The Enabling Change Program – Canada

Deadline: 26-Mar-21

The EnAbling Change Program is a shared-cost transfer payment program administered by the Ministry for seniors and Accessibility (“the ministry”) that provides funding to not-for-profit organizations, industry organizations, and professional associations to educate their stakeholders about accessibility, drive cultural awareness about the value and benefits of accessibility, and support regulatory compliance.

The program benefits from collaboration with leaders across many sectors who produce customized resources and directly communicate about accessibility and inclusion with their networks. The program also promotes opportunities to increase AODA compliance and accessibility in daily living. Typical projects include public outreach programs and initiatives and the development of customized educational tools and resources that meet the criteria

This program provides funding to not-for-profit organizations, industry organizations and professional associations to:

• Educate their stakeholders about the value and benefits of accessibility;
• Help support compliance with accessibility laws;
• Promote a culture of inclusion.

• Customized educational tools and resources that directly communicate about accessibility and inclusion with their sector;
• Promoting accessibility in daily living and encouraging regulatory compliance;
• Public outreach programs and initiatives.

Priorities

The EnAbling Change Program 2021-2022 priorities are:

1. COVID-19 Recovery: Supporting people with disabilities, seniors and other marginalized communities during and after the pandemic through innovative solutions that improve their quality of life and eliminate barriers;
2. Online Innovation: Serving people with disabilities, seniors and other marginalized communities through online methods and innovative technology; and,
3. Scaling Best Practices: Amplifying successes that are dedicated to making an inclusive and accessible province.

Funding Information

• Projects may range in value from $5,000 to $150,000.

Eligible Applicants

Organizations are eligible to apply to the EnAbling Change Program if the organization:

• Is a not-for-profit organizations that is able to reach across an industry or sector in Ontario;
• Is compliant with Ontario’s accessibility laws;
• Is a not-for-profit organization that has been incorporated in Ontario for at least one year;
• Has accountability processes to administer, manage and oversee any funding received from the Province; and,
• Provides proof of Commercial General Liability Insurance coverage in the amount of not less than $2 million;

Preference will be given to applications that demonstrate:

• Ability to deliver proposed projects to networks and employers across an industry or sector;
• Understanding of challenges related to accessibility and/or AODA compliance within an industry or sector;
• Projects that will benefit target audience beyond the funding period and be sustainable over the longer term.
• Experience developing workplace training and adult education programs and products for employers and/or the public;
• Access to expertise related to employers and people with disabilities in the workplace; and,
• Experience fostering cultural change in a community or industry.

Program participants must comply with all relevant federal, provincial and municipal laws, regulations and orders that apply to the project. In particular, applicants shall not infringe upon any provision of the Human Rights Code R.S.O 1990, c. H.19, as amended from time to time, in the course of carrying out its responsibilities or obligations during the project.

For more information, visit https://www.ontario.ca/page/age-friendly-and-accessibility-grants#section-0