Accessibility Funding
Accessibility Funding is an open application focused on supporting persons with a spinal cord injury anywhere in Alberta who are experiencing financial hardship, and who have a significant need for support to adapt and adjust in their community. This fund was established in 2024 through the R. Vance Milligan Memorial Fund and is administered by The Alberta Paraplegic Foundation (APF) in partnership with SCI-AB.
FAQs
Any person living in Alberta with a spinal cord injury or related physical disability who can prove financial hardship and that the request is critical to support the individual with adapting, adjusting and ensuring inclusion in their community.
Applicants are encouraged to apply for the amount that will support their need. Each funding cycle is expected to provide a total of $50,000.
Applicants are encouraged to express their need and the reason for their application. Some funding requests that will not be considered include ongoing utility bills, laundry or housekeeping services, damage deposits for clients living with family members, travel expenses and hotel rooms, dental expenses, medical expenses covered by AHS/Provincial Health Care, expenses that are covered by a law firm if there is litigation in process, cost share portion of AADL for equipment and supplies.
This fund is available for new issues and is not to reimburse for items or services already paid for.
The review panel will determine with each funding cycle how many applications will be approved. It is possible that applications may receive partial funding. Funding may be provided to one applicant or shared among multiple applications.
There is a review panel that consists of a minimum of 3 reviewers. A scoring scale and a process for review has been developed to guide the decision-making process.
- Demonstration of need – A personal impact statement has been included demonstrating a compelling need for the service/item.
- Connection to community inclusiveness – The applicant has clearly expressed how this item/service positively impacts their ability to participate with their community.
- Description of item/service is clearly connected to the demonstration of need.
- Financial Need – The applicant has provided ample evidence of their financial need.
- Alignment with funding priorities
- Sustainability – This is a one-time project and if ongoing, the applicant demonstrates how the need will be sustained.
Grant applications will be received twice per year. Dates will be advertised on the website and through social media, but typically applications will be accepted between January 15 – March 15 and August 15-October 15 of each year.
Responses should be sent by email to the applicant one month after applications are closed. This time may be extended depending on the number of applications received.
Funds will be allocated directly to a third-party vendor.
Yes, any appeals may be sent in written form to the CEO of Spinal Cord Injury Alberta.
No you do not, but you will be asked to share a story and/or photo showing how receiving the funds assisted you with achieving inclusion within your community. These will be shared in marketing materials, or on the website.
During the application period, you can submit a handwritten application or typed application by scanning and emailing it to financialassistance@sci-ab.ca or by clicking on this link and filling out the online form. If you need assistance, you can reach out to SCI-AB using the same email address or by calling (403-228-3001). Applicants are welcome to have a care giver, or health care provider support the completion of an application.
In Memory of R. Vance Milligan (1952-2023)
Vance Milligan was born in Calgary in 1952. He received his B.A. with Distinction from the University of Lethbridge in 1975 and completed his LL.B. at the University of Alberta in 1978. After graduating from law school, he accepted an articling position with the Calgary based law firm Bennett Jones. During the summer before he was to begin working, he suffered a tragic surfing accident that left him a quadriplegic. The road back from that injury was extremely difficult, but he was brave and determined to achieve independence and resume his career. After a lengthy and arduous rehabilitation program, Vance joined Bennett Jones in 1979. Despite the many obstacles that he faced, Vance had a long and very successful career as a lawyer and partner with Bennett Jones until his retirement in 2010.
Vance also made significant contributions to the community. He was a driving force in the creation of the Alberta Paraplegic Foundation (APF) in 1987, and he served as Chairman and the de facto Chief Operating Officer until his passing in 2023. The APF distributed more than $17 million dollars for spinal cord research and rehabilitation for those challenged by spinal cord injuries during Vance’s tenure. He also served on various non-proHit and charitable boards, including the Calgary Handi-Bus Association, the Canadian Paraplegic Association, the Man in Motion World Tour, the Calgary YMCA, the Rick Hansen Legacy Fund, the National Neurotrauma Initiative, and the Hotchkiss Brain Institute.
Vance was recognized with the Suzanne Mah Award by the Alberta Human Rights Commission. This honor is awarded to the lawyer who best exemplifies the principles of human rights and ideals.
Other awards Vance received included: the Hon. Lois Hole Community Development Award for his contributions to the lives of people with disabilities; the 2009 Alumni Award from the University of Alberta; the Gary McPherson Lifetime Achievement Award which recognizes outstanding contributions to the cause of making Alberta a better place for people with disabilities; and the Queen Elizabeth Diamond Jubilee Medal for his contributions to his fellow citizens and his country. Vance was also appointed Queen’s Counsel (now King’s Counsel) for Alberta.
Vance truly led a heroic and fulfilling life. He directly inspired many and made the world a better place for even more. After his retirement from the practice of law, it was Vance’s dream to provide financial assistance from the Alberta Paraplegic Foundation (“APF”) to persons with a spinal cord injury in Alberta who were experiencing financial hardship. Unfortunately, Vance’s own health issues prevented him from fulfilling this dream. To recognize his lifetime of service and carry his volunteer work forward, the APF has recently established the R. Vance Milligan Memorial Fund in his honour. This fund will provide funding for the newly formed Accessibility Funding program being administered by Spinal Cord Injury Alberta. The Accessibility Funding program was created to fulfill Vance’s dream of providing financial assistance to persons with a spinal cord injury in Alberta who are experiencing financial hardship.
Vance Milligan passed away on September 25th, 2023, enveloped in the love of his wife Maureen, son Jeremy, daughter-in-law Megan, grandchildren Norah and Caleb and his sister Karen. He will be forever missed and loved by his extended family, large circle of friends and many others who were grateful to have known him.
