Quick Question:
Media
Engaging youth leaders to encourage organizations to apply for funding under the Youth Innovation Component of the Enabling Accessibility Fund
From: Employment and Social Development Canada
Application period
The application period to enroll as a Youth Accessibility Leader is from May 29 to October 31, 2019 at 2:00 p.m. Eastern time.
Youth Innovation Component overview
We are looking for young Canadians to help build an accessible Canada
The Enabling Accessibility Fund (EAF) is looking for dynamic youths who want to demonstrate leadership and their commitment to their communities by volunteering their time to build a more accessible Canada.
If you are:
between 15 and 30 years of age
determined to make a difference in your community, and
you want to develop valuable skills and gain key experience…
…then we want you and what you have to offer! Apply to become an EAF Youth Accessibility Leader!
About the EAF Youth Innovation Component
The EAF Youth Innovation Component provides an opportunity for youths to have a direct impact in the lives of people with disabilities by addressing accessibility barriers in public spaces or workplaces within their community or surrounding communities. Through this work, youths create greater awareness about accessibility needs and encourage organizations to apply for EAF funding to address existing accessibility barriers and build a more inclusive and accessible Canada.
Role of the Youth Accessibility Leader
As a designated EAF Youth Accessibility Leader, you will be part of a growing community of youths from across the country that have:
Identified accessibility barriers in workplaces or public spaces
Approached organizations and made them aware of existing accessibility barriers
Encouraged organizations to apply for funding to address such barriers
Assisted an organization in developing and submitting a project proposal
Supported the management of an accessibility project valued at up to $10,000
Informed program improvements by providing their valued feedback
Participated in media and ministerial events; and
Made a difference in the lives of people with disabilities
How youths can benefit from being a Youth Accessibility Leader:
Increased awareness of accessibility barriers in their communities
Personal and community empowerment
Valuable presentation skills
Experience preparing or assisting in preparing project proposals
Networking opportunities
Access to an established Youth Alumni Network; and
Social responsibility and volunteer experience that impacts your community
Previously funded projects put forward by youth leaders include:
Mobile recording studio
Tandem bike for the visually impaired
Accessible cafeteria tables
FM hearing loops
Noise canceling headphones
Accessible play structures; and
Pool wheelchair
What you need to know before you apply
Read the information in this section to learn more about the process.
Apply to become a Youth Accessibility Leader by completing the online form. After you have applied, an automatic email will be sent to you to confirm receipt of your application. You will receive a decision on your application within 10 business days.
Once you have been accepted, a representative from the EAF program will send you a tool kit by email with all the information required to help you start your journey. The tool kit includes a confirmation letter, a fact sheet, as well as the application form and applicant guide.
With this information in hand, you will have a basic understanding of the EAF program and the eligibility criteria of the process and be equipped to go out into your community and identify accessibility barriers that limit the participation of people with disabilities in everyday life. You will seek an organization with existing accessibility barriers and encourage them to apply for funding through the EAF Youth Innovation Component.
You will help the interested organization to complete the application for funding.
Of note, as a Youth Accessibility Leader you can also choose to work as a team and have a few friends support you throughout the process.
The following organizations are eligible to apply for EAF Youth Innovation Component funding:
Not-for-profit organizations (including social enterprises)
Businesses (maximum 99 full-time equivalent employees)
Indigenous organizations (including band councils, tribal councils and self-government entities)
Municipal governments; and
Territorial governments
Apply:
Application period
The application period to submit your interest in becoming a Youth Accessibility Leader is from May 29 to October 31, 2019 at 2:00 p.m. Eastern time.
Contact us
If you or the organization applying for funding have questions send an email to EDSC.JEUNESSEFA-YOUTHEAF.ESDC-GD@hrsdc-rhdcc.gc.ca We will answer questions that are received by November 28, 2019 at 9:00 a.m. Eastern Time.
We look forward to hearing from you!