The Honourable Brian Warr, Minister Responsible for the Status of Persons with Disabilities, joined Matt Debicki, President of Able Sail Newfoundland and Labrador, and Hayley Redmond, an athlete in the sailing program at Quidi Vidi Lake, to announce that applications for the Inclusion Grants Funding Program are now open.
Through Children, Seniors and Social Development’s Disability Policy Office, the Inclusion Grants Funding Program provides eligible community-based and non-profit organizations funding to help them create more accessible and inclusive facilities and events.
One group that has received this funding is Able Sail Newfoundland and Labrador, a sport-based non-profit that is providing and developing inclusive sailing programs for any member of the public that otherwise would see sailing as an impossibility due to social or physical barriers.
Initiatives under the Inclusion Grants Funding Program have included installation of ramps, automatic doors or visual alarms, as well as sign language interpretation or captioning.
Budget 2020 included $75,000 for the Inclusion Grants Funding Program. Since the program began, the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador has helped 77 organizations improve accessibility and inclusion. Funding for the Inclusion Grant will remain open until expended.
More information on the Inclusion Grants Funding Program, is available online or by calling toll-free 1-888-729-6279, or texting 709-725-4463. Video Relay Service is welcome and information and applications are available in alternate formats.
Quotes
“The Inclusion Grant is one of our government’s initiatives that helps to remove and prevent barriers to community participation. Through organizations such as Able Sail Newfoundland and Labrador, we are collectively helping individuals and athletes have new freedoms and opportunities in activities that are more accessible. I encourage community and non-profit organizations to learn about the Inclusion Grant and submit an application today.”
Honourable Brian Warr
Minister Responsible for the Status of Persons with Disabilities
“Through support of community groups such as the Royal Newfoundland Yacht Club, the Royal St. John’s Regatta Able Sail and support from the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador, we remove disability-related barriers and deliver positive experiences to many in the sport of sailing.”
Matt Debicki
President of Able Sail Newfoundland and Labrador
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Learn more
Inclusion Grants Funding Program
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Media contacts
Michelle Hunt-Grouchy
Children, Seniors and Social Development
709-729-5148, 682-6593
michellehuntgrouchy@gov.nl.ca
Matt Debicki
Able Sail Newfoundland and Labrador
709-770-4656
nlasailing@gmail.com