The EnAbling Change partnership program builds strategic partnerships with business, broader public sector and non-profit organizations to promote accessibility for people with disabilities.

The government is investing almost $300,000 in seven partnerships that will help promote strategies to break down barriers for people with disabilities.

Reaching out to the Chinese retail and restaurant sectors
Lead Partner: Ontario Chinese Restaurant and Food Services Association
Funding: $75,000
Outreach and education campaign directed to small and medium sized businesses in the Chinese retail and restaurant sector to promote the benefits of increased accessibility.

Reaching Main Street Ontario
Lead Partner: Toronto Association of Business Improvement Areas and the Ontario Association of Business Improvement Areas
Funding: $50,000
Engaging small businesses in improving accessibility. The project focuses on information and resource sharing, including a competition to recognize some of the leaders in accessibility across the province.

Accessibility Awards for Business
Lead Partner: Ontario Chamber of Commerce
Funding: $10,000
A new award to recognize business leaders locally and province-wide who are a catalyst for change.

Regional Forums on Accessibility in the Voluntary Sector
Lead Partner: Ontario Community Support Association
Funding: $63,000
Delivering five forums on “Building Momentum for an Accessible Ontario,” that will provide information about the legislative requirements of the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, share ideas and discuss best practices.

Participation and Portrayal in the Media Industry
Lead Partner: Innoversity
Funding: $60,000
Engaging the media industry to promote positive portrayal and participation of people with disabilities in the film and television industry.

Teaching northern and rural Ontario small and medium enterprises about the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act
Lead Partner: Social and Enterprise Development Innovations
Funding: $25,775
Developing and piloting an online e-learning program to increase understanding of the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act and promoting sector-readiness to small and medium enterprises in northern and rural Ontario.

Employment Handbook for Front-line Managers
Lead Partner: Link-Up Employment Services
Funding: $7,500
Developing a practical, easy-to-use handbook to enable front-line managers to identify, prevent and remove barriers in their hiring and employment practices for people with disabilities.