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.

ELIGIBILITY:

Emerging writers in Canada who self-identify as Deaf and/or are disabled are eligible to apply to the program. Applications must include a piece of writing to focus on and develop during the mentorship. Writers who have one or more full-length published book (traditional or self-published) or contract offer are not eligible to apply. Co-authored pieces are ineligible. 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.

Applicants are welcome to use standard spelling and grammar checks to polish their writing. However, the use of artificial intelligence (AI) tools to generate, rewrite, or edit written work is not permitted.    

MENTORSHIP FORMAT: 

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 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 within the six-week period in advance of the final networking session.   

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.   

HOW TO APPLY:

Creating Mentorship for Deaf and Disabled Writers is a free mentorship program, but advance application is required to participate as a mentee. Space is limited. Mentee applications must be submitted online through Submittable. If you have any questions about the application process, or require an alternative application method, please contact Program Manager, Kristina Cuenca at kcuenca@writersunion.ca.

Applications are due by October 26, 2026, 11:59 pm PT. 

ACCOMMODATIONS & ACCESSIBILITY:

Mentors and Mentees will be asked to indicate any accommodations they require to participate in the program. The Union will make every effort to meet these accommodation needs.   

IMPORTANT DATES:

Applications Close: October 26, 2026, 11:59 pm PT / 2:59 am ET

Applicants Notified: December 2026

Mentorships Completed: January to March 2027

Networking Session: March 2027