Enabling Accessibility Fund – New Workplace Accessibility Stream Announced
December 20, 2013 – Calgary, AB – Employment and Social Development Canada
The Government of Canada is inviting small businesses and social enterprises to apply for funding through the Enabling Accessibility Fund for projects that will increase accessibility for Canadians with disabilities in workplaces across the country.
The Enabling Accessibility Fund call for proposals, which was launched at the Calgary Chamber of Commerce today, gives eligible small businesses and social enterprises in all provinces and territories the opportunity to submit proposals until January 20, 2014.
Organizations can receive grants of up to $50,000 per project. Projects must address the objective of removing barriers, improving accessibility and enabling Canadians with disabilities to participate in and contribute to their local economies. They must support employment opportunities for people with disabilities through construction and renovation activities that will improve accessibility in the workplace.
Alexandra Fortier
Office of the Minister
819-994-2482
Media Relations Office
Employment and Social Development Canada
819-994-5559
media@hrsdc-rhdcc.gc.ca
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Enabling Accessibility Fund – Workplace Accessibility Stream
Projects receiving funding under the Workplace Accessibility Stream must create or enhance accessibility in workplaces to enable Canadians with disabilities to participate more fully in the workforce. This call for proposals closes on January 20, 2014.
Project costs will be shared between the recipient and government. Contributions equal to or greater than 50 percent of the total eligible costs of the project must be provided by sources other than the federal government (which can include the applicant’s own organization).
The following types of organizations can apply for funding:
- small businesses (having fewer than 50 employees and less than $5 million in gross revenue per year); and
- social enterprises: a business or venture owned by a not-for-profit organization (including charities and co-operatives) that is involved in the production and/or selling of goods and/or services for generating income and achieving value related to social, cultural, and/or environmental goals.
Eligible activities for these projects include construction, renovation or retrofitting of:
- facilities in which jobs could be maintained or created specifically for people with disabilities;
- motor vehicles for work use; and,
- information and communications technologies for work use.
The Enabling Accessibility Fund (EAF) was originally announced in 2007 as a three-year, $45-million program to support community-based projects across Canada. In 2010, the EAF was extended with an additional three-year, $45-million commitment and the creation of a new mid-sized project component.
Economic Action Plan 2013 strengthens federal programs for Canadians with disabilities to help them get the skills and training they need to prepare for and find work. Beginning in 2015–16, more Canadians with disabilities will receive training for in-demand jobs through ongoing support from the Opportunities Fund for Persons with Disabilities.
