Government partners with youth and communities to boost workplace access for people with disabilities
More than one million Canadians with disabilities could join the workforce if barriers to a fully inclusive labour market were removed—a figure with significant implications for employers, benefit providers, and the broader economy.
To address these barriers, the Government of Canada has announced over $35m in funding through the Enabling Accessibility Fund (EAF), supporting 564 accessible infrastructure projects nationwide.
This investment includes $34.3m for 405 small projects and $1,462,251 for 159 youth-driven accessibility initiatives, following two calls for proposals in 2024.
These projects are designed to increase accessibility, safety, and inclusion in both workplaces and communities, directly impacting the environments where Canadians work and access services.
The EAF’s small projects component funds construction, renovation, and retrofitting efforts that make spaces more accessible for persons with disabilities.
Meanwhile, the youth innovation component empowers young Canadians to partner with local organizations, developing leadership skills while delivering hands-on accessibility solutions.
These initiatives not only support inclusion but also foster positive change and innovation at the community level.
This funding aligns with the Government of Canada’s Disability Inclusion Action Plan, which seeks to build an inclusive economy and support equitable participation.
By improving accessibility, the EAF enables persons with disabilities to contribute fully to all aspects of Canadian life, including employment and community engagement.
“Everyone deserves a fair shot to succeed, contribute, and be valued for who they are,” said Patty Hajdu, minister of Jobs and Families and Minister responsible for the Federal Economic Development Agency for Northern Ontario.
She emphasized that National Disability Employment Awareness Month highlights the vital contributions persons with disabilities make to workplaces, communities, and the economy.
Hajdu also noted that, through the Enabling Accessibility Fund, the Government of Canada is partnering with youth and local organizations to improve access and inclusion, with the goal of building a Canada where no one is left behind.
According to the 2022 Canadian Survey on Disability, 27 percent of Canadians aged 15 and over—about 8 million people—have one or more disabilities that limit their daily activities.
Since 2007, the EAF has funded over 8,100 projects, helping more than a hundred thousand Canadians access programs, services, and employment opportunities.
A new call for proposals under the EAF youth innovation component is now open, with organizations partnering with a confirmed Youth Accessibility Leader encouraged to apply by November 3.
Further details are available through the Enabling Accessibility Fund – Youth Innovation Component funding program.
National Disability Employment Awareness Month, observed every October, recognizes the essential contributions persons with disabilities bring to Canadian workplaces and the economy.
