This year, the government of Ontario is giving up to $1.5 million to not-for-profits and other organizations across the province to help them create educational tools and resources to help make Ontario more accessible to people of all abilities and raise awareness of the importance of accessibility.
“We are pushing ahead on the excursion to make Ontario more available and comprehensive,” said Raymond Cho, Clergyman for Seniors and Openness. ” One more way our government ensures that Ontario is accessible to everyone is by supporting projects through the EnAbling Change Program.
Graham McGregor, MPP for Brampton North, stated, “The EnAenabling Change Program is the next step in our government’s efforts to build a more accessible Ontario.” The subsidizing gave through this program will help not-for-benefit associations, incorporating many here in Brampton, to advance openness in the working environment and local area and cultivate a more comprehensive Ontario.”
Projects that support awareness and regulatory compliance of the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA), drive a culture of respect and dignity for people with disabilities, and create equitable opportunities in the labor market are the primary focus of funding for the 2023-2014 EnAbling Change Program, which is open for applications now through June 29.
Instances of undertakings at present supported through the 2022-23 program include:
- up to $150,000 to the Ontario Tourism Education Corporation (OTEC) to deliver an employer awareness campaign providing sector leaders with disability awareness training.
- up to $119,800 to Retail Council of Canada helps retailers through its “EnAbling Change for Retailers – Creating an Inclusive Culture within the Retail Store” project.
- up to $119,125 to Breaking Down Barriers An Independent Living Centre Inc. “Start the Conversation AODA 2025” includes guides and workshops that cover areas such as accessible customer service, digital accessibility and the design of public spaces.
- up to $150,000 to Peel Career Assessment Services Inc. for its “Ability Works” project to help people with disabilities access equitable employment opportunities and employers support inclusive employment.
- up to $36,750 to the Algonquin and Lakeshore Catholic District School Board is updating the board’s Special Education Plan, Individual Education Plan Guide and Alternative Report Card. People with disabilities will be included in planning stages and a summary report will be provided to stakeholders to drive a culture of respect and dignity.
- up to $116,438 to the Canadian National Institute for the Blind (CNIB) “CNIB Kids – Inclusive and Accessible Education in Ontario” project. Fully accessible presentations will be made in schools across Ontario and will provide accessibility and sight loss education, and challenge stigmas.
- up to $16,450 to Carassauga Festival Inc. to help event organizers plan, assess and deliver accessible events through its “Accessibility at the Festival – Celebrating Inclusion and Diversity” project.
- up to $104,516 to ParaGolf Ontario “Driving Toward InclusiON – changing attitudes and increasing opportunities for everybody in the sport of golf” project. The program features new teaching guidelines, coach and ambassador training, and golf events for all abilities.
The Ministry for Seniors and Accessibility’s Age-friendly and accessibility grants web page has information on how to apply for the 2023-24 EnAbling Change Program.
