National AccessAbility Week 2024

National AccessAbility Week is an annual event to celebrate the contributions made by Canadians with disabilities and the work of those who remove barriers to accessibility. This year aims to highlight the importance of everyone contributing to a barrier-free Canada and the strength of diversity. If you would like to take part or learn more here are a few things you can do to participate.

Jack Janisse May 22, 2024

What is National AccessAbility Week?

Throughout Canada there are barriers that prevent equal participation in society for people with disabilities. These barriers can be physical, technological or digital, and even general attitudes. In 2019 Canada introduced the Accessible Canada Act. This act established the goal of making Canada barrier free by 2040 and formally legislated National AccessAbility Week.

National AccessAbility Week is an annual event to celebrate the contributions to society of people with disabilities and the work of those who remove barriers to accessibility. This year AccessAbility Week takes place May 26th to June 1st with the theme “Forward together: Accessibility and Inclusion of All.” This year’s theme aims to highlight the importance of everyone contributing to a barrier-free Canada and the strength of diversity. If you would like to take part or learn more here are a few things you can do to participate.

Attend the Canadian Congress on Disability and Inclusion

The Canadian Congress on Disability and Inclusion is an opportunity for people to come together and share their insights and best practices for creating accessible communities and workplaces. It takes place on May 23rd, 2024, and is free, virtual, and accessible. It will cover topics including the progress of the Accessible Canada Act, inclusively built environments, and accessible employment. Register for the event and learn more.

Take Part in Red Shirt Day

Red Shirt Day is an opportunity for people to come together and show their solidarity with and support for Canadians with disabilities. This year Red Shirt Day takes place on May 29th. To participate all you need to do is wear a red shirt. You can also choose to take a picture, make a pledge, and share it on social media to help raise awareness of accessibility. Learn more about this event and how to participate.

Learn About Accessibility in Canada

In general, everyone should learn about the state of accessibility in Canada. To start you can learn about the Accessible Canada Act and what is being done and what needs to be done to create a barrier-free Canada. See more resources and information on accessibility in Canada.

Accessibility on the Web

If you have a website or your business does it is important that it is accessible. This is important to ensure that everyone can use your site and the web as a whole.

Website accessibility is even enforced by law. If you are a business or non-profit with 50 or more employees in Ontario your website must meet WCAG 2.0 AA accessibility requirements under the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA).