In Canada and around the world, youth are emerging as a powerful force for change, eager to engage and contribute to their communities.

The Enabling Accessibility Fund (EAF) program by Employment and Social Development Canada is nurturing this spirit of engagement among young Canadians, empowering them to develop leadership skills, gain valuable experience, and make meaningful contributions to their communities. This initiative plays a crucial role in advancing accessibility for individuals with disabilities in Canada.

On August 12th, International Youth Day, Kamal Khera, the Minister of Diversity, Inclusion and Persons with Disabilities, announced a significant milestone – $1.1 million in funding for accessibility projects led by Canadian youth in collaboration with 131 organizations across the nation. This funding, facilitated through the EAF youth innovation component 2022 call for proposals, which took place from June 3 to October 31, 2022, demonstrates the government’s commitment to fostering inclusivity and accessibility.

The EAF’s youth innovation component is a unique avenue for young Canadians aged 15 to 30 to become Youth Accessibility Leaders (YALs). These leaders play a pivotal role in identifying accessibility barriers within their communities and then partnering with local organizations to secure up to $10,000 in funding for accessibility projects that address these barriers in community spaces and workplaces.

During the occasion, Minister Khera and Jean Yip, Member of Parliament for Scarborough—Agincourt, Ontario, visited the Community Family Services of Ontario (CFSO) in Scarborough. This

organization, receiving $8,898 in funding, is dedicated to enhancing accessibility by purchasing devices such as an infrared-based hearing system and a screen-reading group license. This investment amplifies inclusivity, creating better opportunities for employees with disabilities.

Moreover, a new call for proposals under the EAF youth innovation component was launched on June 5, 2023. Youth are invited to express their interest in becoming YALs by October 10, 2023. Eligible organizations are then encouraged to submit funding applications in partnership with the YALs by October 31, 2023. For those interested, information sessions are available online at https://www.canada.ca/en/employment-social-development/services/funding/enabling-accessibility-fund-youth-innovation.html.

Kamal Khera aptly summarizes the significance of this initiative: “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.” Through the EAF program, young Canadians are becoming catalysts for change, driving accessibility and inclusivity in their communities.

If you live in the Scarborough area this is for you.