Gatineau – Young people are leading the way in breaking down barriers to accessibility and enabling the participation of all Canadians in every aspect of society. That is why the Government of Canada is providing opportunities for Canadian youth to develop important skills, while investing in an inclusive and accessible Canada.
Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Disability Inclusion, Carla Qualtrough, launched a new call for proposals under the Enabling Accessibility Fund (EAF) youth innovation component. Canadian youth between the ages of 15 and 30 are encouraged to demonstrate their leadership and allyship by applying to become youth accessibility leaders through the EAF’s youth innovation component. Youth accessibility leaders help to identify barriers within their communities and then partner with local organizations to help secure up to $10,000 in accessibility project funding.
Youth are invited to submit their expressions of interest in being named a Youth Accessibility Leader (YAL) online: Canada.ca/en/employment-social-development/services/funding/enabling-accessibility-fund-youth-innovation.html by October 10, 2023 at 5:00 p.m. EDT. Canadian organizations partnering with a confirmed YAL, must submit their application for project funding by 5:00 p.m. EDT online on October 31, 2023.
This initiative supports the development of accessible and inclusive communities, which is the focus of pillar three under the Government’s Disability Inclusion Action Plan. It also contributes to the Government’s on-going commitment to create a fully inclusive Canada, free of physical, societal, and attitudinal barriers.
“Young leaders know what the barriers to accessibility are and how to address them. This program gives them the resources and creates the local partnerships necessary to make these important changes happen. Young people will develop skills, communities will become more inclusive – and our country will be all the better for it.”- Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Disability Inclusion, Carla Qualtrough