The Council for Persons with Disabilities (CPD)

What The Council for Persons with Disabilities (CPD) does

The Council for Persons with Disabilities (CPD) is a registered Canadian charitable non-profit (Charitable Number 88374 0813 RR0001) founded in 1989 and headquartered in the Venture North building at 270 George St. N., Peterborough, Ontario. It advocates for equal rights, accessibility, and inclusion for people with disabilities in the Peterborough/Nogojiwanong region, and operates a portfolio of programs rather than a unified software product: Active Together (inclusive recreation and social connection for adults with disabilities), Time in My Shoes (experiential disability-awareness education led by volunteers with lived experience), Community Accessibility Evaluation (on-site physical accessibility audits for AODA compliance), Accessible Communications Evaluation (screen-reader-based reviews of websites and documents), and a Card & Equipment Labelling Service (braille and large-print labels). The organization also runs two annual community events — Capable Con (entering its 5th year in 2026) and the Poker Run — that double as awareness and fundraising vehicles.

CPD is staffed by approximately 3-4 full-time personnel plus a volunteer Board of Directors (7 employees total per firmographic data) and delivers services primarily through in-person program delivery at community venues such as the Peterborough Legion and Alternatives Community Program Services, supplemented by remote digital assessments. Its revenue model is diversified across three streams: charitable donations from individuals and organizations, program fees priced on a pay-as-you-go basis ($350 for initial assessments, $40 per additional hour, $10-$40 per Time in My Shoes participant, $100 plus materials for labelling packages), and event fundraising through sponsorships and participant fees. The organization also receives institutional grant funding from partners such as the Ontario Trillium Foundation.

Its go-to-market is community-led: CPD leverages earned media (Global News, CBC, PTBO Canada, Peterborough Examiner), an e-newsletter, Facebook, and a deep partnership network including the City of Peterborough, the Peterborough Accessibility Advisory Committee, Fleming College, Trent University, Junior Achievement Canada, and a long tail of local healthcare, realty, and small-business sponsors. Core technology is essentially human-led accessibility assessment supported by standard screen-reader software and one specialized piece of equipment — a wheelchair-accessible woodworking lathe, described as the only one between Ottawa and Toronto — used in the Accessible Trades woodturning program delivered with Junior Achievement Northern and Eastern Ontario.

Name

The Council for Persons with Disabilities (CPD)

Legal name

Council for Persons with Disabilities

Website

https://pcpd.ca

Company type

Private

Founded year

1989

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1–10 employees

Short description

The Council for Persons with Disabilities (CPD) is a Peterborough, Ontario-based registered charity founded in 1989 that delivers accessibility evaluations, disability-awareness education, inclusive recreation, and braille labelling services for people with disabilities, local businesses, schools, and the broader community.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Headquarters

HQ city

Peterborough

HQ country

Canada

HQ region

North America

Offices4 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B and B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Others

Revenue model

1. Donations and Charitable Contributions: CPD relies on charitable donations from individuals and organizations to fund programs and operations. Donations can be one-time or recurring gifts.
2. Program Fees: Fees charged for accessibility evaluation services, labeling services, and educational programs like Time in My Shoes.
3. Event Fundraising: Revenue generated from special events like Poker Run and Capable Con, including sponsorships and participant fees.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels5 records

Marketing channels6 records

Core offering

CPD is a nonprofit accessibility advocacy organization that delivers community programs for people with disabilities and paid accessibility services for businesses and institutions. Its core offerings include inclusive recreation (Active Together), experiential disability awareness education (Time in My Shoes), physical-space accessibility evaluations, digital/website accessibility reviews using screen-reader software, and braille and large-print labeling for cards and equipment. The organization also runs annual community events (Capable Con, Poker Run) to raise awareness and funds.

