Breaking Down Barriers
Breaking Down Barriers is a registered Canadian charity founded in 1985 and one of 24 accredited Independent Living Centres nationally. Headquartered in Collingwood, Ontario, it delivers independent living skills, peer support, direct funding administration, and AODA training to individuals with disabilities across Simcoe, Grey, and Bruce Counties.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded1985
- HeadquartersCollingwood, Canada
- Headcount1–10
- GTM typeB2C
- OfferingServices
What Breaking Down Barriers does
Breaking Down Barriers (BDB) is a Canadian registered charity founded on February 25, 1985 and headquartered at 234 Ste. Marie Street in Collingwood, Ontario. The organization operates as one of only 24 accredited Independent Living Centres in Canada and is an accredited member of Independent Living Canada. It serves individuals with visible and invisible disabilities — physical, sensory, emotional, and intellectual — across Simcoe, Grey, and Bruce Counties, including the cities of Orillia and Barrie. Its functional mission is enabling independent living through skill development, peer support, resource navigation, and self-managed attendant care.
Its core service portfolio comprises five interconnected programs: Independent Living Skills, Peer Support, Resources & Supports, Direct Funding Self-Managed Attendant Services (administering Ontario's Direct Funding program), and the Connecting With Seniors program for adults aged 55-105. Specialized offerings include the Diabetes Information Group (delivered in partnership with the South Georgian Bay Community Health Centre), AODA 2025 Compliance Resources (bilingual French/English accessibility tools), the Thumbs Up! Built Environment Audit service, and AODA training for businesses. Service delivery uses a hybrid model — in-person programming at the BDB Centre combined with Zoom virtual sessions — and is supported by YouTube video content (e.g., Wellness Without Barriers series) and community outreach at farmers markets and health fairs. The technology footprint is light: Zoom for virtual delivery, YouTube for video, and the AccessNow app for accessibility mapping community outreach; no proprietary software platform was disclosed.
The organization operates as a non-profit funded primarily through government grants under a Multi-Sector Service Accountability Agreement (M-SAA) with Ontario Health/NSM LHIN, supplemented by individual and corporate donations and select grant funding (e.g., Ontario Trillium Foundation). All consumer-facing programs are provided at no cost to participants; AODA training and built environment audits represent a minor commercial service line for businesses and municipalities. A small staff of 1-10 is augmented by 3,000-5,000 volunteer hours annually. Governance is delivered by a voluntary Board of Directors with 51% of members required to identify as having a disability, consistent with the Independent Living Philosophy.
Breaking Down Barriers firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- Breaking Down Barriers
- Legal name
- Breaking Down Barriers
- Website
- https://breakingdownbarriers.ca
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 1985
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 1–10 employees
- Short description
- Breaking Down Barriers is a registered Canadian charity founded in 1985 and one of 24 accredited Independent Living Centres nationally. Headquartered in Collingwood, Ontario, it delivers independent living skills, peer support, direct funding administration, and AODA training to individuals with disabilities across Simcoe, Grey, and Bruce Counties.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
Breaking Down Barriers industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Disability Support Services
- NAICS
- Services for the Elderly and Persons with Disabilities (62412), Individual and Family Services (6241), Vocational Rehabilitation Services (62431)
- SIC
- Services-Social Services (8300), Services-Educational Services (8200)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Disability Services & Independent Living Support (BPAGACAG)
- akta.pro secondary industries
- Disability Services & Assistive Solutions (Accessibility, Assistive Tech) (BPAGALAM), Disability Services & Independent Living Support (BPAGAEAG), Interagency Coordination & Case Management (VR, DD, Medicaid Waivers) (EDAKANAM)
Keywords
Where Breaking Down Barriers is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Collingwood
- HQ country
- Canada
- HQ region
- North America
Offices1 record
Markets served
Breaking Down Barriers business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2C
- Offering type
- Services
- Cost components
- Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Others
Revenue model
- Donations and Charitable Contributions: Charitable organization accepting donations from individuals, corporations, and community supporters. Registered charity with charitable registration number 11881 7246 RR 0001.
- Government Funding: Funded through Multi-Sector Service Accountability Agreement (M-SAA) with government; Core funding from Ontario Health/NSM LHIN for community support services.
