How to apply
The application period to submit your interest in becoming a Youth Accessibility Leader (YAL) is from May 30, 2025, and to October 6, 2025, at 3:00 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time (EDT).
Organizations that have partnered with a designated YAL will have until November 3, 2025, at 3:00 p.m. Eastern Standard Time (EST) to submit an application for funding. Organizations interested in applying for funding will obtain information on how to apply from their designated YAL.
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As a YAL, you can either work alone or work as a team and have friends and family support you throughout the process.
Read this section to learn more about the process:
- this part of the application process is for youth only. Apply to become a YAL by completing the online form. After you have applied, you will receive an email notifying you about your eligibility
- if you are eligible, we will send you a tool kit by email with all the information required to help you start your journey. It will provide you with an overview of the EAF program and the eligibility criteria of the process. The tool kit includes the:
- youth guide
- applicant guide to be shared with the organization that will apply for the EAF Youth Innovation Component, and
- information on how the applying organization can gain access to the online application in the Grants and Contributions Online Services (GCOS) system
You are now ready to think about your community or workplace and identify accessibility barriers that limit persons with disabilities from participating in everyday life. You will:
- talk to organizations with existing accessibility barriers
- encourage them to apply for funding through the EAF Youth Innovation Component
- help interested organizations request up to $12,000 from Employment and Social Development Canada for accessibility projects up to 12 months in duration