“Our government is helping residents in Southwestern Ontario create an Ontario where everyone can participate more fully in everyday life – in their local communities and the economy,” said Raymond Cho, Minister for Seniors and Accessibility. “We are proud to invest in these local projects that will provide education and resources to reduce barriers in our postsecondary institutions.”
These projects will help people with disabilities, seniors and other marginalized communities during and beyond COVID-19, making Ontario more accessible to people of all abilities.
“The University of Waterloo has always been known for excellence in innovation, and I’m very pleased the Ontario Government is supporting projects that will inform future design strategy and teaching tools for better, more accessible, and inclusive spaces,” said Mike Harris, Member of Provincial Parliament for Kitchener-Conestoga. “As our understanding of accessibility needs grows, so should our response to addressing those needs, and this funding will ensure that design standards evolve to support our changing communities.”
Ontario is providing funding for these local projects:
- Let’s Talk Science is receiving up to $150,000 to develop and deliver a free accessible training program for educators to engage youth with disabilities in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) learning.
- University of Waterloo is receiving up to $112,461 for its project to better integrate universal design standards into student learning at Canadian University Schools of Architecture.
- University of Waterloo is also receiving up to $112,500 to produce a resource to help the postsecondary sector address accessibility needs in building design.
- University of Windsor is receiving up to $25,274 for its “Breaking Down Barriers: ADHD & Neurodiversity in PSE” project. Working in partnership with the Learning Disability Association of Windsor and Essex County, the University of Windsor will develop a four-step information campaign to de-stigmatize Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) in the postsecondary (PSE) community.