The 2015 Enabling Accessibility Fund (EAF) Call for Proposals for community-based projects was launched today by the Honourable Candice Bergen, Minister of State for Social Development, accompanied by Andrew Saxton, Parliamentary Secretary for the Minister of Finance and MP for North Vancouver. The launch event took place at the North Vancouver District Public Library.
Eligible organizations from all provinces and territories are encouraged to apply for funding for projects that will help improve accessibility in community facilities across Canada. The deadline for submissions is April 27, 2015. Proposals can involve a wide variety of projects, however priority will be given to projects that enhance access for children with disabilities (e.g. outdoor playgrounds), Veterans with disabilities or seniors with disabilities.
It is important to note that municipalities are also eligible to apply in support of the first priority (access for children with disabilities) since a large number of recreational facilities are under their management. As such, all municipalities, regardless of size, have been included as eligible recipients under this priority only and are strongly encouraged to apply.
Minister Bergen and Mr. Saxton toured the library to see first-hand the improvements made with a 2011 EAF grant of over $70,000. The project, headed by the Friends of the North Vancouver District Public Library Society, created an accessible library area with automatic door openers for the washrooms, an accessible check-out counter and accessible information and communication technologies. People with disabilities are now able to participate in all activities and access the services offered by the library.
Over 11 million in funding is available through this year’s call for proposals. All applications are reviewed against eligibility criteria, call for proposal requirements and program objectives.
Application information is available on Employment and Social Development Canada’s website at http://www.esdc.gc.ca/eng/disability/eaf/community.shtml.
Quick Facts
- Since the creation of the EAF in 2007, our Government has funded over 1,800 projects helping thousands of Canadians gain better access to their communities’ facilities, programs and services.
- Under this call for proposals, organizations can receive a grant of up to $50,000.
- Examples of eligible projects could include:
- building accessible playgrounds for children with disabilities;
- widening hallways and doorways, installing elevators and automated power doors;
- improving lighting, acoustics or contrast;
- installing accessible washrooms and service counters;
- upgrading facilities that offer programs for adults and/or children with autism and other cognitive/intellectual impairments;
- installing assistive technology, installing or updating information technology.
Quotes
“Our Government remains committed to supporting Canadians and their families. I encourage organizations to take this opportunity to submit their proposals for projects, in particular those for children, such as playgrounds and recreational facilities. The Enabling Accessibility Fund is an excellent program that builds on our Government’s family benefits by eliminating barriers and helping all Canadians to fully participate in and contribute to their communities.”
“Today’s announcement reiterates our Government’s focus on helping hard-working Canadian families make ends meet, by making important priorities like child care and after-school sports more affordable. Our Government has ensured that every family with children will have more money in their pockets, to spend on their priorities as a family.”
– The Honourable Candice Bergen, Minister of State for Social Development and MP for Portage-Lisgar
“The Lynn Valley Library is an excellent example of the Enabling Accessibility Fund at work. Through programs such as this, our Government is making our shared spaces better accessible and more inclusive for all individuals, which strengthens our communities and fosters productivity. I’m pleased to see communities nationwide benefitting from the EAF program.”
– Andrew Saxton, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Finance and MP for North Vancouver
Associated Links
- Funding: Enabling Accessibility in Communities
- Economic Action Plan