Communicative Disorders Assistant Association Of Canada

DEAR CDAAC MEMBERS ‼️

As we transition to this new website, all members will be required to reset their password to access the new & improved members-only area!

Please use the “Lost Your Password” function to receive an email containing an auto-generated password. Be sure to check your spam folders as this password reset email may get lost!

Thank you for your patience throughout this exciting transition 💜 Our website committee has spent countless hours to ensure the best user experience for our members and we can’t wait to share it with you!

Please email [email protected] with any questions or concerns with accessing your membership portal.

Thank you!

We’re thrilled to announce that a brand-new website for the Communicative Disorders Assistants of Canada is on the horizon!

Get ready to explore a comprehensive resource hub designed just for you. Whether you're a CDA, student, or interested in the field, our site will offer everything you need to connect, learn, and grow!

Stay tuned for more updates, and be among the first to experience our innovative platform. Together, we’re advancing the field of communicative disorders, one step at a time.

Check out our amazing CDAAC members rocking the new merch! Whether in the clinic or out in the community, we're proud to represent the heart and soul of communicative disorders assistants feel free to tag us in your CDAAC merch selfies!

We’re thrilled to announce that a brand-new website for the Communicative Disorders Assistants of Canada is on the horizon!

Get ready to explore a comprehensive resource hub designed just for you. Whether you're a CDA, student, or interested in the field, our site will offer everything you need to connect, learn, and grow!

Stay tuned for more updates, and be among the first to experience our innovative platform. Together, we’re advancing the field of communicative disorders, one step at a time.

CDAAC is excited to welcome Janicka (ʤʌnikə) as our Director and Resource Library Coordinator at CDAAC! As a Director and Resource Library Coordinator, Janicka will collaboratively work with the CDAAC team to support CDAs across Canada and build capacity within the CDA profession.

She has been a passionate Communicative Disorders Assistant for 5 years working with preschool, school-age children and, young adults in the Greater Toronto Area (GTA). Janicka has lived experience supporting the communication development of her two neurodiverse cousins. You can keep up with her professional journey by checking out her page ! Outside of her professional life, Janicka enjoys going out for sushi and seafood linguine, watching The Office on her downtime and, listening to 70s R&B.

Why I joined CDAAC: For the past 5 years, Janicka continues to advocate for CDAs active involvement in leadership, program improvement, professional development and research advancements in speech-language and communication. CDAs are more than “assistants.” We are professionals who are passionate, diverse, innovative and influential in promoting positive trajectories for people of all ages and abilities.

Welcome Janicka! 💜

Meet Sandie Graham, our new director at CDAAC! 💜

She has been helping ensure CDAAC's mission and mandate is upheld. As the lead decision-maker, she plays an important role in our organization's governance!

Sandie is a passionate CDA, working in the field for over a year. Prior, she has worked with children and youth of various abilities for 10 years in many settings including clinics, homes, schools and the community. Sandie became a CDA to give individuals a way to communicate their wants and needs. She works with individuals of all ages - preschool, school age, teens and young adults. Fun fact - Sandie loves to travel and partake in adventurous hobbies like hiking and skiing.

Why I joined CDAAC: I recently joined CDAAC as a Director to make a difference in the field for CDAs, by bringing awareness to who we are, what we do and to inspire future CDAs.

CDAAC is thrilled to welcome Tealle Plant as CDAAC's Communications Liaison! Tealle is the friendly face behind the info@cdaac email and is the first point of contact for all members, CDAs, employers, and other organizations reaching out to CDAAC with their inquiries. 📧

Tealle Plant is a dedicated Communicative Disorders Assistant with 8 years of experience in the field. With a diverse background, Tealle has spent 6 years in private practice and 2 years within the school system, honing skills across various age groups from infancy to adulthood. Despite enjoying working with all populations, Tealle's true passion lies in supporting school-age children, helping them overcome communicative challenges and thrive in their educational environments. Outside of her professional life, Tealle cherishes her downtime by going out for sushi with her family, enjoying music on her back deck, and exploring nature on hikes with her dog.

Why I joined CDAAC: CDAAC’s efforts to educate the public and influence policy to improve access to services are crucial steps toward a more inclusive society. I would like to contribute to these advocacy efforts and to help spread knowledge about the vital role of CDAs. CDAAC fosters a sense of community among professionals dedicated to communicative disorders. Volunteering with CDAAC allows me to build relationships, exchange ideas, and support initiatives that benefit both professionals and those they serve.

