Ontario Supports Canadian Abilities Foundation to Build an Accessible Northumberland
May 5, 2025
Youth Diversity and Accessibility Leadership Course and Conference is part of Ontario’s EnAbling Change Program
Cobourg, ON – Last Thursday, Canadian Abilities Foundation ran a Youth Diversity and Accessibility Leadership Course and Conference. This project received $87,566 as part of the provinces $1.5 million in 19 innovative initiatives that will help make the province accessible to people of all abilities.
“It is crucial to empower young people to drive change in order to create inclusive communities,” said David Piccini, MPP for Northumberland-Peterborough South. “The EnAbling Change Youth Leadership Conference provided local students with the resources necessary to advocate for accessibility and create a significant impact. Our government is proud to support this initiative, ensuring that youth throughout Northumberland have the chance to develop and inspire growth in their communities.”
The projects are supported through the 2024-25 EnAbling Change Program, which accepted applications last year. All the accepted 19 projects will increase accessibility in their communities and help develop accessibility leaders that can promote inclusion across Ontario.
“This funding represents a vital step toward ensuring that every Ontarian can fully participate in our communities,” said Raymond Cho, Minister for Seniors and Accessibility. “These projects will break down barriers, create more inclusive spaces and open up new opportunities for all.”
From participating in a four-part online workshop and a one-day live event, more than 175 local participants were empowered to grow as confident, compassionate educators and advocates.
The Canadian Abilities Foundation’s conference showcased speakers specializing in accessibility and leadership who encouraged young Ontarians to promote equity, effective communication and inclusion strategies within their communities.
“The aim of our first Youth Diversity and Accessibility Leadership Course and Conference held at the Cobourg YMCA was to provide youth in Northumberland with an understanding of Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA) and the essential leadership skills to make a difference”, says Jay Rosenfeld, Chair of the Board of the Canadian Abilities Foundation. “Our first event was a huge success. To support of AODA and the Enabling Change Program, we hope to host events in other parts of the province over the coming year in order to educate and empower more students”
The EnAbling Change Program supports not-for-profits, municipalities and other organizations across the province with tailored projects that make enduring and systemic improvements in the lives of people with disabilities. Eligible projects can include those that increase the accessibility of community programs and services, as well as online initiatives, educational tools and public outreach programs that help communities and businesses understand and incorporate the benefits of accessibility and inclusion into their practices.
A full list of this year’s recipients can be found here.
The Ministry for Seniors and Accessibility’s Age-friendly and accessibility grants web page has information on the EnAbling Change program and other grant opportunities.
QUICK FACTS
- The EnAbling Change Program started in 1999 and has supported more than 265 projects across Ontario. It provides funding to municipalities, not-for-profit, industry and professional associations across a range of sectors.
- The Canadian Abilities Foundation is a registered charity based in Cobourg Ontario.
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES
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