GUELPH, ON – May 26, 2024, to June 1, 2024, is National Accessibility Week. This year the week is being recognized under the theme, “Forward Together: Accessibility and Inclusion for All.”
National Accessibility Week takes place annually and is an opportunity to mark the important contributions made by Canadians with disabilities, and to put a spotlight on the leadership of those who work tirelessly to make Canada more accessible and inclusive.
There are 10 types of disabilities as classified on the Canadian Survey on Disability: seeing, hearing, mobility, flexibility, dexterity, pain-related, learning, developmental, mental-health related, and memory. It is important to remember that just because you cannot see a disability, it does not mean that the person does not have a disability.
On Wednesday, May 29, many students and staff across the UGDSB will be wearing red shirts as they participate in Red Shirt Day of Action for Accessibility and Inclusion. This call to action is an opportunity to improve accessibility and inclusion for Canadians living with disabilities.
Easter Seals Canada has many resources that educators and families can use during the week including book recommendations, podcasts, videos, disability facts and figures, colouring sheets for students and more. Learn more on the Easter Seals website:
The Rick Hansen Foundation is another source for great resources to help promote National Accessibility Week. Classroom resources and resources for parents/guardians are available on their website:
The Government of Canada also has some resources available including key messages, social media messaging and visuals. Learn more here on the Government of Canada website:
The Terry James Resource Centre (TJRC) has many resources available to students and staff. Books and resources are available through TJRC online using Sora, videos are available through Curio and physical books can be checked out by staff. Learn more on the TJRC website.
Throughout National Accessibility Week don’t forget to share your accessibility week activity pictures and Red Shirt Day pictures with us on social media (X – @ugdsb and Instagram @UpperGrand) using #UGAccessibility, #WeAllHaveAbility and #NAAW2024.