Product overview

The Council for Persons with Disabilities (CPD) operates as a non-profit organization offering a portfolio of accessibility-focused programs and community services rather than a unified software product. The core offerings include Active Together (inclusive recreation and social activities), Time in My Shoes (experiential disability awareness education), Community Accessibility Evaluation Program (physical space assessments), Accessible Communications Evaluation (digital/web accessibility reviews), and Card & Equipment Labelling Service (braille and large-print labeling). CPD also organizes community events including Capable Con (annual accessibility celebration) and the Poker Run (fundraising event). These programs work together to advocate for accessibility, challenge barriers, and create inclusive opportunities for people with disabilities in Peterborough/Nogojiwanong.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Active Together A welcoming inclusive recreation program where people with disabilities can try new hobbies, join fun activities, and connect with others in a friendly, relaxed environment. Delivered at community venues such as the Peterborough Legion and Alternatives Community Program Services. No membership fees; lunch fee of $11.50 or pay-what-you-can.
• Time in My Shoes (TiMS) An interactive, experiential disability awareness and inclusion training program led by volunteers with lived experience. Participants engage in hands-on simulations of daily accessibility challenges to build empathy and understanding. Pricing is $40 per participant (minimum 10) for businesses, post-secondary, and high schools; $10 per student for elementary schools (minimum 4 classes).
• Community Accessibility Evaluation Program Assesses physical spaces (offices, public venues, facilities) to identify accessibility barriers and provides practical recommendations to improve access for staff, customers, and visitors. Pricing is $350 for initial assessment and written report; $40 per additional hour. Travel costs extra for locations outside the Peterborough area.
• Accessible Communications Evaluation Reviews websites and documents using screen-reader software to assess accessibility and identify barriers that may prevent users from accessing content. Reviewed across different abilities, with recommendations to improve digital and print communications. Pricing is $350 for initial assessment and written report; $40 per additional hour.
• Card & Equipment Labelling Service Adds braille or large print labels to cards and equipment (restrooms, door signs, debit/credit machines, business cards) to help businesses and organizations meet AODA requirements. Pricing is $100 for 2 hours plus material costs; $40 per additional hour.
• Capable Con Annual community celebration of inclusivity and empowerment for people of all abilities, held during National Accessibility Week, featuring events and activities promoting accessibility, awareness, and unity. Sponsorship tiers include Crime Fighter, Super Sidekick, Vigilante, and Do-Gooder levels.
• Poker Run Annual fundraising event hosted with Classy Chassis & Cycles, featuring a scenic ride with card stops, prizes, live entertainment, and a silent auction to support CPD programs. Pricing is $15 for one poker hand and $40 for three poker hands.

Quantifiable outcome

• Over 160 students participated in A Day in My Shoes disability awareness event

Named customers9 records

Segments6 records

Ideal customer profiles5 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature3 records

Partnerships

30 partnerships are on record, tiered core, minor and flagship.

