The Government of Canada improves accessibility for Canadians with disabilities in Hamilton, Ontario

HAMILTON, ON, Jan. 13, 2018 /CNW/ - Accessibility for people with disabilities will soon be improved at L'Arche Hamilton, thanks to the Enabling Accessibility Fund. The Honourable Kent Hehr, Minister of Sport and Persons with Disabilities, toured the ongoing project at L'Arche today to witness first-hand how this Government of Canada-funded program has on changing lives.

L'Arche Hamilton recently received $9,110 through the Enabling Accessibility Fund to enhance access to their facility and eliminate physical barriers for Canadians with disabilities.

Canadians with disabilities face challenges every day which prevent them from participating fully in their communities and workplaces. The Government of Canada is committed to reducing barriers to accessibility and ensuring that everyone has equal access and opportunity, through programs such as the Enabling Accessibility Fund.

This is one of 575 projects approved through the 2016 Small Projects Call for Proposals. Organizations were invited to submit projects that increase accessibility and inclusion of Canadians with disabilities in their communities and workplaces.

Quotes

"I am proud to see L'Arche's dedication to fostering the Government of Canada's commitment to ensure everyone has the same opportunities in today's world. The building of a ramp at the entrance to their office space will significantly improve access and safety, allowing people with disabilities to fully benefit from services in their community."
– The Honourable Kent Hehr, Minister of Sport and Persons with Disabilities

"Many thanks to the federal government for providing the most significant funding for this ramp which allowed us to move ahead on the project to make our office building accessible."
– Lynn Godfrey, Community Leader / Executive Director, L'Arche Hamilton

Quick Facts

• The Enabling Accessibility Fund has an annual budget of $15 million.
• Since the creation of the Enabling Accessibility Fund, the Government of Canada has funded over 2,890 projects, helping thousands of Canadians gain access to their communities' programs, services and workplaces.

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Backgrounder

Enabling Accessibility Fund

The Enabling Accessibility Fund (EAF) is a federal Grants and Contributions program which supports community-based projects across Canada aimed at improving accessibility in public facilities and in workplaces.

Funding is provided through two streams: Community Accessibility Stream and Workplace Accessibility Stream.

The Workplace Accessibility Stream supports projects that improve accessibility and safety in workplaces across Canada through capital cost investments, i.e. renovation, retrofit or construction of facilities in which job opportunities can be created or maintained for people with disabilities. Projects must respond to systemic accessibility issues in workplaces.

The Community Accessibility Stream of the EAF provides funding to eligible recipients for capital cost projects that improve accessibility in public facilities to improve access to programs and services for people with disabilities. Projects must be directly related to removing barriers and increasing accessibility for people with disabilities in Canadian communities. All projects must also respond to specific eligibility criteria identified in the call for proposals, including support from the community.

SOURCE Employment and Social Development Canada