Province backs national youth accessibility summit with $400K for Rick Hansen event

What’s happening

• Ontario is providing $400,000 to the Rick Hansen Foundation to help deliver a national Youth Leadership Summit in 2027.
• The two-day summit will be held in Ontario and will bring together about 40 youth leaders from across Canada, ages 12–19.

Who this affects

• Young people interested in accessibility and inclusion, community organizations that run local accessibility projects, and disability advocates.

By the numbers

• $400,000 in provincial funding
• About 40 youth participants, ages 12–19
• Two-day summit tied to the 40th anniversary of the Man In Motion World Tour

Why it matters

• The summit offers leadership training, workshops, and peer collaboration aimed at developing youth-led accessibility initiatives and reducing barriers in communities.
• The funding is part of the province’s broader accessibility work, alongside programs such as the Enhancing Access to Spaces for Everyone (EASE) Grants.