Enabling Accessibility Fund – Youth Innovation Component

Who is eligible?

• Not-for-profit organizations, including community, charitable, and voluntary organizations
• Public education institutions, such as school boards, public universities, and colleges
• Small businesses with 99 full-time equivalent employees or less
• Private education institutions operating for profit
• Indigenous organizations
• Municipalities
• Territorial governments

Who is not eligible

• Federal and provincial government bodies.
• Public health care facilities and public hospitals, including projects located on their property.

Eligible expenses

• Installation of automatic door openers
• Purchase of equipment such as tandem bikes for persons with visual disabilities, para-hockey sledges, all-terrain beach wheelchairs, pool wheelchairs, and noise-cancelling headphones
• Construction of accessible features, including garden beds and accessible pathways
• Implementation of accessibility technologies such as FM hearing loop systems, audio-visual fire alarm systems, and braille keyboards
• Acquisition and installation of assistive technology software, including speech recognition software
• Purchase of accessibility materials such as Mobi-mats for increased access in outdoor spaces
• Costs for modifying websites to enhance accessibility for persons with disabilities

Eligible geographic areas

• Organizations located in Canada, including all provinces and territories (Atlantic Region, Quebec Region, Ontario Region, Western Canada and Territories Region).

• Clarity in identifying barriers to accessibility and/or safety for persons with disabilities in a community space or workplace.
• Effectiveness of the project in addressing the accessibility and safety needs of persons with disabilities.
• Potential of the project to increase opportunities for persons with disabilities to participate in and contribute to community and/or workplace environments.
• Description of the programs, services, or employment opportunities that persons with disabilities will access as a result of the project.

• Step 1: Submit Expression of Interest as a Youth Accessibility Leader
  • Complete the online form to apply as a Youth Accessibility Leader (YAL) between May 30, 2025, and October 6, 2025, at 3:00 pm EDT.
  • After submission, await an email notification regarding your eligibility status.
• Step 2: Receive and Review the YAL Tool Kit
  • If deemed eligible, you'll receive a tool kit via email with detailed information about the EAF program and application process.
  • Review the youth guide, the applicant guide (for organizations), and instructions for accessing the application system (GCOS).
• Step 3: Identify Accessibility Barriers and Engage Organizations
  • Assess your community or workplace to identify existing accessibility barriers for persons with disabilities.
  • Contact organizations that have identified accessibility needs.
  • Encourage these organizations to partner with you and consider applying for EAF funding.
• Step 4: Assist Organization with Project Proposal Preparation
  • Support the organization in preparing a clear project proposal addressing accessibility barriers and anticipated outcomes.
• Step 5: Organization Submits Grant Application
  • Help your partnered organization access the Grants and Contributions Online Services (GCOS) system using instructions from the tool kit.
  • The organization must submit their application for funding by November 3, 2025, at 3:00 pm EST, referencing the involvement of a designated YAL.
• Step 6: Confirmation and Follow-up
  • Once the application is submitted, the organization should receive confirmation of receipt.
  • Monitor communication channels for updates or requests for further information from Employment and Social Development Canada.

• Information sessions for both youth and organizations will be held virtually on specific dates in English and French.
• Requests for accommodation during information sessions, such as sign language interpreters or CART, must be made at least 10 business days prior to the event.
• Youth may participate individually or as part of a team, with the support of friends and family.
• Applicants are encouraged to watch instructional videos that provide an overview of the application process before attending an information session.