Welcome Tealle! 💜

CDAAC is thrilled to announce that the “Bridging Communication Gaps” Student Awards nominations are now open for 2024! 🏆

One CDA student from each of the 4 current CDA college programs will be awarded a $200 honourarium for their outstanding contributions in the field of communication disorders. Recipients will be recognized in CDAAC’s fall newsletter and will also be featured in our 2025 Annual General Meeting.

Nominations may be submitted by peers, program instructors, or placement supervisors. Please note that self-nominations are not accepted. Complete nomination packages must be submitted to [email protected] by Friday, July 12th, 2024. 📧

For more information, please visit https://cdaac.ca/student-awards/.

CDAAC Members,

‼️Registration for CDAAC’s upcoming Resume Workshop closes in 3 DAYS‼️

Make sure you’re signed up and that your CDAAC membership is active before registration closes on JUNE 7 @ 7PM! Use the Google Form (https://forms.gle/RhPwXBdSKxLkQNjx6) to sign up TODAY!

Join Amy & Tiffany on Tuesday, June 11th from 7:30-8:30pm as they discuss the best practices for resume writing and job searching as a CDA in the field! ✍🏼

🔔CDA Students: If your placement site allows, this workshop can be counted towards indirect hours (professional development/ education) that can be used as part of your total placement hours.

**This event is open to active CDAAC Members only*

CDAAC Members, there’s only ONE WEEK LEFT to sign up for CDAAC’s Resume Workshop, happening on Tuesday, June 11th from 7:30-8:30pm via Zoom!! 💻

Use the Google Form (https://forms.gle/RhPwXBdSKxLkQNjx6) to sign up TODAY! Registration closes on JUNE 7th at 7pm.

Join Amy & Tiffany as they discuss the best practices for resume writing and job searching as a CDA in the field! ✍🏼

🔔CDA Students: If your placement site allows, this workshop can be counted towards indirect hours (professional development/ education) that can be used as part of your total placement hours.

**This event is open to active CDAAC members only**

CDAAC Members: Join us on June 11th from 7:30-8:30pm as our Resource Library Coordinator, Amy & Treasurer, Tiffany guide us through the best practices for resume writing and job searching as a CDA in the field!

🔔CDA Students: If your placement site allows, this workshop can be counted towards indirect hours (professional development/ education) that can be used as part of your total placement hours.

Bring your resume and any questions you may have about the application process - from what to include on a resume, to tips when interviewing. We’re here to help!

Be sure to register via the Google Form (https://forms.gle/RhPwXBdSKxLkQNjx6) to save your spot. Registration will close on JUNE 7th at 7pm!

**This event is open to active CDAAC members only**

CALLING ALL CDAs 🔊

CDAAC is urgently looking for enthusiastic volunteers to join our Executive Team in the following positions:

➡️ Directors
➡️ Secretary
➡️ Marketing Coordinator
➡️ Social Media Co-Coordinator

Don’t see your dream position posted? Reach out anyways! We always welcome new, passionate CDAs as volunteers!💜

Visit cdaac.ca/volunteer-positions/ or email us at [email protected] to learn more!

CDAAC Members, Join us TOMORROW, May 8th from 7:30-8:00pm for your chance to WIN a $100 Everything Card or 2023 CDAAC Swag!

STUDENT AFFILIATES: You could win a FREE full membership to be used following graduation ($85.00 value)!

Register TODAY via Eventbrite to save your spot and be entered in the draw! Registration link: https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/cdaacs-2024-annual-general-meeting-agm-tickets-895666501617

*Event open to CDAAC Members only*

See you there!

CDAAC is excited to extend an invitation to our 2024 Annual General Meeting! All members are encouraged to join us to learn about CDAAC’s accomplishments in 2023 and current happenings in 2024.

Register NOW via Eventbrite: https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/cdaacs-2024-annual-general-meeting-agm-tickets-895666501617.

Of course, CDAAC would also like to sincerely thank our members for making this year’s Spring Conference such a success! Without our members, CDAAC would not exist. 💜

As CDAAC is a volunteer-run organization, we appreciate everyone’s support as we continue to strive to achieve the many goals of the Association. CDAAC aims to fulfill the needs of our members, including professional development and networking opportunities, as well as offering many exclusive discounts and benefits to CDAs. However, we cannot do it without you!