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Other | Monthly | Free programs and services for consumers/members |
Go-to-market motion1 record
Distribution channels4 records
Marketing channels8 records
Breaking Down Barriers product offering
Product offeringCore offering
Breaking Down Barriers is a registered charity and Independent Living Resource Centre that delivers free programs and services to individuals with visible and invisible disabilities across Simcoe, Grey and Bruce Counties. Core offerings include Independent Living Skills training, Peer Support, Resources & Supports, Direct Funding Self-Managed Attendant Services, Diabetes Information Group, Connecting With Seniors social program, and AODA 2025 compliance resources, built environment audits, and training for businesses.
Product overview
Breaking Down Barriers is a registered charity and Independent Living Resource Centre offering a portfolio of programs and services for individuals with diverse disabilities. The organization operates five interconnected core programs aligned with the Independent Living Philosophy: Independent Living Skills (skill development and access to essential services), Peer Support (social connection and leadership development), Resources & Supports (information, networking, and community guidance), and Direct Funding Self-Managed Attendant Services (Ontario program support). Beyond these core offerings, BDB provides specialized health programming including the Diabetes Information Group, the Connecting With Seniors social program, and AODA compliance services including resources, built environment audits, and training for businesses.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Products and services
- Independent Living Skills A multi-faceted program that equips individuals with diverse disabilities with skills for decision-making and assists with access to housing, transportation, health and wellness services, employment, education and training. Targeted at people with physical, sensory, emotional and intellectual disabilities seeking to live independently.
- Peer Support Program based on sharing knowledge from life experiences, developing leadership skills, and eliminating social isolation through activities such as music, crafts, sports and field trips. For individuals with disabilities seeking community connection and leadership development.
- Direct Funding Self-Managed Attendant Services Support for Ontario's Direct Funding Program enabling adults with physical disabilities to become employers of their own attendants for routine activities of living such as dressing, grooming and bathing. For adults with physical disabilities who qualify for Ontario's Direct Funding self-managed attendant services program.
- Diabetes Information Group Expert-led education sessions focused on diabetes and pre-diabetes management, with nutrition-focused field trips and supportive environment for shared learning and community connection. Delivered in partnership with South Georgian Bay Community Health Centre diabetes educators.
- Connecting With Seniors
Quantifiable outcome
- Serves consumers across Simcoe, Grey and Bruce Counties
- +1 more outcomes
Companies that use Breaking Down Barriers
Customer profileNamed customers1 record
Segments3 records
Ideal customer profiles3 records
Breaking Down Barriers technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed No
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Breaking Down Barriers partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
Six partnerships are on record, tiered major, core and minor.
- South Georgian Bay Community Health CentremajorPartnership formed in 2025 for the Diabetes Information Group program. SGB CHC diabetes educators lead evidence-based education sessions at BDB Centre, hosted bi-monthly in a hybrid format.
- Independent Living CanadacoreNational umbrella organization representing and coordinating Independent Living Centres across Canada. BDB is an accredited member of this network, following the Independent Living Philosophy founded in 1986.
- South Georgian Bay Ontario Health TeamcoreAnchor partner of the SGB OHT, one of only 42 Ontario Provincial Health Teams. BDB participates as a healthcare partner in the network of local health professionals, organizations, and community members working to improve patient access to care.
- EasterSeals CanadaminorBDB participates in National AccessAbility Week virtual conference hosted by EasterSeals Canada, promoting accessibility awareness and resources.
- 211 Ontario Community NavigatorsminorCommunity partnership with 211 Ontario's Community Navigators who help individuals identify, understand and effectively use human service delivery programs.
- CollingwoodToday.caminorLocal media partner supporting awareness around fundraising events and strengthening BDB's profile in the community through coverage.
Scale indicators4 records
Recent moves7 records
Expansion highlights4 records
Breaking Down Barriers competitors and assessment
Company assessmentBroad incumbents
- CNIB (Canadian National Institute for the Blind): National nonprofit delivering rehabilitation and independent living services for Canadians with vision loss. Comparable as a large disability-focused nonprofit offering independent living skills and peer support, though specialized to a single disability category.
