This Disability Awareness Day, the Shah Family Foundation is proud to welcome Nipissing as the newest partner in our national initiative with the Canadian Foundation for Physically Disabled Persons (CFPDP). A Seat at the Table—our shared commitment with CFPDP—aims to expand access to post-secondary education for students with physical disabilities across all 13 provinces and territories in Canada.
In keeping with our shared commitment to accessibility in all regions of the country, we are especially pleased to include Nipissing University, a smaller institution located in Northern Ontario. As part of the initiative, the Shah Family Foundation contributes $100,000 to CFPDP each time an agreement is finalized with a post-secondary institution. CFPDP contributes an additional $10,000, resulting in a total gift of $110,000 to the institution. With matching funds from Nipissing University, this combined amount establishes a $220,000 endowment to provide long-term financial support to students with physical disabilities.
Nipissing’s Student Accessibility Services plays a vital role on campus, supporting 461 students in 2020–2021. Of these, 440 were students with permanent disabilities, representing approximately 10% of the undergraduate population. An additional 243 students were registered with multiple disabilities.
These numbers reflect a strong and growing need, making Nipissing a particularly meaningful recipient of this initiative. The endowment fund will help students overcome financial and systemic barriers to education, offering direct support where it’s needed most.
“Nipissing University exemplifies the kind of institution we are proud to support, one that is deeply committed to its students and responsive to the diverse needs of its community,” says Kris Shah, President of the Shah Family Foundation. “Ensuring that students with disabilities in Northern Ontario have access to long-term financial support is more than an act of inclusion; it’s an investment in a stronger, more equitable future for all. We’re honoured to help make that future possible.”
The Pan-Canadian Scholarship Initiative reflects the Shah Family Foundation’s long-standing dedication to equity in education. Over the years, we’ve supported a range of programs that uplift underserved communities, and create meaningful opportunities for young people to thrive.
Established in honour of Vim Kochhar, founder of CFPDP and a tireless advocate for accessibility, this initiative is projected to generate a $2.82 million impact nationwide with long-term benefits that will resonate far beyond today’s classroom.
To date, two endowment funds—at Nipissing University and the University of New Brunswick—have been finalized, with additional funds currently in development as the initiative works toward its goal of reaching all 13 provinces and territories.
We are proud to partner with institutions like Nipissing University, which share our commitment to inclusion. Together, we are dedicated to creating a future where every student, regardless of physical ability or background, has the opportunity to succeed.