It takes many hands to plan events such as our Annual Spring Conference - and we’re always welcoming passionate CDAs as new volunteers! Please email [email protected] or message us on Instagram (.ac) if you’re interested in joining the team!

CDAAC would like to extend a BIG THANK YOU to all of our wonderful 2024 Conference Donors. Without all of your support we would not have had the opportunity to offer such exciting giveaways to our members which helped to make this year’s conference such a great success. 🎉

Thank you all! 💜

🚨ATTENTION CDAs: JOB OPPORTUNITY FOR CURRICULUM DEVELOPMENT AT DURHAM COLLEGE🚨

Opportunity for curriculum development work for the Durham College CDA program from May - August 2024.

Previous experience with teaching, pedagogy, curriculum design and development is required. For further information and to express your interest, please email and send your resume to Gillian Dunn at [email protected]

🎉C O N F E R E N C E
G I V E A W A Y S 🎉

A big thank you to all of our generous donors who helped to support this year’s Spring Conference: LessonPix - Custom Learning Materials, All About Communication Inc., Speech and Language Services, Jane App Clinic Software, & Rejuvenate Resources!! We couldn’t have done it without you all and CDAAC is so grateful to present these awesome giveaways to our members!

Today is the LAST DAY to register for CDAAC’s Virtual Spring Conference, happening TOMORROW - Friday April 26th! 🚨Ticket sales will CLOSE TONIGHT as of 7:00pm EST. 🚨 Virtual “doors” will open tomorrow at 8:15am for the event. We can’t wait to see everyone there!! ☀️🖥️

If you haven’t already, you can register for the conference HERE: https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/cdaac-conference-2024-tickets-856601858217

2024 CDAAC SWAG IS HERE! 🤩🎉

All conference attendees who would like to claim a limited edition 2024 CDAAC Sweatshirt must fill out the Ethical Swag Form that goes directly to our supplier.

Question: “If I signed up for the conference, do I need to fill out this swag form?

YES. ✅ All attendees who would like to receive the swag MUST fill out the form. Signing up for the conference does NOT guarantee conference swag.

CDAAC will work hard to ensure that everyone receives their swag, but we need your help! Please CHECK YOUR INBOX & complete the ETHICAL SWAG FORM included in our Conference newsletter (sent out last night) 📥

Conference attendees will have ONE WEEK to submit their information via the Ethical Swag form before it closes and will no longer accept responses as of Monday, April 29th. So make sure you’ve claimed your sweater by submitting your information TODAY!

Thank you to Ethical Swag for handling all sizing & shipping on behalf of CDAAC! 💜

🎉C O N F E R E N C E
G I V E A W A Y S 🎉

Our partner, ProLink Insurance will be speaking at this year’s Virtual Conference happening on Friday, April 26th at 8:45am. ProLink will also be giving away one $50.00 Amazon gift card to 1 lucky conference attendee!

Thank you ProLink for your donation and partnership with CDAAC. We can’t wait to have you join us on Friday! Stay tuned for more giveaway announcements & visit https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/cdaac-conference-2024-tickets-856601858217 to register TODAY! 🖥️

We are only ✨ONE WEEK AWAY✨ from CDAAC’s 27th Annual Spring Conference being held on Friday, April 26th 2024 from 8:15am-3:45pm via Zoom. 💻

The conference will feature the following speakers and topics:

➡️ Tealle Plant & Nancy Cherwinka: “Oral Narrative Instruction: A journey to offer evidence-based intervention in Tier 1 good for all formats” 📖

➡️ Vibhuti Jethava: “Words And Wellness: The Role of Language in Children’s Mental Health” 🧠

➡️ Alison Young: “Auditory Processing Evaluation and Auditory Training” 🦻

There will be exciting giveaways throughout the day, as well as limited 2024 CDAAC swag for the first 110 attendees (details to come soon!). You won’t want to miss out on this amazing professional development and networking opportunity - Register TODAY!

https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/cdaac-conference-2024-tickets-856601858217

🎉C O N F E R E N C E
G I V E A W A Y S 🎉

Our partner, SoundLand (https://soundland.ca) have donated TWO $50.00 e-gift cards to be awarded to 2 lucky attendees at CDAAC’s virtual conference happening on Friday, April 26th!

