Government of Canada invests in youth-driven projects to improve accessibility and disability inclusion
The imagination, determination, and innovation of Canada’s youth are essential to building the Canada we all want: a country that is inclusive and barrier-free for persons with disabilities. By continuing to invest in youth and working with local and community-based organizations to increase accessibility and inclusion in communities and workplaces, the Government of Canada is reinforcing its commitment to prioritize disability inclusion across the country.
Today, in celebration of International Youth Day 2022, Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Disability Inclusion, Carla Qualtrough, announced over $1 million in funding for projects led by youth in partnership with 133 organizations across Canada. This funding is distributed through the Enabling Accessibility Fund (EAF) Youth Innovation component 2021-2022 call for proposals.
Illustrating this year’s theme “Intergenerational Solidarity: Creating a World for All Ages”, Minister Qualtrough made the announcement at the University of British Columbia BC Brain Wellness Program in Vancouver, British Columbia. The program leverages clinical care, lifestyle programs, education, and research to design a comprehensive approach to brain wellness, improving the quality of life and well-being of persons with disabilities of all ages, people with chronic brain conditions, program participants and care partners. The organization is receiving:
$9,982 in funding to purchase communication technology equipment such as microphones, cameras, and a computer to create a teaching kitchen that is more accessible for university staff, dieticians, cooks, and medical students with disabilities; and
$9,999 in funding to purchase technology such as webcams and microphones for program instructors to improve the accessibility and quality of the virtual programming, as well as exercise and recreation equipment.
On June 3, 2022, a new call for proposals under the EAF Youth Innovation component was launched. Youth are invited to submit their expressions of interest in being named a Youth Accessibility Leader (YAL) by October 17, 2022, at 5:00 p.m. EST online at https://www.canada.ca/en/employment-social-development/services/funding/enabling-accessibility-fund-youth-innovation.html. Eligible organizations are invited to submit their funding application(s) in collaboration with the YAL by October 31, 2022 at 5:00p.m. EST online.
These investments support the Government’s Disability Inclusion Action Plan (DIAP), which is focused on reducing poverty among persons with disabilities, helping persons with disabilities into good quality jobs, facilitating easier access to federal programs and services, and building accessible and inclusive communities while fostering a culture of inclusion.