Driving inclusive innovation: Actua unveils National Youth with Disabilities program
OTTAWA, ON - June 2, 2026
Actua, one of Canada’s leading youth STEM outreach organizations, has launched a national program to ensure youth with disabilities have the tools, confidence and support to lead in a future-ready workforce, and to foster a culture of disability inclusion in STEM. The National Youth with Disabilities program marks a decisive step forward in Actua’s mission to break down barriers and expand who gets to shape Canada’s innovation economy.
At its core, the program reimagines STEM learning environments to be truly accessible, while celebrating the creativity, problem-solving and ingenuity that youth with disabilities bring. Delivered through Actua’s national network of more than 40 university and college members, in partnership with dozens of community partners and experts, and supported by training, resources, leadership and resources provided from Actua, the program will reach youth across Canada with high-quality, inclusive STEM experiences.
Each year, Actua engages over 500,000 youth in hands-on learning that sparks curiosity, builds critical thinking and develops essential digital skills. This new initiative deepens Actua’s relentless work to remove barriers for equity-deserving groups, including Indigenous youth, girls, Black youth, youth in rural or remote communities and those experiencing socio-economic challenges. By prioritizing accessibility and inclusive design, Actua is helping ensure every young person can see themselves as a scientist, engineer or innovator.
Breakthrough innovation demands diverse perspectives. Through this national program, we’re elevating the leadership of youth with disabilities and building a future where Canadian innovation is defined by inclusion and powered by lived experience.
The National Youth with Disabilities program is part of Actua’s broader effort to close opportunity gaps and unlock talent across the country. By addressing both systemic barriers and putting youth needs at the centre of all that we do, Actua is helping build a more equitable pathway into the careers and discoveries of tomorrow.
About Actua
Actua is creating a Canada where every child has the skills and confidence they need to achieve their full potential. As a leading science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) outreach organization, Actua includes over 40 universities and colleges, engaging 500,000 youth in 600 communities each year. For 25 years, Actua has focused on identifying and removing the barriers for entry into STEM and now has national programs dedicated to engaging Indigenous youth, girls and young women, Black youth, youth with disabilities, those facing economic barriers and youth in Northern and remote communities. Actua’s work is made possible thanks to the support of its major funding partners, including the Government of Canada, Deciem, Suncor Energy Foundation, TD Bank Group, Microsoft Elevate, Toyota Canada Foundation, CIBC Foundation, Enbridge, Cenovus, Imperial, Rideau Hall Foundation and RBC Foundation.
Contact information
Alison Gareau
Senior Director, Communications, Actua
communications@actua.ca
613.234.4137