Writers’ Union of Canada: Creating Mentorship for Deaf and Disabled Writers

Deadline: October 26, 2026

Program Summary:

Creating Mentorship for Deaf and Disabled Writers is a mentorship program designed to support the creative growth and professional development of Deaf and disabled writers. The Writers’ Union of Canada is committed to building opportunities and cultivating space where Deaf and disabled writers can share tools, strategies, feedback, and knowledge. The program includes one-on-one mentorship, in addition to a virtual networking and professional development session for mentors and mentees.

Mentors are professional writers who are Deaf and/or disabled. Each mentor will choose one mentee to work with. Mentorships will last approximately 10 hours, which will include the mentor’s time reviewing materials and preparing for discussion. Mentors and mentees will have up to an eight-week period for discussion (online discussion, email, or other technology as outlined in the mentorship application and agreed upon with the mentor), revisions, etc. Meeting times to be determined by the mentor and mentee and to be completed in advance of the final networking session.

Following the conclusion of the mentorship period, all mentors and mentees will be invited to attend an online networking and professional development session that will include industry representatives for a facilitated discussion and information sharing.

Eligible Applicants:

Emerging writers in Canada who self-identify as Deaf and/or disabled are eligible to apply to the program. Applications must include a piece of writing to focus on and develop during the mentorship (up to 20 pages of fiction, nonfiction, or poetry). Co-authored pieces are ineligible. Writers who have one or more full-length published book (traditional or self-published) or contract offer are not eligible to apply. Mentees are eligible to participate in one TWUC mentorship program per year, inclusive of Creating Mentorship for Deaf & Disabled Writers, BIPOC Writers Connect, and Mentorship Microgrants. Applicants must be 18 or older by the end of 2026.