As part of National AccessAbility Week (NAAW) 2024, Minister Kamal Khera has announced the launch of a new call for proposals under the Enabling Accessibility Fund’s (EAF) Youth Innovation component!
We’re thrilled to invest in projects identified by youth from across the country, providing them with opportunities to develop leadership skills, gain valuable experiences, and make a positive impact by improving accessibility in their communities. Canadian youth aged 15 to 30 are encouraged to become Youth Accessibility Leaders (YALs). This role allows them to identify accessibility barriers within their community and partner with local organizations to secure up to $12,000 in funding to address these barriers, creating more inclusive environments for everyone.
Minister Khera emphasized the importance of this initiative, stating, “Young people are the leaders of today. The youth innovation component of the Enabling Accessibility Fund is about making sure we’re helping young Canadians to be positive agents of change within their own communities. In order to build a more inclusive and accessible Canada, we need to include all voices at the table, and that is exactly what our government is committed to do. Young Canadians are certainly an important part of this process, as they have unique and important perspectives on what a barrier-free Canada should look like.”
Shafqat Ali, MP for Brampton Centre, also highlighted the significance of this initiative: “The Enabling Accessibility Fund empowers our youth to make meaningful changes in their communities. By addressing local accessibility barriers, we are fostering a more inclusive and supportive environment for everyone. This program not only benefits those with disabilities but also enriches the entire community.”
The EAF program supports our Government’s Disability Inclusion Action Plan (DIAP), which focuses on reducing poverty among persons with disabilities, helping them find good quality jobs, facilitating easier access to federal programs and services, and building accessible and inclusive communities.