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Advancing Accessibility Standards Research - Canada
Closed
Source verified July 6, 2026

Advancing Accessibility Standards Research

Supports research advancing federal accessibility standards in Canada
Latest source update
Last Update: May 3, 2026
Latest change: The program now says the next funding call will launch in 2027, and future update links were added for Facebook, LinkedIn, and the newsletter.
View change
Next funding call timing updated
The program page now states that the next call for funding will launch in 2027, replacing the earlier closed-call framing with a forward-looking update. The page also adds Facebook, LinkedIn, and newsletter links so applicants can follow future funding announcements. No visible changes were found to eligibility, funding amounts, or the program’s research scope. The reporting and service-standards pages appear unchanged aside from minor heading or formatting edits.
Funding available
$ 250,000
Deadline
August 15, 2025
Location
Canada
Who can apply
Research or educational institutions, such as universities
See full eligibility

Overview

The Advancing Accessibility Standards Research program provides funding to Canadian organizations for research projects that support the development of next-generation accessibility standards within federal jurisdiction. Eligible activities focus on identifying, removing, and preventing barriers to accessibility in areas such as the built environment, communications, service delivery, employment, and transportation; the maximum funding amount is not specified.
/100
Opportunity Score
Moderate potential, but conditions must align.

At a glance

Funding available

Financing goals
  • Increase social or community impact
  • Develop strategic partnerships
  • Conduct research and development activities
Eligible Funding
  • Maximum amount : 250,000 $

Eligible candidates

Eligible Industries
  • All industries
Location
  • Canada
Legal structures
  • Non-profit
Annual revenue
  • All revenue ranges
Organisation size
  • All organization sizes
Audience
  • Indigenous Peoples
  • Persons with Disabilities
  • Language Minorities
  • Newcomers to Canada
  • Rural or Northern Residents
  • 2SLGBTQI+
  • Canadians
  • Startups
  • Women
Non-profit candidates
Sector of operation
  • Higher Education
  • Research
  • Economic, Social and Community Development
  • Employment and Training
  • Diversity and Inclusion
Target groups
  • People with disabilities
Revenue structures
  • All structures
Scope
  • National

Next Steps

1
Determine your project
2
Validate your eligibility

Activities funded

  • Research projects that inform the development of next-generation accessibility standards within federal areas of responsibility.
  • Initiatives that identify, remove, and prevent barriers to accessibility.
  • Projects involving the development, sharing, or dissemination of best practices, tools, and information related to accessibility barriers and standards.
  • Research supporting core priority areas such as built environment, communication, employment, program and service delivery, information and communication technologies, procurement, and transportation.
  • Initiatives targeting annually identified priority areas, such as accessibility in northern communities, election processes, and retrofitting of existing facilities.

Documents Needed

  • Signed claim form
  • Forecast of project expenditures form
  • Interim activity reports
  • Final activity report
  • Authorized signatory form

Official resources

Official page

Service standards for the Advancing Accessibility Standards Research program

Application form

Advancing Accessibility Standards Research Program - Authorized Signatory Form

Program reporting forms and guidance

Other relevant PDF

Accessibility Standards Canada - Forcast of Project Expenditures (FPE)

Eligibility

Who is eligible?

  • Research or educational institutions, such as universities
  • Not-for-profit organizations
  • Indigenous organizations, including bands, tribal councils, or other self-governing entities
  • Provincial or territorial organizations (excluding provincial or territorial governments)

Who is not eligible

  • Provincial or territorial governments are not eligible.
  • Organizations that are not recognized as legal entities in Canada cannot apply.

Eligible geographic areas

  • Organizations that are legal entities located anywhere in Canada.

Selection criteria

  • Alignment of the project with the purpose and objectives of the program.
  • Ability of the project to identify, prevent, and eliminate barriers to accessibility in areas of federal jurisdiction.

How to apply

  • Complete the appropriate reporting form and sign it.
  • Send all completed forms by email to Recherche.NAC-Research.ASC@asc-nac.gc.ca.
  • If a delay is anticipated, contact the program as soon as possible by email.

Processing and Agreement

  • For funding through a contribution, a claim form must be submitted before each advance quarterly payment.
  • Payments are calculated using the information in the forms submitted, including what has already been spent, what is planned to be spent, and how much funding has already been sent.
  • The funding agreement indicates the dates when the forms are due, and email reminders are sent before each form is due.
  • Annual progress is reported through interim activity reports during the project and a final activity report 60 days after the project end date.

Additional information

  • Service standards include acknowledging receipt of expressions of interest and applications, communicating funding decisions, and issuing payments within specific timelines.
  • The Centre of Expertise provides centralized access to funded research and standards related to the program's priority areas.
  • Performance results of service standards are publicly reported by fiscal year.
  • Acknowledging financial support from Accessibility Standards Canada is required for funded projects.

Contacts

Frequently Asked Questions about the Advancing Accessibility Standards Research Program

What is the Advancing Accessibility Standards Research?

The Advancing Accessibility Standards Research program provides funding to Canadian organizations for research projects that support the development of next-generation accessibility standards within federal jurisdiction. Eligible activities focus on identifying, removing, and preventing barriers to accessibility in areas such as the built environment, communications, service delivery, employment, and transportation; the maximum funding amount is not specified.

How much funding can be received?

Advancing Accessibility Standards Research Funds up to $250,000 of admissible expenses.

Who is eligible for the Advancing Accessibility Standards Research program?

To be eligible for the Advancing Accessibility Standards Research program, you must: Applicant must be a legal entity in Canada. Eligible types: research or educational institution, not-for-profit organization, Indigenous organization, or provincial/territorial organization (excluding governments).

What expenses are eligible under Advancing Accessibility Standards Research?

Research projects that inform the development of next-generation accessibility standards within federal areas of responsibility. Initiatives that identify, remove, and prevent barriers to accessibility. Projects involving the development, sharing, or dissemination of best practices, tools, and information related to accessibility barriers and standards. Research supporting core priority areas such as built environment, communication, employment, program and service delivery, information and communication technologies, procurement, and transportation. Initiatives targeting annually identified priority areas, such as accessibility in northern communities, election processes, and retrofitting of existing facilities.

Who can I contact for more information about the Advancing Accessibility Standards Research?

You can contact Accessibility Standards Canada (ASC) by email at Recherche.NAC-Research.ASC@asc-nac.gc.ca or by phone at 1-833-854-7628.

Where is the Advancing Accessibility Standards Research available?

The Advancing Accessibility Standards Research program is available across Canada.

Is the Advancing Accessibility Standards Research a grant, loan, or tax credit?

Advancing Accessibility Standards Research is a Grant and Funding