Vaughan, Ontario, July 22nd, 2011 — Today the Hon. Julian Fantino, Associate Minister of National Defence and Member of Parliament for Vaughan, on behalf of the Hon. Diane Finley, Minister of Human Resources and Skills Development, announced that the Enabling Accessibility Fund 2011 has launched calls for proposals for small projects. The Enabling Accessibility Fund supports community-based projects across Canada that improve accessibility and enable all Canadians, regardless of physical ability, to participate in and contribute to their communities and the economy.

“Our government continues to provide important resources that help ensure all residents can enjoy the freedom Vaughan has to offer in their day-to-day activities,” said Minister Fantino. “I encourage businesses and residents of Vaughan to look into this initiative as a way to further improve the quality of life in our community.”

The Government of Canada built on the success of this program for people with disabilities delivered from 2008 to 2010, by providing an additional $45 million over the next three years, starting in 2010.

“We have seen in Vaughan a lot of progress in the area of improving accessibility and generally forward thinking planning,” said Bob Santos CEO of Link Up and a member of the Accessibility Committee of Vaughan. “This initiative already complements what Vaughan has started and will benefit our community.”

A call for proposals under the small project component of the Enabling Accessibility Fund will open today and will close on September 23, 2011. Organizations can receive up to $50,000 per project. To find out how to apply for funding or for more information about the fund, visit http://www.hrsdc.gc.ca/eng/disability_issues/eaf/cfp/index.shtml or call 1-866-268-2502.