The federal government is inviting young Canadians to take the lead on local projects aimed at making communities more accessible to people with disabilities.
As part of National AccessAbility Week, Minister of Jobs and Families Patty Hajdu launched a new call for proposals under the youth innovation component of the Enabling Accessibility Fund (EAF). The initiative encourages youth aged 15 to 30 to partner with local organizations and apply for up to $12,000 in funding for accessibility-related upgrades.
The deadline for youth to apply is Oct. 6, 2025, at 3 p.m. ET. Once a youth leader has been confirmed, partnering organizations must submit their project funding applications by Nov. 3, 2025.
Support for community and workplace accessibility
The Enabling Accessibility Fund has backed more than 8,100 projects since it was introduced in 2007, supporting construction, renovation, and retrofitting efforts across Canada. Its youth innovation stream focuses on empowering young people to shape a more inclusive country while developing leadership and project management skills.
The federal government has earmarked $1 million to support about 83 projects under this year’s call.
“By helping organizations make accessible infrastructure improvements, the Enabling Accessibility Fund supports persons with disabilities to access programs and services, overcome barriers to employment, and find good paying jobs,” said Hajdu. “The program has already improved accessibility in thousands of community spaces and workplaces across the country, and today we are inviting more youth leaders and organizations to apply for funding – and the fairness it will bring.”
Building inclusive communities
According to the 2022 Canada Survey on Disability, roughly 27 per cent of Canadians aged 15 and older — about 8 million people — report having at least one disability.
The EAF is one part of the federal government’s broader Disability Inclusion Action Plan, which aims to reduce poverty among persons with disabilities, improve access to employment, and promote inclusive communities.
This year’s National AccessAbility Week runs from May 25 to 31 under the theme “Breaking barriers together: Paving the way for an inclusive future.”
