Local Community Accessibility Grant Program
With funding provided through the Province, SPARC BC has launched the Local Community Accessibility Grant Program. This program is designed to support persons with disabilities by funding the removal of barriers identified by local governments Accessibility Committees, feedback mechanisms or Accessibility Plans.
All municipalities and regional districts in British Columbia can apply. Each municipality or regional districts is eligible to submit one application, regardless of collaboration with other districts.
Funding provided through this initiative is designed to remove barriers across a number of program areas:
The Built Environment
This could include projects designed to improve the overall physical accessibility of existing spaces and places to better meet the needs of the community.
Education and Awareness
This could include using information and education as a tool to build a deeper awareness and understanding of the disability needs in your community.
Policy and Programs
This could include developing local policies, bylaws, guidelines, or other materials designed to promote and support greater accessibility and inclusion across different policies and program areas.
Modelling Inclusive Practices
This could include reviewing current practices and programs to explore ways to identify and remove potential barriers to participation for people with disabilities.
Communication and Engagement
This could include exploring ways to strengthen current communication and engagement practices to meet a broader range of needs and to promote and support a deeper sense of belonging, inclusion and connection.
The Use of Technology
This could include exploring use of assistive devices and technology to support more active participation and engagement of persons with disabilities (economic, social, cultural, recreational and political).
The Built Environment
This could include projects designed to improve the overall physical accessibility of existing spaces and places to better meet the needs of the community.
Education and Awareness
This could include using information and education as a tool to build a deeper awareness and understanding of the disability needs in your community.
Policy and Programs
This could include developing local policies, bylaws, guidelines, or other materials designed to promote and support greater accessibility and inclusion across different policies and program areas.
Modelling Inclusive Practices
This could include reviewing current practices and programs to explore ways to identify and remove potential barriers to participation for people with disabilities.
Communication and Engagement
This could include exploring ways to strengthen current communication and engagement practices to meet a broader range of needs and to promote and support a deeper sense of belonging, inclusion and connection.
The Use of Technology
This could include exploring use of assistive devices and technology to support more active participation and engagement of persons with disabilities (economic, social, cultural, recreational and political).
Apply For Local Community Accessibility Grant Program
This initiative provides one-time funding for local governments, of up to $25,000, to remove barriers for persons with disabilities by implementing one of the initiatives identified in their accessibility plan, or by their accessibility committee or feedback mechanism.
Funding supports community-based action including demonstration projects, partnerships, research and other collaborative efforts.
We are accepting applications from June 5th 2023.
If your organization would like to be considered for a Local Community Accessibility Grant, please download the Program Overview and Application Form. For more information about compliance with the Accessible B.C. Act, please download the Accessible BC Requirements below.
If you have any questions, please contact: accessibility@sparc.bc.ca