To mark B.C.’s first AccessAbility Week, the Government of British Columbia is announcing funding to support projects that will improve accessibility throughout the province.

“People with disabilities often face both physical and social barriers in their day-to-day life, and that needs to change,” said Shane Simpson, Minister of Social Development and Poverty Reduction. “The $500,000 we are announcing today is one way our government is supporting organizations to advance their work, reduce barriers and increase accessibility throughout the province.”

The funding will be distributed through a series of grants administered by Disability Alliance BC (DABC). A call for proposals will be issued later in the summer 2018, and the grants will be dispersed by the end of the year.

“There is a lot of great work happening throughout B.C. to enhance accessibility and inclusion,” said Sam Turcott, DABC’s advocacy access program director. “This funding recognizes these efforts, and will help organizations to move forward on projects and initiatives that will help people with disabilities participate more fully in their communities.”

The Province proclaimed May 27 to June 2, 2018, as B.C.’s first AccessAbility Week, to promote inclusion and accessibility, and to recognize the people and organizations who are working to make B.C. a more inclusive and welcoming province for people with disabilities.

Quick Facts:

• More than 500,000 people in B.C. over the age of 15 years identify as having a disability.
• For organizations interested in applying for funding, details on the call for proposals will be available on the Disability Alliance BC website in the coming weeks.

Learn More:

B.C. government accessibility initiatives: www.gov.bc.ca/accessibility

Disability Alliance BC: www.disabilityalliancebc.org