of the following fields:
Developmental Services Worker (DSW)
Social Service Worker (SSW)
Psychology
Human Services
or a related field
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills
• Ability to work in community settings
• Valid driver’s licence and access to reliable transportation preferred
• Current First Aid and CPR certification considered an asset
• Vulnerable Sector Police Check required
Bilingualism (English/French) is strongly preferred.
________________________________________
NOHFC INTERNSHIP ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS
As this position is funded through the Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corporation (NOHFC) People and Talent Program, applicants must meet the following eligibility criteria:
• Be 18 years of age or older
• Be legally entitled to work in Canada
• Reside in Northern Ontario
• Be a new entrant to the workforce, transitioning to a new career, or unemployed/underemployed and entering a new field
• Not have previously participated in an NOHFC-funded internship
________________________________________
ABOUT THE PADDLE PROGRAM
The PADDLE Program is a community-based wellness and experiential learning hub supporting adults with developmental disabilities to build meaningful relationships, autonomy, and community belonging.
Through relational support and community engagement, the program focuses on developing social capital, personal safety skills, and opportunities for meaningful participation in everyday community life.
________________________________________
APPLICATION PROCESS
Please submit a resume and cover letter outlining your interest in the role and how you meet the eligibility criteria info@paddlenorthbay.ca Attention: Megan Johnson by March 21st, 2026.

While we thank all applicants for their interest, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.

The PADDLE Program is committed to equity, inclusion, and accessibility. Accommodation will be provided throughout the recruitment process upon request.

03/09/2026

Today is your last day to get orders in! Follow instructions below to get yours!
Please note we are having some difficulties with the Canada Helps form so please click on the “write a private message to us (optional)” to indicate how many bottles of syrup you would like to purchase!
Thank you for your support 💚

🍁Maple Syrup Fundraiser is Back!🍁
We’re excited to be offering locally sourced maple syrup from La Sucrerie du Violoneux in support of The PADDLE
Program
1L bottles - $25 each
- $9 from every bottle goes directly back to PADDLE!
- How to order:
• Orders are online only through our website
• Visit www.paddlenorthbay.ca
• Click on the Maple Syrup tab - it will take you to our CanadaHelps link
Important when filling out the CanadaHelps form:
Please include how many bottles you are ordering Please include an email address so we can contact
you when the maple syrup has arrived
Orders close March 9th, 2026
Maple syrup typically arrives mid-April and will be
available for pick-up at The PADDLE Program

03/09/2026

Congrats to March 6th Cash Calendar winner Aileen L
Calendar #0291

03/08/2026

*and families. Because great support means decisions being made by someone else. It means choices that feel uncomfortable. It means risk that cannot be managed away with policies or plans.

Systems like predictability. But the moment a person truly has authority over their own life, predictability disappears.

That is the real work before us: not helping people to live ordinary lives, but teaching systems to tolerate ordinary freedom.
..

ID: Image shows a man sitting on his bed. Text reads: The real challenge of intellectual disability services isn't supporting people. Its professionals tolerating other people having control.

03/08/2026

🚐 Community Help Request – Transportation for The PADDLE Program 🌲

The PADDLE Program is planning a week-long camping experience in Temagami this July, and we are working to make sure the trip is accessible so everyone can participate at the level that works best for them. 

(The majority of the costs are being paid through a a restricted grant. We received it two years ago and it cannot be applied to our general operating costs.)

We are currently looking for access to:

🚌 A larger passenger vehicle (school bus, church bus, camp bus, or shuttle style)

🚐 A sprinter-size or similar larger vehicle that can be driven with a regular licence

♿ An accessible vehicle with wheelchair spaces
(Ideally 2 or more wheelchair positions, but 1 would still help.)

These vehicles would help transport participants between North Bay and the resort, particularly for individuals who may wish to attend during the day but not stay overnight.

We are open to borrowing, renting, leasing, or sponsorship of a vehicle for the week.

⛽ Transportation costs, fuel, insurance requirements, and reasonable related expenses can be covered.

Organizations such as churches, service clubs, camps, or companies with shuttle vehicles sometimes have vehicles available during the summer, and we would be grateful to explore any possibilities.

📩 If you or your organization might be able to help, please send us a private message.

🔁 Even sharing this post could help us reach the right person.

Thank you for supporting inclusion and opportunities for adults with developmental disabilities in our community.

💙 The PADDLE Program

If you have ideas or leads, please send us a private message.

03/08/2026