Application Process In Place To Improve Accessibility

April 11, 2008

TOBIQUE-MACTAQUAC – Mike Allen, Member of Parliament for Tobique-Mactaquac, is pleased that the first Call for Proposals for the Enabling Accessibility Fund is underway. This funding will help Canadians, regardless of their physical ability, participate in their communities.

“Those of us able to get around without any problems often take for granted something as simple as attending a community supper or jamboree,” Mr. Allen said. “This fund will tremendously help people with disabilities take part in activities at community centres and other spots in they wish to visit.”

Announced in Budget 2007, The Enabling Accessibility Fund will invest up to $45 million over three years to help contribute to the cost of community-based projects across Canada that will improve accessibility.

This year, the fund will provide funding of $6.25 million for small projects up to $50,000 and will accept applications for major projects between $1 million and $15 million.

Approved projects will have strong ties to, and support from, the communities they serve and will be able to demonstrate improvements in accessibility for people with disabilities.

Applications for two types of projects are eligible.

Funding for major projects could go towards new construction or the expansion of abilities centres that offer programs for individuals with varying physical abilities.

Funding for smaller projects could go towards the addition of interior or exterior ramps, or the installation of wider doors and automatic door openers, modifications to vehicles or other improvements that make the physical environment more accessible. All projects must be accessible to the public.

The first Call for Proposals for the Enabling Accessibility Fund opened on April 1, 2008 and will close April 30, 2008.

“I encourage all eligible organizations to apply as soon as possible,” Mr. Allen. “I would love to be able to announce funding of this nature in Tobique-Mactaquac in order to help those with disabilities and the organizations that provide the programs they enjoy.”

Non-governmental organizations such as community-based groups and non-profit organizations; public-sector organizations such as small municipalities with a population under 250,000 as per the latest census data; small private-sector organizations with fewer than 50 employees and under $5 million in gross revenue per year; provincial and territorial governments; and Aboriginal governments and organizations may comprise the eligible class of recipients.

For more information and to get an application, go to: www.hrsdc-rhdsc.gc.ca/disability .