Know someplace in your community or workplace that needs accessibility services? You can now apply for funding through Enabling Accessibility Fund (EAF).
The federal government has announced that it will be launching two new streams of funding available through EAF - the Small Projects Stream and the Youth Innovation Stream to provide a range of accessibility services. Locally, Nickel Belt MP Marc Serré announced the two programs in a news release.
To increase accessibility, the Small Projects Stream will provide funding for up to $100,000 per project to support small-scale construction like installing elevators for community halls, screen reader devices and hearing induction loop systems, and accessible pathways and ramps
Eligible applicants can submit proposals for this stream of funding until July 26, 2018.
Meanwhile, the Youth Innovation Stream aims at empowering the youth to take the initiative and identify accessibility barriers within their community as well as seek out local organizations willing to work with them to develop accessible solutions.
Funding of up to $10,000 will be provided to support capital costs of youth-initiated projects, which may include initiatives like installing automatic door openers, constructing raised garden beds in a community garden, or acquiring specialized wheelchairs to access sandy beaches.
The call for proposals submission for small projects stream closes on July 26, 2018, and youth initiative on September 21, 2018.
The EAF played a crucial role in funding the installation of wheelchair lifts and renovations to the bathroom at Valley Community Theatre in Capreol to accommodate residents with disabilities.
The accessibility initiative at Valley Community Theatre received a boost of $32,746 last year, and the construction is set to finish later this year.
