Open call for EnAbling Change Program – Canada

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, initiatives and the development of customized educational tools and resources that meet the criteria for set priorities each year. All projects funded through the EnAbling Change Program include people with disabilities in the planning and execution of the project.

The AODA has accessibility standards in the areas of:

• Customer service;
• Information and communications;
• Employment;
• Transportation; and,
• Design of public spaces.

The ministry expects successful program recipients to demonstrate support for accessibility publicly.

Not-for-Profit Organizations should demonstrate a commitment to accessibility to lead by example in their sector. This can involve:

• Ongoing membership in an active coalition of champion organizations committed to sustained change, including access to networking events and newsletters; and,
• Access to a network of accessibility champions to provide you with expertise.

Project Priorities

• Increase connections to job opportunities for people with disabilities
  • Supports for employers, specifically in sectors facing labour shortages, to increase employment opportunities for people with disabilities. This includes raising awareness of employment standards, untapped talent and removing accessibility barriers across all stages of employment (i.e., hiring, retaining, promoting and effective accommodation practices for people with disabilities).
• Increase the accessibility of community programs and services for people with disabilities
  • You will receive additional points during the evaluation phase if your proposed project targets the recreation, healthcare, education, or employment sectors.
• Support awareness of, and compliance with, accessibility regulation
  • Outreach and education to foster understanding and create awareness of accessibility requirements for compliance, including developing sector-specific tools to support organizations in meeting their responsibilities under the AODA and breaking down common challenges and barriers to implementation of requirements.

Funding Information

• EnAbling Change Program provides grants of between $5,000 and $150,000.

Eligible Applicants

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

• Is either:
  • a Not-for-Profit Organization that is able to reach across an industry or sector in Ontario and has been incorporated in Ontario or Canada for at least one year; or
  • a municipality governed by the Municipal Act, 2001 or any other Act of the Legislature;
  • Is compliant with Ontario’s accessibility laws;
• 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 or 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.
• The Project must take place in Ontario and must be completed by September 30, 2025. Applicants should plan to start their projects in October 2024.

For more information, visit Ministry for Seniors and Accessibility.