What this program offers

On this page

• Call for Proposals (CFP) objectives
• Funding priorities
• Glossary

Call for Proposals (CFP) objectives

This CFP has two main objectives.

The first objective of this CFP is to fund projects that eliminate infrastructure and technology-related accessibility barriers in workplaces where persons with disabilities are currently employed across Canada. By improving the accessibility and safety of workplaces, the program aims to support the long-term employment and advancement of persons with disabilities.

The second objective of this funding process is to support projects that remove accessibility barriers for persons with disabilities in Indigenous workplaces or Indigenous communities.

Funding priorities

The Department will prioritize funding to projects based on the following:

• $10 million of the funding envelope will be dedicated to accessibility in the workplace
• $2 million will be allocated for Indigenous workplaces and Indigenous community accessibility projects

Glossary

Here is a list of key terms used within this "Prepare to apply" section.

Accessible facilities

For the purpose of this funding process, an accessible facility is defined as:

• all or any portion of a building, structure, workplace, passageway or park that offers barrier-free access for persons with disabilities
• more precisely, facilities where persons with disabilities can reach, enter, access and fully participate in the workplace and/or programs and services

Accessibility project activity

A project element that addresses a barrier to accessibility and directly contributes to increasing the degree to which an environment can be considered an "accessible facility".

Activities - Flat rate

These activities include: ramps, accessible washrooms, accessible doors, elevators, accessible lifts, pool lifts, accessible playgrounds, multi-sensory rooms, accessible parking, accessible drop-off areas, accessible electric vehicle charging stations, accessible kitchens, accessible drinking fountains and hand wash stations and accessible multi-purpose rooms.

Activities - Non-flat rate

Other types of accessibility activities not included under flat rate could include, but are not limited to, accessible pathways, accessibility-specific equipment, and Information and Communication Technology (ICT) projects.

Some ICT project ideas include:

• modifying a website to make it accessible for persons with disabilities, in compliance with the latest Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.1
• installation of a Frequency Modulation (FM) loop system
• installing accessible safety alarm systems (refer to the guidance on the EAF webpage)
• purchasing screen readers
• installing voice recognition software and speech synthesizers
• installing adaptive technology for a client services desk to make it accessible for employees with disabilities

Barrier

A physical, architectural, or technological obstacle. It makes it difficult for persons with disabilities to access or circulate within workplaces and community spaces. It prevents persons with disabilities from accessing or using public spaces on an equal basis as others.

Barrier-free path of travel

A barrier-free path of travel allows persons with all types of disabilities to circulate into, throughout, and out of the facility without accessibility barriers. Persons with disabilities should be able to access basic necessities such as washrooms, without any accessibility barriers.

Best practices could include, but are not limited to:

• installing directional tactile indicators (for example: colour-contrasting floor or ground material with raised linear bars) along a barrier-free path of travel to help persons with visual disabilities find key building components such as information desks, elevators, stairs, and washrooms
• using colour-contrasting floor materials to differentiate seating or waiting areas from the main barrier-free path of travel
• incorporating unobstructed floor areas with the intent to permit wheelchair users to pass one another and/or provide a resting opportunity outside the required barrier-free path of travel
• installing tactile attention indicators (for example: colour-contrasting floor/ground material with raised truncated domes) to identify changes in elevation, tops of stair landings, or places where vehicular pathways are at the same level as a barrier-free pedestrian path of travel

Certified contractor

A certified contractor has obtained a license allowing them to work anywhere within the province in which they are licensed. They have typically passed a provincial exam. They maintain certain levels of insurance and have shown they are financially responsible.

Community accessibility project

Involves renovation, construction and retrofitting of buildings and community spaces designed to eliminate barriers for persons with disabilities and ensure increased accessibility to community facilities where programs or services are offered under this current funding opportunity. Only Indigenous organizations are eligible to apply for community accessibility project funding under this process.

Confirmed cash contribution

Confirmed cash contribution means, for example:

• a fundraising activity that has already taken place and cash is in hand
• a cash donation that has been received (not promised)
• grants from other organizations or levels of government that are approved, and cash is in hand

Contingency

The 2026 EAF calculator estimates eligible costs for flat rate activities for your project. Unexpected situations and costs are common with construction projects. ESDC recommends that you consult a certified contractor to scope your flat rate project activities. This can help reduce unexpected costs. ESDC also recommends that you have a contingency budget of around 20% of your total project to offset unexpected costs for all flat rate and non-flat rate activities. For more information, refer to the section on Project planning and contingency in the flat rate information sheet.

Disability

Refers to any impairment including a physical, mental, intellectual, cognitive, learning, communication or sensory impairment-or a functional limitation-whether permanent, temporary or episodic in nature, evident or not, that in interaction with a barrier, hinders a person's full and equal participation in society.

General construction costs

General construction costs would include elements such as (but not limited to) new wall construction, new plumbing/electrical/Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning (HVAC), or a new ceiling. While EAF covers certain optimisations to these elements related to accessibility (for example: sound insulation in the walls, hands-free plumbing, increased acoustic absorption in a HVAC system, acoustic ceiling treatments, etc.), the underlying construction of these elements are considered general construction costs and are not covered by EAF.

Governance structure

This defines the governing body responsible for making decisions and overseeing an organization. Typically, the board of directors sits at the top of this structure, responsible for major decisions, setting strategic direction, and overseeing management.

Indigenous organization

Organizations that:

• are governed by people who self-identify as First Nations, Inuit, Métis or non-affiliated Indigenous persons, and

• support First Nations, Inuit, Métis or non-affiliated Indigenous persons as part of their mandate

Leveraging

Leveraging represents the portion of funds the applicant needs to provide towards eligible costs not covered by the program funding. All 2026 EAF projects are exempt from providing leveraging. Non eligible costs (for example, general construction costs) fall under the responsibility of the applicant.

Municipal governments

This is the level of government that is based in a city, town or district (a municipality). Municipal governments are typically responsible for areas such as parks, community water systems, local police, roadways, and parking.

Private dwelling/residence

This refers to a separate set of living quarters with a private entrance either from outside the building or from a common hall, lobby, vestibule or stairway inside the building. The intention or purpose of the private dwelling/residence is solely for non-business/commercial type activities or in other words private living. This would also include the exterior property of a private residence/house.

Renovation

To rebuild or refurbish an existing space to enhance accessibility, without adding additional square footage. For example, making an accessible washroom in what was previously a storage room.

Retrofit (upgrading an existing space)

To install (new or modified parts or equipment) in something previously constructed. For example, to make upgrades to an existing washroom to include accessible features.

Systemic accessibility

Refers to the removal of infrastructure/design-related barriers in environments that prevent persons with disabilities from accessing employment and/or programs and services. Unlike individual accommodations, systemic accessibility focuses on structural and technological improvements that benefit many persons with disabilities.

Territorial governments

This refers to the governing authority of one of the three northern territories: Yukon, Northwest Territories, and Nunavut. Unlike provinces, territories do not have constitutional status and instead receive their powers from the federal government.

Workplace accessibility project

A project that addresses infrastructure and technological design elements of buildings/facilities to create and maintain job opportunities for persons with disabilities.