Government of Canada supports accessibility for all Canadians

Ottawa, Ontario, October 28, 2010—Organizations can now apply for funding for projects that will create or enhance accessibility for people with disabilities through the Government of Canada’s Enabling Accessibility Fund.

The Honourable Diane Finley, Minister of Human Resources and Skills Development, today invited organizations to submit proposals for mid-sized projects that can include retrofits, renovations or new construction of facilities within Canada that help organizations better serve people with disabilities.“We recognize the abilities of all Canadians, and celebrate the progress we have made as a society towards the full inclusion of people with disabilities,” said Minister Finley. “Through the Enabling Accessibility Fund, the Government of Canada is improving access to facilities, activities and services and enabling all Canadians to participate fully in society.”

Minister Finley launched the call for proposals at United Way Ottawa, which received support in 2008 to install automatic door openers and repair a ramp.

Organizations can submit proposals until January 13, 2011. To find out how to apply for funding or for more information about the Fund, please call 1-866-268-2502 or visit www.hrsdc.gc.ca/disability.

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This news release is available in alternative formats on request.

For further information (media only):

Michelle Bakos
Press Secretary
Office of Minister Finley
819-994-2482

Media Relations Office
Human Resources and
Skills Development Canada
819-994-5559

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Backgrounder

Enabling Accessibility Fund – Mid-sized Projects Component

The Mid-sized Projects component of the Enabling Accessibility Fund provides contribution funding of $500,000 to $3 million for projects that will create or enhance accessibility for people with disabilities through retrofits, renovations or new construction of facilities within Canada.

All projects must create or enhance accessibility for people with disabilities within Canada and must involve community partnerships.

The following types of organizations can apply for funding:

•not-for-profit organizations;
•small municipalities (with a population under 250000 as per census data);
•small private sector organizations (with fewer than 50 employees and under $5million in gross revenue per year);
•colleges and universities;
•territorial governments; and
•Aboriginal governments.

The Enabling Accessibility Fund was originally announced in 2007 as a three-year, $45-million program to support community-based projects across Canada. In 2010, the Fund was renewed with an additional three-year, $45-million commitment. Since the first call for proposals in 2008, over 300 organizations have been awarded funding to improve accessibility in their communities.

The Government of Canada continues to support Canadians with disabilities and their families through programs and initiatives such as the Registered Disability Savings Plan, the Disability component of the Social Development Partnerships Program, the Disability component of the Canada Pension Plan, the Opportunities Fund for Persons with Disabilities, Labour Market Agreements for Persons with Disabilities, and post‑secondary education assistance measures for students with disabilities.