Thank you SoundLand for your support and partnership with CDAAC 💜 Visit https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/cdaac-conference-2024-tickets-856601858217 to register TODAY! 🖥️

🎉C O N F E R E N C E
G I V E A W A Y S 🎉

Learn Play Thrive has kindly donated 1-free spot in their self-paced CE course: “Strengths-Based Approach to Supporting Autistic Children” for 1 lucky attendee at CDAAC’s Virtual Conference on Friday, April 26th!

Thank you Learn Play Thrive
for your generous donation and recent partnership with CDAAC 💜 Stay tuned for more giveaway announcements & visit https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/cdaac-conference-2024-tickets-856601858217 to register TODAY! 🖥️

To all of our volunteers - past and present, we want to thank YOU! CDAAC is entirely volunteer-run and could not exist without the incredible volunteers who dedicate their time to supporting CDAs across the nation.

We appreciate you all!! 💜

JUST TWO WEEKS TO GO!! 🙌🎉

CDAAC’s 27th Annual Spring Conference will be happening on Friday, April 26th from 8:15am - 3:45pm via Zoom. Registration CLOSES in LESS THAN TWO WEEKS so make sure you save your spot today, before it’s too late! (https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/cdaac-conference-2024-tickets-856601858217)

This year’s conference will feature the following speakers and topics:

• Tealle Plant & Nancy Cherwinka: “Oral Narrative Instruction: A journey to offer evidence-based intervention in Tier 1 good for all formats” 📖

• Vibhuti Jethava: “Words And Wellness: The Role of Language in Children’s Mental Health” 🧠

• Alison Young: “Auditory Processing Evaluation and Auditory Training” 🦻

There will be exciting giveaways throughout the conference as well as 2024 CDAAC Swag for the first 110 attendees. You won’t want to miss out on this amazing professional development and networking opportunity 💜💻

Auditory Processing Evaluation and Auditory Training 🦻presented by Alison Young, B.H.Sc., M.Cl.Sc., Reg. CASLPO

This presentation will help clinicians…

➡️ To identify patients with characteristics of auditory processing disorder.

➡️ To review clinical options for assessment of auditory processing.

➡️ To describe treatment options to improve outcomes for patients with auditory processing difficulty.

Join us on Friday April 26th from 1:15-2:45pm to catch Alison’s valuable presentation! Haven’t registered yet? THERE’S STILL TIME!! Visit https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/cdaac-conference-2024-tickets-856601858217 to sign up TODAY. You won’t want to miss it!

Swipe through ➡️ to read more about Alison and her presentation on Auditory Training!

🎉C O N F E R E N C E
G I V E A W A Y S 🎉

We’ll be giving away 2 Hanen guidebooks: It Takes Two to Talk & More Than Words - at our 27th annual CDAAC Conference, happening on Friday, April 26th!

Thank you The Hanen Centre for these wonderful donations!! 💙 Visit https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/cdaac-conference-2024-tickets-856601858217 to register TODAY! 🖥️

🎉C O N F E R E N C E
G I V E A W A Y S 🎉

Join us on Friday, April 26th for your chance to win a FREE 1-year Hive Membership, generously donated by Little Bee Speech 🐝💛 This membership includes access to Articulation Station and Articulation Test Center Hive!!

Stay tuned as we continue to share some of our exciting Conference giveaways leading up to the big day! Visit https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/cdaac-conference-2024-tickets-856601858217 to save your spot today - registration closes in TWO WEEKS 😯

Words and Wellness: The Role of Language in Children's Mental Health, presented by Vibhuti Jethava, SLP(C). 🧠

This presentation will:

✔️ Describe the interdependent development of language and mental health across stages of development

✔️ Highlight the role CDAs can play in supporting language, literacy and mental health

✔️ Share recommendations for treatment planning with considerations of mental health

Don't miss this insightful presentation being held on Friday, April 26th, from 10:30am - 12:00pm! Visit https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/cdaac-conference-2024-tickets-856601858217?utm-campaign=social&utm-content=attendeeshare&utm-medium=discovery&utm-term=listing&utm-source=cp&aff=ebdsshcopyurl to register today.

Swipe through ➡️ to read more about Vibhuti and her exciting presentation!