About OHMEPA (Formerly CADA)

A Legacy of Advocacy, Leadership, and Service

For decades, the assistive devices industry in Canada has played an essential role in helping individuals maintain independence, improve quality of life, and participate fully in their communities. Behind that work has been a network of providers, manufacturers, distributors, clinicians, and industry leaders committed to ensuring that Canadians have access to high-quality assistive technologies and home medical equipment.

Today, the Ontario Home Medical Equipment Providers Association (OHMEPA) proudly carries forward that mission. Formerly known as the Canadian Assistive Devices Association (CADA), the organization continues to serve as the trusted voice of the assistive devices industry while focusing its advocacy and leadership efforts on the unique needs of Ontario’s healthcare system, providers, and patients. [cadaonline.ca], [cadaonline.ca], [medicalsdir.com]

OHMEPA builds upon a strong foundation established through years of industry collaboration, government engagement, professional development, and member support. While the organization’s name has evolved, its commitment to advocacy, ethical leadership, innovation, and patient-centered care remains stronger than ever.

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The History of CADA

The Canadian Assistive Devices Association (CADA) was established to unite manufacturers, distributors, vendors, and service providers involved in the assistive devices industry across Canada. Its mission was clear: strengthen the industry through advocacy, coordinated representation, networking, education, and collaboration while improving the lives of individuals who rely on assistive technologies. [cadaonline.ca], [cadaonline.ca]

For many years, CADA represented organizations involved in a wide range of assistive products and services, including:

• Mobility equipment
• Wheelchairs and scooters
• Walkers and mobility aids
• Respiratory equipment
• Hearing and communication devices
• Prosthetics and orthotics
• Enteral feeding supplies
• Incontinence management products
• Specialized seating and positioning systems

The association became a respected and influential voice within the healthcare landscape, working alongside government agencies, healthcare professionals, manufacturers, and patient groups to advance policies that improved access to assistive devices and supporting services. [cadaonline.ca], [cadaonline.ca]

CADA’s success was built on the principle that a unified industry is a stronger industry. By bringing together organizations with a shared commitment to patient care and innovation, CADA created opportunities for members to collaborate, exchange knowledge, and advocate collectively for better outcomes.

Through regular communications, industry events, educational activities, government relations initiatives, and stakeholder engagement, CADA became the central meeting point for organizations serving Canadians with disabilities and mobility challenges. The association’s efforts helped raise awareness of the important role assistive devices play in maintaining independence, preventing hospitalizations, reducing healthcare costs, and supporting healthier aging. [cadaonline.ca]

CADA also worked extensively with government stakeholders at multiple levels, advocating for funding programs, reimbursement improvements, regulatory clarity, and policies that supported innovation while ensuring patient safety and quality of care. Its influence helped shape conversations affecting the entire assistive devices sector. [cadaonline.ca]

The organization’s longstanding reputation for professionalism, credibility, and industry leadership established a strong foundation for future growth and transformation.

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The Transition from CADA to OHMEPA

As healthcare systems evolved and provincial priorities increasingly shaped funding, delivery models, and policy decisions, the association recognized the need to sharpen its focus on the specific challenges and opportunities facing Ontario’s assistive devices sector.

This led to the transition from the Canadian Assistive Devices Association (CADA) to the Ontario Home Medical Equipment Providers Association (OHMEPA). The change reflected both an evolution in strategy and a commitment to strengthening advocacy efforts where many of the industry’s most pressing decisions are made. [medicalsdir.com], [ca.linkedin.com]

The transition was not a departure from the organization’s heritage but rather a continuation of its core mission under a renewed identity.

OHMEPA continues the work that members, leaders, and advocates built over many years through CADA, including:

• Industry advocacy
• Government relations
• Professional networking
• Research and education
• Ethical business standards
• Member representation
• Public awareness initiatives

The organization’s values remain unchanged. What has changed is the increased emphasis on supporting Ontario providers and ensuring that policymakers understand the critical role assistive devices play in healthcare delivery, aging at home, rehabilitation, and disability support.

The OHMEPA name reflects a modern association focused on addressing today’s healthcare realities while honoring the legacy and accomplishments of CADA. For existing members, partners, and stakeholders, the transition represents continuity strengthened by a focused provincial mandate rather than a break from the past. [medicalsdir.com], [ca.linkedin.com]

As OHMEPA continues to grow, it remains committed to preserving the relationships, credibility, and expertise developed during the CADA years while building new opportunities for member engagement and industry leadership.

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A Strong Focus on Ontario

Ontario is Canada’s largest healthcare market and home to millions of seniors, individuals with disabilities, caregivers, healthcare practitioners, and assistive device users. The province’s healthcare system faces significant pressures related to an aging population, increasing demand for home care, workforce shortages, and rising healthcare costs.

Assistive devices and home medical equipment play a vital role in addressing these challenges.

