About Ability411

Ability411 is a web-based service that provides practical information about assistive technologies and equipment to BC seniors, their family members and their health providers. The service was launched in 2018 to help fill a knowledge gap among seniors and their care providers regarding the wide range of assistive technologies available to them in the marketplace.

Ability411 enables seniors and the people who care for them to ask for help in identifying effective commercial technologies in cases where they are unable to find an appropriate solution on their own. The website also allows users to browse questions posed by other visitors, along with the answers they received.

Ability411 is operated by CanAssist and funded by the Government of British Columbia. CanAssist, an organization of the University of Victoria, is dedicated to helping people with physical, cognitive and mental health barriers improve their quality of life and independence by developing innovative technologies and programs where there are gaps in existing services. Since 1999, CanAssist has had a direct impact on the quality of life of many thousands of people with disabilities and their families.

Initially, Ability411 will help BC seniors and those who care for them. Over time, the service may be expanded to assist other populations.

Luke Melchior, a former CanAssist employee, conceived the idea for Ability411 and named the service. Read more about Luke.