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Meet France Bidal, an Occupational Therapist in Seating and Mobility.
Every child deserves to reach their full potential. This belief drives France Bidal in her work as an Occupational Therapist (OT) at CHEO.
For nearly 20 years, France has been helping children and youth gain independence through specialized mobility equipment. From custom wheelchairs to adaptive car seats, she empowers young people to move, explore and experience the world on their own terms
“I feel so lucky to witness these kids’ journeys,” she said. “Seeing them build confidence, discover new possibilities and truly live their lives — I wouldn’t trade it for anything.”
France was born and raised in northern Ontario, where she grew up with a keen desire to help others. Moving to Ottawa for university, she discovered her passion for seating and mobility in adult complex care.
In 2005, she pursued this passion when she joined CHEO’s Children’s Treatment Centre. She quickly realized how much she loved working in pediatrics and has since become a fixture in development and rehab’s seating and mobility service. Her work centres around providing freedom and a sense of normalcy for kids who face mobility challenges.
Each day looks different in the world of pediatric OT. On any given day, France can be found conducting assessments, fitting specialized equipment or carrying out follow-up appointments. She often supports children over many years, beginning as young as two and continuing through their teenage years.
In a particularly rewarding moment, France recalls a child who received her first adaptive stroller at age two. Her mom had been carrying her everywhere up until that moment.
“When she finally placed her daughter in the stroller, she could be hands-free and the little girl could sit up and engage with the world on her own for the first time,” France said.
“It was a huge shift for them both.”
Another memorable success involved a teenager who France outfitted with a new manual wheelchair, allowing them to go places alone.
“We can sometimes take for granted something as normal as going to stores, but for this person being able to go to Walmart on their own was a big deal,” she said. “Helping them gain some teenage independence was extremely fulfilling.”
Beyond the day-to-day work, France and the seating team run educational programs like wheelchair training and specialized car seat clinics. One of her favorite initiatives was a wheelchair skills program she launched at CHEO School, helping kids navigate real-world situations like crossing streets and taking the bus.
“It was amazing to see the confidence they gained,” said France.
Her work with children and families has also had a deep impact on her personal life. As the mother of a child with a disability, France credits her experiences in pediatrics with shaping her advocacy skills, compassion and understanding.
“In meeting these extremely resilient families, I’m inspired to make sure my daughter can live her best life in every capacity,” she said.
As CHEO celebrates its 50th anniversary, France remains grateful for the hospital’s unwavering commitment to children and the supportive working environment it provides.
"Everything here revolves around putting kids and families first, whether it's new initiatives in diversity, specialized clinics or the support we receive as staff.”
“I am very proud to work at CHEO.”
CHEO is filled with determined and passionate people like France. Join us.