OHMEPA is dedicated to ensuring that policymakers, healthcare leaders, and the public understand the value that assistive technologies bring to:

• Aging at home
• Community care
• Hospital discharge planning
• Long-term care alternatives
• Chronic disease management
• Rehabilitation and recovery
• Disability inclusion and independence

Research commissioned by OHMEPA highlights the important role assistive devices play in helping Ontario seniors remain independent and safely age at home, reducing pressures on hospitals, long-term care facilities, and other parts of the healthcare system. [ohmepa.com]

By centering its efforts on Ontario, OHMEPA is able to engage directly with the ministries, agencies, policymakers, and healthcare decision-makers responsible for funding, regulation, and program administration within the province.

This focused approach enables the association to advocate more effectively on issues such as:

• Assistive Devices Program (ADP) funding
• Reimbursement rates
• Product accessibility
• Regulatory requirements
• Service delivery standards
• Healthcare innovation
• Home and community care policies

OHMEPA works to ensure that Ontario residents have timely access to the technologies and support services they need to live healthier, safer, and more independent lives.

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Membership Benefits

Membership in OHMEPA connects organizations to a powerful network of industry leaders, innovators, and advocates working to strengthen the assistive devices sector across Ontario.

Members benefit from the collective strength of an association that actively represents their interests while creating opportunities for professional growth and collaboration.

Government Representation

One of the most significant benefits of OHMEPA membership is access to coordinated advocacy efforts. The association serves as a unified voice when engaging with government officials, policymakers, and healthcare agencies on issues that affect members and the individuals they serve.

A collective voice helps ensure that industry concerns are heard and understood by decision-makers. [ohmepa.com], [cadaonline.ca]

Industry Networking

OHMEPA provides opportunities for members to connect with peers, manufacturers, suppliers, clinicians, and healthcare stakeholders.

These relationships support:

• Business development
• Knowledge sharing
• Strategic partnerships
• Professional development
• Collaborative problem-solving

Strong networks help strengthen the industry while creating opportunities for innovation and growth.

Education and Information

Healthcare policy, regulations, reimbursement programs, and market conditions continue to evolve.

OHMEPA helps members stay informed through:

• Industry updates
• Research publications
• Educational events
• Government briefings
• Policy analysis
• Best practice sharing

Timely information enables organizations to make informed decisions and adapt to changing environments.

Thought Leadership

Members gain access to research and advocacy initiatives that contribute to important policy discussions.

Projects such as OHMEPA’s research on assistive devices and aging at home help demonstrate the industry’s value while supporting evidence-based decision-making. [ohmepa.com]

Enhanced Visibility

Membership demonstrates a commitment to professionalism, ethical standards, and industry leadership.

Association participation increases credibility and visibility among:

• Government stakeholders
• Healthcare professionals
• Industry partners
• Potential customers
• Community organizations

A Stronger Industry Voice

When providers and suppliers work together, they have greater influence in shaping policies that affect patient care, funding, and access to services.

Membership ensures that organizations contribute to and benefit from collective advocacy efforts designed to support long-term industry sustainability.

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Government Advocacy and Industry Leadership

Advocacy has always been at the heart of the association’s mission.

Both CADA and OHMEPA recognized that meaningful change requires active engagement with policymakers, healthcare leaders, regulators, and funding agencies. Today, government relations remain one of OHMEPA’s most important priorities. [ohmepa.com], [cadaonline.ca]

OHMEPA works diligently to ensure that decision-makers understand the real-world impact of policy decisions on:

• Patients
• Caregivers
• Providers
• Manufacturers
• Healthcare systems

The association regularly engages with public officials and stakeholders on issues including:

• Assistive Devices Program funding
• Fair reimbursement models
• Access to innovative technologies
• Healthcare system sustainability
• Aging-at-home initiatives
• Community-based care
• Accessibility and inclusion

Recent advocacy efforts have focused on demonstrating the need for fair and sustainable pricing for ADP-funded devices and strengthening relationships with government decision-makers to improve patient access to essential equipment and services. [ohmepa.com]

OHMEPA also supports evidence-based policymaking. Through commissioned research, stakeholder engagement, industry consultations, and ongoing communication with government representatives, the association provides practical insights into the challenges facing both providers and patients.

The goal is simple: ensure that Ontarians who require assistive devices can access high-quality products and services when they need them.

As healthcare continues to evolve, OHMEPA remains committed to being a trusted partner to government, healthcare organizations, and industry stakeholders while championing solutions that improve patient outcomes and strengthen Ontario’s healthcare system.

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Looking Ahead

The future of healthcare will increasingly depend on solutions that help individuals remain independent, healthy, and engaged within their communities. Assistive devices and home medical equipment will continue to play a critical role in achieving these goals.

Building on the proud legacy of CADA and embracing the opportunities ahead as OHMEPA, the association is committed to advancing innovation, supporting members, informing policymakers, and advocating for better access to care across Ontario.

Together with its members, partners, and stakeholders, OHMEPA will continue to inform, involve, and inspire while serving as the trusted voice of Ontario’s home medical equipment and assistive devices industry for years to come.