The Federation for the Humanities and Social Sciences provides the Big Thinking Summit 2026 Accessibility Fund as part of its commitment to fostering an equitable, accessible, and inclusive research mobilization environment.    

The Fund aims to ensure that participation requirements do not limit who can contribute to the Big Thinking Summit: Inflection Point. Funding requests can range from $250 to $1,000 CAD, depending on the type and cost of the support required.  

Eligible Supports: 

Requests may include, but are not limited to: 

  • Communication supports (e.g., sign language interpretation, captioning, transcription, note-taking, assistive communication technologies) 

  • Personal and caregiving supports (e.g., childcare, elder care, dependent care, personal support workers) 

  • Mobility and physical access supports (e.g., accessible transportation, mobility aid rentals, temporary accessibility equipment) 

  • Technology supports (e.g., adaptive hardware/software, accessibility tools for virtual participation, temporary device access) 

  • Other accessibility-related needs that are reasonable, documented, and directly support participation in the Summit 

 

 

Supports provided through this Fund are intended to complement, not duplicate, accessibility features or services already available at the venue. 

If an attendee’s accessibility needs fall outside the scope of this Fund, they are encouraged to contact us directly at membership@federationhss.ca.   

Applicants who require additional time at any stage of the process due to accessibility-related circumstances may request an extension by contacting membership@federationhss.ca. 

Note: Registration fees for support persons or companions' is complimentary. Email events@federationhss.ca to confirm whether registration of support persons or companions is required for a specific event at the Summit.

Funding will be disbursed after the Summit upon confirmation of attendance and receipt of requested documents. Recipients must submit receipts and complete banking information for direct disbursement of the funds. 

 

 

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