TORONTO, ONTARIO, March 4, 2011 - As a result of the Government of Canada's Enabling Accessibility Fund, 297 community projects across Canada will increase accessibility for people with disabilities and improve the quality of life of Canadians.
The Honourable Diane Finley, Minister of Human Resources and Skills Development, made the announcement today at the Beth Emeth Bais Yehuda Synagogue, one of the organizations that is receiving a grant under the Enabling Accessibility Fund. Senator Suzanne Fortin-Duplessis also made an announcement today at the Carrefour communautaire de Rosemont l'entre-Gens in Montreal.
"Our government recognizes the abilities of all Canadians and celebrates the progress we have made as a society towards the full inclusion of people with disabilities," said Minister Finley. "Through the Enabling Accessibility Fund, we are helping Canadians participate fully in their communities by improving access to facilities, activities and services."
"Growing older shouldn't stop someone from enjoying their life or contributing to the community," said Senator Fortin-Duplessis. "Canada's Economic Action Plan is investing in communities across Canada to ensure that no one is excluded from participating because of a physical barrier."
The Government of Canada is providing $14.2 million for these projects that will improve accessibility through activities such as the renovation, construction and retrofitting of buildings, the modification of vehicles for community use, and enhancements to information and communication technologies.
In year two of Canada's Economic Action Plan, the Government built on the success of the Fund by providing an additional $45 million over three years.
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This news release is available in alternative formats on request.
For more information, contact:
Michelle Bakos
Press Secretary
Office of Minister Finley
819-994-2482
Media Relations Office
Human Resources and Skills Development Canada
819-994-5559
Enabling Accessibility Fund - Small Project Component
The Enabling Accessibility Fund supports community-based projects across Canada that improve accessibility and enable Canadians, regardless of physical ability, to participate in and contribute to their communities and the economy.
Through the 2010 call for proposals under the Small Project Component, 297 projects across Canada are receiving grant funding of up to $75,000.
Examples of eligible activities include, but are not limited to, the following:
- building an interior or exterior ramp;
- installing wider doors or installing automated door openers;
- raising or lowering sinks and/or counters;
- improving lighting and increasing colour contrast;
- building an accessible washroom;
- installing accessible door handles and light switches;
- installing an elevator or lift;
- providing computer enhancements such as voice interactive capability;
- installing a wheelchair lift in a community-based vehicle; and
- other activities that contribute to creating or enhancing accessibility for people with disabilities, and that are deemed acceptable by Human Resources and Skills Development Canada.
The following types of organizations can apply for funding:
- not-for-profit organizations;
- small municipalities (with a population under 250 000 as per census data);
- small private sector organizations (with fewer than 50 employees and under $5 million in gross revenue per year);
- colleges and universities;
- territorial governments; and
- Aboriginal governments.
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.
