Access Support Fund
Access Support is a contribution towards expenses associated with Deaf and disability-related supports and services required by the applicant, artistic team and any invited participants to carry out the funded activities laid out in an associated funding application.
Access Support responds to the financial disadvantages that many Deaf or disabled artists routinely experience in creating, producing and disseminating art. Funds are available as a supplement to an awarded grant and provided to recipients who identify specific disability-related supports that are needed to carry out their proposed activities.
Offered by Canada Council for the Arts
Amount
No fixed amount
Quick eligibility check
Who can apply
Access support must be linked directly to the project activities; it does not fund daily living expenses.
Please note that the associated funding application must be successful for the Access Support request to be assessed.
Access Support funds individual applicants who self-identify as Deaf, having disabilities or living with mental illness, as well as groups and organizations that dedicate the majority of their resources to supporting these communities.
Access support is only available for grant applications and funding awards. Access Support is not available for prize nominations; however, it is available for prize funding awards.
About the funding
Funds are available as a supplement to an awarded grant and provided to recipients who identify specific disability-related supports that are needed to carry out their proposed activities. The supplement may not cover all these costs but may be a contribution towards these types of expenses.
The amount of the Access Support is determined by Canada Council staff
This supplementary grant provides a contribution to offset costs for specific services and supports required to carry out a project funded through a Canada Council program.
- There is no limit to the number of times you can apply.
Show all funding details
- The amount you request is based on your access-related costs.
Eligible expenses include, but are not limited to:
- Sign language interpretation required by the applicant, artistic team and invited participants—up to $75 to $100 per hour or $500 to $750 per day. Use the Budget Notes to provide the hourly rate multiplied by the number of hours or the daily rate multiplied by the number of days and by the number of sign language interpreters
- Disability-related service provider (personal care attendant, sighted guide or visual assistance, or other disability-related support)—up to $25 to $35 per hour or $120 to 250 per day. Use the Budget Notes to provide the hourly rate multiplied by the number of hours or the daily rate multiplied by the number of days. Provide a breakdown for each service provider
- Travel expenses for sign language interpreters and disability service providers to travel with the applicant. The travel distance must be at least 50 km outside the applicant’s local area
- Note taking, writing and editing for personal access and support—up to $40 to $60 per hour. Use the Budget Notes to provide the hourly rate multiplied by the number of hours
- Personal project coordinator or assistant, or administrative support—up to $25 to $35 per hour. Use the Budget Notes to provide the hourly rate multiplied by the number of hours
- Converting material into accessible formats for personal access and support. Use the Budget Notes to provide a cost breakdown
- The rental of specialized equipment or subscription to services needed for personal access or support (video chatting subscriptions, text-to-speech software, note-taking software, etc.). Use the Budget Notes to provide a cost breakdown (rental rates and time period)
Similar programs
| Program | Type | Amount | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Circulation and Touring of Arts Abroad | Grant | Up to $200,000 per application (a maximum of 50% of total eligible costs) | Open |
| Engage and Sustain: Artistic Catalysts | Grant | Up to 50% of your total annual revenues, averaged over the last 3 years | Open |
| Engage and Sustain: Artistic Institutions | Grant | Up to 25% of your total annual revenues, averaged over the last 3 years | Open |
