Toronto – The Ontario government is creating a stronger, more accessible and inclusive province by investing $618,000 through its EnAbling Change Program for six regional projects in Central Ontario. These projects will promote accessibility and inclusivity with educational tools, resources and initiatives that make Ontario more open to people of all abilities.
“Our government is helping residents in Central Ontario create communities where everyone can participate more fully in everyday life,” said Raymond Cho, Minister for Seniors and Accessibility. “We are proud to invest in these local projects that will drive awareness about the value and benefits of accessibility, and provide more opportunity for people of all abilities to participate in their community and economy.”
Ontario is providing funding for these local projects:
- Canada’s National Ballet School is receiving up to $112,610 for its Inclusive Movement for Kids project. This project will help deliver integrated dance programs for children across Ontario so they can experience and enjoy dance.
- Canadian Blind Hockey is receiving up to $25,000 for its “Hockey is For Everyone: Creating Accessible Coaching Resources for Hockey Players who are Blind or Partially Sighted” project, which will include a manual and web-based training videos for coaches.
- Miles Nadal Jewish Community Centre is receiving up to $82,000 to expand its “Fun Intensive” program, an online arts-based social networking and educational program for young adults with disabilities.
- Ontario Chamber of Commerce is receiving up to $129,000 for its “Accessibility Through Storytelling” project and will highlight inclusive hiring processes and inclusive businesses and services across Ontario.
- Retail Council of Canada is receiving up to $119,950 to develop its “EnAbling Change for Retailers – Accessibility Through A Changing Retail Landscape,” a project to help retailers prevent and remove barriers to accessibility and inclusion for customers and workers.
- Ryerson University is receiving up to $150,000 to deliver a design for work integrated learning (WIL) at postsecondary institutions that improves the employment opportunities for students with disabilities. WIL is a type of experiential education that allows students to apply their academic studies in a workplace or practice setting.