- Independent Living Canada: National umbrella organization for Independent Living Centres across Canada, of which BDB is an accredited member. Comparable as the coordinating body for the same Independent Living Philosophy and accredited ILC network.
- Community Living Ontario: Provincial federation supporting people with intellectual and developmental disabilities through community-based services and advocacy. Comparable as an Ontario-based nonprofit delivering independent living and community participation programs to persons with disabilities.
- Easter Seals Canada: National disability nonprofit providing accessibility programming, advocacy, and National AccessAbility Week coordination (BDB participates in EasterSeals' virtual conference). Comparable as a national disability services/advocacy organization with overlapping accessibility programming.
- March of Dimes Canada: National nonprofit providing programs and services for people with physical disabilities, including the Direct Funding program (which BDB also facilitates). Comparable as a larger-scale disability services nonprofit with overlapping program scope.
- Multiple Sclerosis Canada: National nonprofit providing information, support, and advocacy for Canadians affected by MS, including independent living and wellness programming. Comparable as a Canadian disease/disability nonprofit offering peer support and community-based services.
Regional players
- Disability Rights Ontario: Ontario-based legal aid clinic providing individual and systemic advocacy for persons with disabilities. Comparable as an Ontario disability-focused organization addressing accessibility, rights, and independent living supports.
- ARCH Disability Law Centre: Ontario-based specialty legal clinic providing legal services to persons with disabilities. Comparable as a regionally focused Ontario organization serving the same disability community with advocacy and resources.
Direct peers
- Spinal Cord Injury Canada: National nonprofit providing peer support, independent living resources, and advocacy for people with spinal cord injuries. Comparable as a Canadian disability organization with peer support and independent living program delivery models.
- Centre for Independent Living in Toronto (CILT): One of Canada's longest-running Independent Living Resource Centres, delivering attendant services, peer support, and independent living skills in Toronto. Directly comparable as an accredited ILC providing the same core service mix to persons with disabilities.
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses5 records
Competitive moat4 records
Key risks2 records
Key highlights3 records
Customer concentration
Breaking Down Barriers social profiles
Digital presenceBreaking Down Barriers financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
Breaking Down Barriers leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles11 records
Breaking Down Barriers funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Breaking Down Barriers M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about Breaking Down Barriers
What does Breaking Down Barriers do?
Breaking Down Barriers is a registered charity and Independent Living Resource Centre that delivers free programs and services to individuals with visible and invisible disabilities across Simcoe, Grey and Bruce Counties. Core offerings include Independent Living Skills training, Peer Support, Resources & Supports, Direct Funding Self-Managed Attendant Services, Diabetes Information Group, Connecting With Seniors social program, and AODA 2025 compliance resources, built environment audits, and training for businesses.
Is Breaking Down Barriers a public or private company?
Breaking Down Barriers is a private company. It is classified as nonprofit foundation owned and is currently operating.
When was Breaking Down Barriers founded?
Breaking Down Barriers was founded in 1985. It employs 1 to 10 people.
Where is Breaking Down Barriers based?
Breaking Down Barriers is headquartered in Collingwood, Canada, in the North America region.
How does Breaking Down Barriers make money?
Two revenue lines are on record. Donations and Charitable Contributions are the primary driver. The others are government Funding.
Who are Breaking Down Barriers's main competitors?
Broad incumbents on record are CNIB (Canadian National Institute for the Blind), Independent Living Canada, Community Living Ontario, Easter Seals Canada, March of Dimes Canada and Multiple Sclerosis Canada. Regional players are Disability Rights Ontario and ARCH Disability Law Centre. Direct peers are Spinal Cord Injury Canada and Centre for Independent Living in Toronto (CILT).
Does Breaking Down Barriers have an API?
No public API is recorded for Breaking Down Barriers.
What industry is Breaking Down Barriers in?
Breaking Down Barriers's product category is Disability Support Services. Its primary akta.pro industry code is BPAGACAG, Disability Services & Independent Living Support, with a secondary code of BPAGALAM, Disability Services & Assistive Solutions (Accessibility, Assistive Tech). Its NAICS code is 62412 and its SIC code is 8300.