New Federal Support for Women with Disabilities Facing Economic Insecurity

On August 14, 2025, representatives of the Federal Government—Rechie Valdez and Chi Nguyen—announced that they will be giving $656,053 in funding to Realize.   

Realize is a charitable organization founded in 1998 in Canada that works to improve the health and well-being of people who live with HIV and other episodic disabilities across the lifespan. Through integrated research, education, policy, and practice, this organization strives to raise awareness for HIV and episodic disabilities, increase access to rehabilitation and support, and increase the overall quality of life for people living with these conditions.  

Realize will use these government funds to support the launch of their new project, Breaking Barriers and Shaping Inclusive Workplaces for Women with Episodic Disabilities (BRIDGE). Running over a two-year period, this project is intended to support women with disabilities in the workforce. Women with disabilities face many barriers and challenges when participating in the workplace. The Federal Government recognizes the additional difficulties that women with disabilities encounter when they attempt to contribute, seek out leadership opportunities, or even maintain economic security. 

Funding will come from the federal department of Women and Gender Equality (WAGE), an organization aimed at further inclusion of all genders, including women, in Canada’s economic, social, and political spheres. WAGE also acted as the primary financial contributor to the LWWRC Canadian Feminist Disability Coalition project, which our Centre hosted from 2021-24.  

The Live Work Well Research Centre looks forward to seeing the BRIDGE project progress and initiate change!