Now Open for Applications: The Enabling Accessibility Fund

As Member of Parliament for Macleod, I would like to draw the attention of our local businesses and organizations to the fact that the application period for the Enabling Accessibility Fund is now OPEN.

Minister Candice Bergen, Minister of State (Social Development) has officially launched a new Call for Proposals for the Enabling Accessibility Fund as of March 16, 2015. The application period will run for just over a month, with the deadline for submissions being April 27, 2015. I encourage constituents to consider submitting an application, and I ask that my office be notified so that I can send a letter of support on their behalf.

The Enabling Accessibility Fund is a federal grants and contributions program that supports capital costs of construction and renovations related to improving physical accessibility and safety for people with disabilities in Canadian communities and workplaces. From installing automated door openers, constructing a universally designed office or retrofitting a washroom with an accessible toilet, grab bars and taps, the Enabling Accessibility Fund works to enable Canadians with disabilities to participate in their community and the economy.

The Fund has two different streams, one for the workplace and the other for the community.

The Workplace Accessibility Stream of the Enabling Accessibility Fund provides funding to eligible recipients for projects that improve accessibility in workplaces across Canada. To be considered eligible for funding, projects must be directly related to maintaining or creating job opportunities for people with disabilities.

Workplace Projects may include:
•renovating, retrofitting or constructing workplaces in which job opportunities for people with disabilities could be created or maintained;
•retrofitting motor vehicles for work use ; and
•providing information and communications technologies for work use.

The Community Accessibility Stream of the Enabling Accessibility Fund is designed to provide funding to eligible recipients for projects that improve accessibility in communities across Canada. To be considered eligible for funding, projects must be directly related to removing barriers and increasing accessibility for people with disabilities in Canadian communities.

Community Projects may include:
•renovating, retrofitting or constructing community facilities where programs or services are offered to people with disabilities;
•retrofitting motor vehicles used as community-based transportation; and,
•providing information and communications technologies to make them more accessible for the community.

All projects must also respond to funding priorities identified during calls for proposals, including support from their community.

For more information, and to apply once the application period opens, please click here.