February 21, 2014 – Vancouver, British Columbia – Employment and Social Development Canada
The Honourable Alice Wong, Minister of State (Seniors), today announced that Canadians with disabilities will gain better access to programs and services offered at the University Women’s Club of Vancouver, thanks to the Government of Canada’s Enabling Accessibility Fund (EAF).
The University Women’s Club of Vancouver provides members with a place to share ideas, interests and participate in activities. Through the EAF, the Club is receiving more than $40,000 to build interior and exterior ramps, an accessible washroom and accessible door handles and light switches
Earl Maynard
Office of the Minister of State (Seniors)
613-716-5422
Media Relations Office
Employment and Social Development Canada
819-994-5559
media@hrsdc-rhdcc.gc.ca
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Enabling Accessibility Fund
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. Since 2007, over 1 100 projects have been awarded funding to improve accessibility in Canadian communities.
The Government is extending the EAF on an ongoing basis at $15 million per year to continue to help improve accessibility for Canadians with disabilities.
All applications for funding though the EAF’s 2012 call for proposals were screened against program criteria. Successful projects demonstrated they were able to create or enhance accessibility for Canadians with disabilities and involve community partnerships.
At least 25 percent of the total eligible costs for each project must come from non-federal government sources.
Economic Action Plan 2014 additional measures
Economic Action Plan 2014 introduced additional measures to support Canadians with disabilities and help them get the skills and training they need to prepare for and find work:
- $222 million annually, matched by the provinces and territories, over the next four years through a new generation of Labour Market Agreements for Persons with Disabilities;
- $15 million over three years to the Ready, Willing & Able initiative of the Canadian Association for Community Living; and
- $11.4 million over four years to support the expansion of vocational training programs for persons with Autism Spectrum Disorders.
