Item - 2025.DI14.6

The Toronto Accessibility Advisory Committee recommends that:

1.  City Council direct the Executive Director, Social Development, and the City Clerk to prepare a feasibility report with recommendations on establishing a part-time fellowship program for youth living with disabilities, including:

a.  potential program delivery partners;

b.  clear and collaborative processes for selecting Council members’ offices; and

c.  a structured matching process to ensure quality work experiences that align with both the interests of the fellows and the needs of the Council members’ offices;

and to report back to the Economic and Community Development Committee by the second quarter of 2026.

The City of Toronto has demonstrated strong leadership in promoting equity and inclusion through initiatives such as the Indigenous, Black, and Muslim Youth Fellowships — programs that empower young people to engage directly in civic leadership and policymaking. Youth with disabilities would bring vital lived experience and insight into accessibility and inclusion within our city.

Creating a Fellowship for Youth with Disabilities would extend the City’s commitment to representation and accessibility by providing meaningful mentorship, professional development, and hands-on experience in municipal government. This program would help ensure that Toronto’s future leaders include the voices and perspectives of people with disabilities, strengthening our collective work toward a truly inclusive city.