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Applications now open for the 2024-25 EnAbling Change Program

The Ontario government is investing up to $1.5 million in the EnAbling Change Program this year to support not-for-profits, municipalities, and other organizations across the province that are developing and implementing innovative initiatives to make Ontario accessible to people of all abilities.

“By working together with businesses, organizations and communities, we can build a stronger and more accessible Ontario,” said Raymond Cho, Minister for Seniors and Accessibility. “The EnAbling Change Program allows organizations to develop tailored supports to ensure Ontario is open and inclusive to everyone.”

Applications for the 2024-25 EnAbling Change Program are open now until June 27, 2024. Eligible projects can include those that increase the accessibility of community programs and services, as well as online initiatives, educational tools, and public outreach programs that help communities and businesses understand the benefits of accessibility and inclusion.

Examples of projects currently funded through the 2023-24 program include:

• BioTalent Canada is receiving approximately $150,000 to promote equitable employment opportunities for people with disabilities.
• The Geneva Centre for Autism is receiving approximately $112,500 to create The Inclusive Education Resource Hub to support better outcomes and experiences for neurodiverse students in publicly funded education.
• The Canadian Apprenticeship Forum is receiving approximately $100,000 to develop a guide for employers on recruiting and retaining apprentices with disabilities in the skilled trades.
• Toronto Metropolitan University is receiving approximately $150,000 to develop, pilot and disseminate a curriculum called The Enabling Accessible Healthcare Delivery project, which aims to foster accessible and sensitive health care for disabled people.

The Ministry for Seniors and Accessibility’s Age-friendly and accessibility grants web page has information on how to apply for the 2024-25 EnAbling Change Program.

Quick Facts

• The EnAbling Change Program started in 1999 and has supported more than 230 projects across Ontario. It provides funding to municipalities, not-for-profit, industry and professional associations across a range of sectors.

Additional Resources

• 2023-24 EnAbling Change Program Recipients
• Learn about ways that inclusion improves business.
• Find out how you can make your organization more accessible and inclusive.

Are you ready to make a difference in combating the stigma of homelessness? Ontario’s Ministry of Colleges and Universities, in collaboration with Dr. Carrie Anne Marshall from Western University, is launching an exciting initiative called the “At Least Five Ways” campaign. This campaign aims to engage youth and young adults across Ontario in generating ideas to reduce the stigma associated with homelessness.

What’s the Campaign About?

Funded by the Ministry of Ontario Colleges and Universities, this initiative focuses on raising awareness and fostering discussions about homelessness in Canada. Dr. Carrie Anne Marshall’s research project at Western University, called the “Peer to Community (P2C)” model, is at the heart of this campaign. The P2C model aims to help individuals integrate into their communities after experiencing homelessness.

The “At Least Five Ways” Campaign: How Does It Work?

Every May, youth and young adults aged 16-30 in Ontario are invited to submit videos of 2-5 minutes in length. These videos should propose “At Least Five Ways” to reduce the stigma of homelessness in Canadian communities. Submissions can be made by individuals or teams.

Participating in the Campaign: What You Need to Know

• Eligibility: Youth and young adults aged 16-30 residing in Ontario are eligible to submit videos. Both individuals and teams can participate.
• Video Content: To protect privacy, only animated videos are accepted. Videos should not contain personal information that could compromise individuals’ safety.
• Submission Deadline: Videos must be submitted by May 31st, 2024.
• Video Creation Tools: Several free programs are available for creating animated videos, including Canva, Adobe Express, Powtoon, Moovly, and Renderforest.

Recognition and Awards

The winning video will be featured on the P2C website and social media pages. The individual or team behind the winning video will receive a $200 award and a certificate recognizing their contribution to reducing homelessness stigma in our communities.

How to Submit Your Video

When your video is ready, use the following link to submit: Submit Your Video Here

Campaign Timeline

The submitted videos will be circulated on social media and the P2C website throughout June 2024.

Join the Movement!

Let’s work together to break the stigma of homelessness. Your creative ideas can make a real difference. Get your videos ready, submit them by May 31st, and let’s spread awareness and compassion throughout our communities!

Learn More

Visit the campaign website to learn more: At Least Five Ways Campaign

For any questions, feel free to contact at: AtLeastFiveWays@peer2community.ca

Let’s make change happen!

We are thrilled to introduce you to two remarkable individuals who have recently joined the Centre for Research on Health Equity and Social Inclusion (CRHESI) family. As we continue our mission to address health equity and social inclusion issues in our community, their expertise and passion will undoubtedly strengthen our efforts toward positive change. Please see their short bios below for more information.

