According to a Jan. 10 news release, “[e]igible Manitoba organizations” can now apply for up to $50,000 in funding to develop projects aimed at reducing barriers faced by those with disabilities.
The projects “must target accessibility standards under the Accessibility for Manitobans Act to improve customer service, employment or information and communication.”
Projects must also meet one of these objectives:
- Raise awareness around the prevention and removal of barriers.
- Develop “tools, resources and training to support compliance with legislated standards.”
- Remove barriers to obtaining information and communications in electronic, print and in-person formats.
The release notes that the Manitoba Accessibility Fund has now given more than $2.4 million to support 109 accessibility projects across the province.
Families Minister Nahanni Fontaine said the province “is committed to making our province more accessible” for its residents.
“The Manitoba Accessibility Fund supports organizations who share this commitment by supporting projects that help reduce barriers and make communities better for everyone,” said Fontaine in a statement.
Eligible organizations can include non-profits, registered charities and “on-reserve entities and municipalities based in Manitoba.” They can apply to have up to 100 per cent of a project covered by the funding – up to the $50,000 maximum.
According to a separate information page, the Manitoba Accessibility Fund was launched in 2021 with an initial $20 million investment. It is managed by The Winnipeg Foundation, an organization that, according to its Facebook page, is “committed to connecting donors to causes they care about and meeting the needs of the community.”
According to Statistics Canada, the prevalence of disability in Manitoba sat at 29.2 per cent in 2022 – an increase of 4.4 per cent from 2017.
In 2022, 27 per cent of Canadians 15 and older reported having at least one disability – an increase of 4.7 per cent from 2017.
Disabilities related to mental health, pain and vision contributed most to Canada’s rising disability rate.
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