• Classy Chassis & CyclescoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 27 September 2025Event host for Poker Run 2025, organizing the vehicle event that raises funds for CPD programs.
• Age Friendly PeterboroughcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCollaboration on age-friendly and accessibility initiatives in Peterborough to create more inclusive community spaces and services.
• Align Home Health CareminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerHealthcare partner supporting accessibility and inclusion for clients with disabilities.
• Artisans Centre PeterboroughcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerHost venue for Accessible Trades training programs including woodturning. Provided professional tools and expert instructors.
• Ashburnham RealtyminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerRealty partner supporting CPD accessibility initiatives.
• CambiumcoreGTM or Marketing PartnerCapable Con 2026 sponsor at Crime Fighter level. Technology/engineering firm supporting accessibility events.
• Canadian Council of the BlindcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerNational organization collaborating on vision-related accessibility initiatives and advocacy.
• City of PeterboroughflagshipStrategic or Co-development PartnerRecognized by the City as a leading voice on accessibility. Collaborates on city-wide accessibility improvements and renovations.
• City TransitcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership to improve transit accessibility and advocate for accessible public transportation in Peterborough.
• Fleming CollegecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPost-secondary institution partner for educational programs and disability awareness initiatives.
• HarcocoreGTM or Marketing PartnerCapable Con 2026 Super Sidekick sponsor. Local business supporting accessibility events.
• Junior Achievement Northern and Eastern Ontario (JA-NEO)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnered with CPD to launch Accessible Trades training program, introducing participants to woodturning and trades careers.
• Junior Achievement CanadacoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerNational partner for JA-NEO Accessible Trades programs.
• Kawartha Land TrustminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerEnvironmental nonprofit partner for accessibility initiatives.
• Kawartha Pine Ridge Elementary Teachers FederationminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerEducation union partner supporting disability awareness in schools.
• Living Well Home HealthcareminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerHealthcare partner supporting home accessibility.
• Motion SpecialtiesminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerMobility equipment partner supporting accessibility solutions.
• Peterborough Accessibility Advisory CommitteeflagshipStrategic or Co-development PartnerFormal advisory committee collaboration on city accessibility policy and improvements.
• Peterborough Bracing and OrthoticsminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerHealthcare partner supporting mobility and accessibility needs.
• Peterborough Dental ClinicminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerHealthcare partner supporting accessible dental services.
• Peterborough Legion Branch 52coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerVenue partner for Active Together program. Proud supporter of CPD programs with accessible facility.
• Peterborough ReFrame FestivalminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCultural festival partner for accessibility initiatives.
• Public WorkscoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCity department partner for physical accessibility improvements in public infrastructure.
• PVNC OECTA Catholic Teachers UnionminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerTeachers union partner supporting disability education initiatives.
• The Ear CompanyminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerHearing healthcare partner supporting accessibility for people with hearing loss.
• Trent UniversitycoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPost-secondary institution partner for educational programs and Time in My Shoes delivery.
• Unique InventionscoreGTM or Marketing PartnerCapable Con 2026 Vigilante sponsor. Local design firm supporting accessibility events.
• Unity DesigncoreGTM or Marketing PartnerCapable Con 2026 Do-Gooder sponsor. Design partner supporting accessibility initiatives.
• Vision Rehabilitation ServicescoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerVision services partner supporting accessibility for people with vision loss.
• Peterborough TransitcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPublic transit partner for accessibility improvements and advocacy.

Scale indicators5 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Broad incumbents

• March of Dimes Canada: National nonprofit providing services and advocacy for people with disabilities across Canada. Larger incumbent with overlapping programs in accessibility, employment, and community inclusion — comparable to CPD at greater scale.
• Rick Hansen Foundation: National accessibility-focused nonprofit running the Rick Hansen Foundation Accessibility Certification (RHFAC) program. Directly comparable to CPD's Community Accessibility Evaluation program, but operates nationally and at much larger scale.
• Canadian National Institute for the Blind (CNIB): National nonprofit serving people with vision loss through rehabilitation, advocacy, and accessibility services. Comparable to CPD's Accessible Communications Evaluation and screen-reader-based reviews, with a specific focus on vision disability.
• Spinal Cord Injury Ontario: Ontario-wide nonprofit serving people with spinal cord injuries through peer support, advocacy, and accessibility services. Comparable to CPD's Active Together program and community-based service delivery model.

Direct peers

• Independent Living Canada: National umbrella for Independent Living Resource Centres across Canada. Directly comparable to CPD as a disability-led organization promoting independence, accessibility, and community inclusion.
• Citizens With Disabilities – Ontario (CWDO): Ontario-wide disability advocacy nonprofit focused on accessibility, rights, and inclusion. Directly comparable to CPD as a peer cross-disability advocacy organization operating in the same province and addressing similar AODA-related accessibility issues.

Emerging players

• ARCH Disability Law Centre: Ontario specialty legal clinic focused on disability rights. Comparable to CPD's advocacy function, though specialized in legal advocacy rather than community programming and accessibility evaluations.

Others

• eSSENTIAL Accessibility: For-profit provider of digital accessibility solutions and WCAG compliance tools. Adjacent competitor to CPD's Accessible Communications Evaluation, but commercial and technology-focused rather than nonprofit-led.

Regional players

• Disability Alliance BC: British Columbia-based disability advocacy and support nonprofit. Comparable to CPD's advocacy and accessibility services focus, but serving a different provincial geography.
• Centre for Independent Living in Toronto (CILT): Toronto-based disability-led nonprofit providing Independent Living Resource Centre services. Comparable to CPD's Active Together and community-based programming, but operating in a larger urban Ontario market.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• Facebookfacebook.com/profile.php
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/council-for-persons-with-disabilities

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles11 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about The Council for Persons with Disabilities (CPD)