Caden Chau is an innovator and community leader using technology, education, and mentorship to make opportunities more accessible. He is the founder of MakeAble, a youth-led organization that uses 3D printing and fabrication technology to create accessible and assistive solutions.
What began with a $50 second-hand 3D printer has grown into an initiative operating across Calgary, Toronto, and Vancouver. Working closely with occupational therapists and community partners, Caden and his team have produced more than 600 devices, including hundreds of custom sensory toys for neurodivergent children through a partnership with the Alberta Children’s Hospital. MakeAble has also developed an open-source catalogue of more than 30 assistive device designs, reaching over 400,000 people globally, and received $9,000 in funding from the Neil Squire Society to support its growth.
Caden brings the same commitment to accessibility into education. After seeing students at his school struggle to access academic support, he founded Peer Tutoring Services, recruiting and training more than 30 volunteer tutors who contributed hundreds of service hours. Among participants, 85% reported reduced barriers to academic support and 95% reported improvements in school-related anxiety.
His commitment to equitable access also extends to music. As an executive with Art2Heart Society, Caden helps support thousands of music lessons across more than 10 countries and has personally delivered more than 300 individualized piano lessons to students with learning disabilities.
Across his work, Caden approaches barriers as problems that can be redesigned rather than accepted. Whether creating assistive technology, expanding academic support, or increasing access to music education, he is building practical solutions that help more young people thrive.