The COVID-19 pandemic has emphasized the day-to-day obstacles that persons with disabilities face. Isolation, financial insecurity and barriers to employment disproportionately impact the quality of life of persons with disabilities, and the Government of Canada acknowledges that it must continue to work with partners across the country to build a more accessible and inclusive Canada.
The Honourable Carla Qualtrough, Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Disability Inclusion, announced the launch of a call for proposals under the newly modernized Enabling Accessibility Fund (EAF) – small projects component. The modernization of the program will help to better meet the needs of persons with disabilities in building more accessible communities and workplaces, and provide more flexibility to organizations during the COVID-19 pandemic. The call for proposals for the EAF small projects component provides funding to organizations for small-scale construction, renovation or retrofit projects that enable persons with disabilities to live and work in more inclusive and accessible communities.
This year, instead of the originally allotted 12 months to complete a project, organizations that apply for funding will now have up to 24 months to complete their projects. Additionally, projects approved for funding will now be 100% funded to a maximum of $100,000.
The application process has also been streamlined, and flat rates have been introduced to reduce the burden on applicants and expedite the process. Flat-rate costing will replace the need for applicants to provide construction quotes and detailed budget information for three of the most commonly requested projects: ramps, accessible doors and accessible washrooms. Projects that fall under the flat-rate costing will be funded on a first come, first served basis. This means projects will be assessed as soon as the proposal is submitted and organizations can receive funding faster.
Organizations have until July 13, 2020, to apply by visiting Canada.ca/accessibility-fund
