Ontario funds to improve accessibility in business and historical sites

Community Action, June 14, 2004

TORONTO -- Three new projects were created to improve accessibility for people with disabilities.

Ontario's Ministry of Citizenship and Immigration announced $505,055 to fund projects under the EnAbling Change Program which will fund the following projects for the next three years:

* The Canadian Standards Association--a project to develop resources to assist organizations and businesses to improve customer service for people with disabilities, $315,000;

* The Design Exchange--a project to develop a Universal Design Professional Development Series, consisting of workshops, online resources, etc., to educate Ontario's professional designers, including architects, interior designers and planners to incorporate designs that improve accessibility, $114,100; and,

* The Ontario Historical Society--a project to promote leadership within Ontario's heritage, culture and tourism sector to identify, prevent and remove barriers for people with disabilities, $75,948.

416-314-7386