$7.78 million investment will help boost participation of Canadians with disabilities in the digital economy
OTTAWA, Sept. 4, 2019 /CNW/ - Canadians with disabilities deserve the same opportunities to find good jobs, contribute to their communities, and build a better life for themselves and their families. Yet many Canadians with disabilities still face barriers to full participation in the digital economy.
Today, the Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development, announced that 12 new projects from across the country will receive funding through the Accessible Technology Program. This is in addition to the three projects funded under the program that were announced earlier this year.
With these investments, recipient organizations will provide support for the development of assistive and adaptive digital devices and technologies to help make it easier for Canadians with disabilities to participate fully in the digital economy. The funding comes from the $22.3 million federal Accessible Technology Program.
For a complete list of all organizations, visit the Accessible Technology Program website.
Quotes
"As we work to build an innovation nation—one that is inclusive and works for everyone—our focus is squarely on our greatest asset: our people. The Accessible Technology Program is helping to empower Canadians with disabilities. By working with great organizations across the country, we are setting the bar higher and leading the way on increasing accessibility and our awareness of its importance."
– The Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development
Quick facts
- The Accessible Technology Program is part of the Government of Canada's Innovation and Skills Plan, a multi-year strategy to create well-paying jobs for the middle class.
- Bill C-81, the Accessible Canada Act, was tabled in Parliament on June 20, 2018. It received Royal Assent on June 21, 2019, and came into force on July 11, 2019.
- The most recent call for proposals from for-profit organizations, not-for-profit organizations and research institutes for Accessible Technology Program funding closed on June 2.
- In total, 15 projects from across Canada, including the 12 projects announced today, have received investments from the Accessible Technology Program.
Organizations receiving funding:
- Assistyv Inc.
- Technologies HumanWare
- Reality Controls Inc.
- Ryerson University
- Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital (2 projects)
- Université du Québec à Trois-Rivières
- Issist Assistive Technologies
- OCAD University
- Speech Mobility Inc.
- University of Ottawa
- Tetra Society of North America
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SOURCE Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada
For further information: Media Relations, Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada, 343-291-1777, [email protected]
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