Meet the CAT Team
Steve "Scruffy" Barclay
President / Owner
Steve was born in a cross-fire hurricane and he howled at his ma in the driving rain. But he’s all right now. After 28 years in the assistive technology industry he’s worked out his issues and is focused on moving forward, developing Canada’s newest independent assistive technology company and slinging one-liners on the AT Banter Podcast. In the future he hopes to have finally cracked his lifelong dream to understand the molecular structure of jello and to bring about world peace. His less likely goals include orbiting the earth, discovering extra-terrestrial life and watching the Vancouver Canucks win a Stanley Cup.
Ryan "Pinball" Fleury
Technical Support and Sales
Lovingly nicknamed 'Pinball' for his propensity for navigating the office without his cane, Ryan has been heavily involved in the Assistive Technology field for over 19 years. His extensive product knowledge and ability to troubleshoot any myriad of hardware and software problems has given him a reputation all across the country as a patient, knowledgeable and professional Technical Support and Sales Manager. However, those who work closest to him on a daily basis just know him as 'Grumpy Bastard'. In his spare time, Ryan is an avid audiophile and musician and his Man Cave (where the AT Banter Podcast is recorded) has been dubbed the 'Guitar Dungeon'.
And as if that isn't enough, Ryan is also JAWS Certified. Don't worry, he never lets us forget that! All hail, the JAWS guru. **Web designer's note: He made me write that under threat of never buying the office TimBits again.
Greg "The New Guy" McKinnon
Operations Manager
Being the new kid on the block, Greg comes to Canadian Assistive Technology, brings a fresh perspective and new set of skills to the team. He's excited to get in on the Team's pancake breakfasts although he has vowed to not stoop to partaking in Whopper Wednesday Poutine combo lunches.
Rob "Sprout" Mineault
Marketing Manager
Commonly referred to as the 'Handsome and Charming One', Rob is responsible for much of the copy found on the website and marketing materials for Canadian Assistive Technology. Having worked in the Assistive Technology sector for over 17 years, he has a passion for the benefits that the technology can bring into people's lives, and you'll often hear him advocating for Universal Design, Inclusion, and Accessibility on the weeklyAT Banter Podcast. You'll also often hear him flubbing sentences, cursing, and creating dead air. But mostly the first part.
Riane "Pickles" Lapaire
AT Specialist
Riane has been working in the alternate format and accessibility spaces since 2012. It was there (and by following Steve around the conference circuit) where she developed an excitement for assistive technology and the art of finding just-right hardware and software solutions. Whatever the need, Riane thrives on the challenge — and especially loves when people are brave enough to share what they’re really looking for. When she’s not geeking out over accessibility, you’ll likely find Riane with her hands in the soil tending her garden, or making music—whether playing, teaching, or both at once.
Rick "Monkey Boy" Chant
Chaos Technical Services
Rounding out the team is Rick Chant, owner ofChaos Technical Services. Rick has worked repairing Assistive Technology hardware and building custom computer systems for people with disabilities for over 20 years. Rick provides the vital servicing aspect for all the equipment we sell, which he lovingly refers to as 'fixing broke s**t' (you'll have to excuse him, he's from Newfoundland). All joking aside, Rick knows how important assistive technology is in people's daily lives and ensure that the turn around rate for repairs is as quick as possible.
Daisy the Bulldog
Morale Officer
Alas Daisy has winged her way off to the land of the gently blessed, but her combination of slobber, lethargy and distain lives on in our memories and hopefully not in our day to day work.