Eleanor Gebrou

I am a facilitator, community-researcher, and an educator with a formal background in psychology, local government and journalism— my skills include strategic planning, evaluation and administration. Outside of my work in non-profit and governance, I have been teaching in the BMT and Health Systems Management programs at Fanshawe College for 3+ years. I also moonlight as a singer/ songwriter, and I’ve been lucky enough to find ways to intersect my artistic endeavors with my work in the impact sector a few times over. With 10+ years of leadership and project management experience, and a history of diverse scholastic success— I am uniquely poised to carry out complex public-facing projects. I am excited to contribute to the impactful work at CRHESI and leverage my skills to make a positive difference in the lives of Londoners experiencing homelessness.

Kelly Barnes

I am a Social Psychologist by training and a passionate advocate for evidence-based social change. I studied attitudes toward immigrants and their settlement outcomes under Dr. Victoria Esses at Western. I have volunteered with the London and Middlesex Local Immigration Partnership for over a decade, including several years as lead of the annual I am London campaign. Since completing my PhD in 2015, I have taught in the Psychology Department at Western and Kings, worked in Social Housing for the City of London, and spent several years as a policy researcher in the Ontario Poverty Reduction Strategy Office and Ministry of the Solicitor General. For the last four years, I led assessment efforts at an educational non-profit called The Carpentries that teaches researchers to code so they can do more efficient and reproducible research. I live in Old South with my husband, 2-year-old son, and our cat. In my free time I love to cook, paint, and play video and tabletop role playing games. I love London and am so honoured to be part of the Whole of Community Response to Homelessness that will so directly impact the lives of those facing homelessness and our whole community.

Join Us in Welcoming Eleanor and Kelly

As Research and Evaluation Managers, Eleanor and Kelly will spearhead our efforts within the Whole of Community System Response to Health & Homelessness (WCSRHH). With their combined expertise and enthusiasm, we are confident that they will play pivotal roles in advancing our mission of promoting health equity and social inclusion in our community.

We invite you to join us in extending a warm welcome to Kelly Barnes and Eleanor Gebrou as they embark on their journey with CRHESI. Together, with our collective dedication and expertise, we will continue to work toward creating a more inclusive and equitable society for all.

Stay tuned for updates on our ongoing initiatives and the impactful contributions of Eleanor and Kelly.

SDG Week Canada is swiftly approaching, running from March 4 to March 8, 2024. This initiative aims to bolster awareness and engagement with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) across university and college campuses. Western University is proud to host a diverse array of events within and around this week, catering to various interests and passions. Here’s a glimpse of what’s in store:

SDG Week Events:

1. How to Cope with Climate Anxiety (February 29, 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM)
   Join us for an insightful discussion on coping mechanisms for climate anxiety, providing strategies for managing feelings of overwhelm and fostering resilience in the face of environmental challenges.
2. meromictic exhibition (February 29 – March 14)
   Explore the captivating meromictic exhibition, running from February 29 to March 14, which delves into the unique ecological phenomenon of meromixis and its implications for environmental conservation.
3. Northern Tornadoes Project and Western Music (March 1, 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM)
   Immerse yourself in an evening of music and meteorology as the Northern Tornadoes Project teams up with Western Music to deliver a memorable performance intertwined with discussions about tornado research and resilience.
4. Community SDG Connections (March 5, 1:30 PM – 3:30 PM)
   Engage with members of the local community in meaningful conversations about the SDGs, exploring opportunities for collaboration and collective action towards achieving shared sustainability goals.
5. W’AT ABOWT US: Film Screening and Q&A Panel Discussion (March 6, 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM)
   Join us for a thought-provoking screening of “W’AT ABOWT US,” followed by a panel discussion featuring experts in Indigenous knowledge and environmental stewardship, as we explore Indigenous perspectives on sustainability and land stewardship.
6. Rooted Resilience: Eco-distress & Messy Hope Discussion (March 7, 1:00 PM – 2:00 PM)
   Participate in an intimate discussion about eco-distress, resilience, and finding hope in the face of environmental challenges, as we navigate the complexities of sustainability advocacy and personal well-being.
7. Increasing Awareness & Engagement of Sustainable Development Goals – Event time: Friday, March 8 at 1:30-4:00 pm, DSB 1002
   Join us for an interactive workshop aimed at equipping participants with the knowledge and skills to effectively raise awareness and drive engagement with the SDGs within their communities and networks. – online registration coming soon
8. Life Below Water: A Virtual Dive Into Our Oceans – Event time: Friday, March 8 at 6:30-9:30 pm, North Campus Building (NCB)
   Dive into the mesmerizing world beneath the waves with a virtual exploration of our oceans, featuring stunning imagery, expert insights, and discussions about marine conservation and sustainable ocean management.

Western invites you to shape the future of sustainability by participating in these enriching events. To view the full event schedule and register for individual sessions, please visit the Western University website: SDG Week Canada at Western University.

For any inquiries or assistance, feel free to reach out to Jessica Cordes | Engagement Coordinator | Office of Sustainability | Facilities Management | Email: jcordes3@uwo.ca