Support For Youth Accessibility Leaders Through Rick Hansen Foundation

Investment follows signing of historic agreement to strengthen accessibility across Canada

The Ontario government is investing $400,000 to support the Rick Hansen Foundation in delivering a national Youth Leadership Summit in 2027 that will empower young people to champion accessibility and inclusion in their communities. The funding follows Premier Doug Ford joining leaders from other provinces and territories today to sign a historic Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) committing to advancing accessibility and reducing physical barriers for Canadians with disabilities.

“For 40 years, Rick Hansen has been inspiring Canadians and people around the world to build a future without barriers,” said Premier Ford. “Our government is proud to support Rick’s mission with this investment to support the next generation of accessibility leaders.”

The Youth Leadership Summit will bring together more than 40 young leaders from across the country to Ontario to learn from accessibility advocates, collaborate with their peers and explore innovative approaches to removing barriers for people with disabilities. Each year, the summit equips new youth leaders with the tools to lead local accessibility initiatives and create lasting change for people of all abilities.

"Ontario is proud to support the next generation of accessibility leaders," said Raymond Cho, Minister for Seniors and Accessibility. "Today's investment will empower young people to become champions for accessibility, helping build a future where everyone can participate fully in community life. Through this initiative, youth will gain the leadership skills, knowledge and confidence to remove barriers and create lasting change across Ontario and Canada."

Ontario’s investment builds on the province’s ongoing work to improve accessibility, including through annual Enhancing Access to Spaces for Everyone (EASE) Grants, which support projects that make community spaces more accessible while promoting active, healthy lifestyles for people with disabilities.

"This Youth Leadership Summit is an investment in the leaders who will shape a more accessible future," said Rick Hansen, Founder of the Rick Hansen Foundation. "As we commemorate the 40th anniversary of the Man In Motion World Tour, I'm inspired by the opportunity to transform that spirit into many in motion. By bringing together young people with diverse experiences and perspectives, we can inspire innovation, foster understanding and empower the next generation to break down barriers and create communities where everyone can fully participate and contribute. When youth are engaged to lead, they have the power to carry this movement forward and create impactful change for generations to come."

Ontario is continuing to lead the way in advancing accessibility and inclusion through strategic partnerships and initiatives that remove barriers, expand opportunities and help people with disabilities, seniors and families fully participate in their communities.

Quick Facts

• The Rick Hansen Foundation is a Canadian charitable organization dedicated to creating a world where people with disabilities can fully participate in society.
• The two-day summit will be held in Ontario and is being delivered as part of the 40th anniversary of the Man In Motion World Tour.
• The summit will bring together 40 youth leaders aged 12 to 19 from across Canada, with and without disabilities.
• Participants will engage in workshops, leadership training and collaborative activities focused on accessibility, inclusion and community leadership.