The County of Middlesex is celebrating the National AccessAbility Week (NAAW) from May 29 to June 4, 2022. The Government of Canada encourages participants to celebrate and spread awareness of the contributions and leadership of Canadians with disabilities; highlight the efforts of individuals, organizations and communities that focus on removing barriers; and reflect on ongoing efforts to become a better, more accessible, more disability inclusive county.
NAAW is inspired by the National Access Week that was founded in 1988, which is inspired by Rick Hansen’s Man in Motion World Tour. The focus of this week is on raising awareness of the need for accessibility and inclusion of people with disabilities in the workplace, education, community and everyday life. All Canadians are encouraged to attend events and participate in online presentations as a way to help raise awareness of accessibility across the country.
The theme for NAAW is “Inclusive from the start.” The theme emphasizes that while it is important to provide accommodations and supports to people with disabilities, the ultimate goal is to make Canada inclusive for everyone, from the start. The Covid-19 pandemic has had a lasting impact and has demonstrated the need for accessibility, especially in online environments. The focus of NAAW aligns with the County’s commitment to the identification, removal, and prevention of barriers in all aspects of the workplace and in our communities.
The County of Middlesex encourages everyone to wear red on June 1, 2022 in support of Red Shirt Day. Red Shirt Day of Action for AccessAbility and Inclusion is a day where people in Canada wear red in school, workplaces, and the community to create a display of solidarity. It provides support for persons and families living with disabilities, celebrates disability related achievements, and pledges to aid in the creation of a fully accessible and inclusive Canada.
More Information:
Red Shirt Day of Action for Accessibility and Inclusion
National AccessAbility Week 2022: Stakeholder Toolkit
National AccessAbility Week -May 29 to June 4, 2022
National AccessAbility Week Rick Hansen Foundation
Events:
List of events hosted by University of British Columbia for National AccessAbility Week
List of events hosted by ReachAbility for National AccessAbility Week in Nova Scotia
May 31
RHF Ambassador Shawn Courchesne and Neil Squire Society in New Brunswick (French)
RHF Ambassador Shawn Courchesne and Neil Squire Society in New Brunswick (English)
Leading Change: Young Disability Champions in Conversation with Rick Hansen
June 1
National AccessAbility Week 2022: Moving Forward Together
Advancing Accessibility Through Legislation and Litigation Law Society of Ontario
June 2
The Power of Inclusive Workplaces with Rick Hansen Foundation
June 3
Life Made Accessible: Accessibility in a Changing World City of Kitchener