May 30th, 2023

The Waterloo Region District School Board (WRDSB) continues to prioritize accessibility in all that we do. This week, we are recognizing National AccessAbility Week (NAAW) in Canada. The 2023 theme for NAAW is “Disability Inclusion: From Possibilities to Practice”.

As per the Ontario Human Rights Code, “Disability” covers a broad range and degree of conditions, some visible and some not visible. A disability may have been present from birth, caused by an accident, or developed over time.

No person should experience discrimination or harassment because of their physical disabilities, mental and learning disabilities, neurodiversity, hearing or vision abilities, epilepsy, mental health, addictions, environmental sensitivities, and other disabilities.

Get Involved during #NAAW2023

Life Made Accessible Series

Life Made Accessible is a virtual series about accessibility, hosted during National AccessAbility Week (NAAW). To learn about how to approach accessibility from an inclusive perspective, check out webinars that are being offered for free until June 1, 2023.

The Disabilities and Human Rights (DHR) Group Podcast Series

The DHR group was formed in 2008 to give voice to the lived experiences of disabled people where it might not be heard. Listen to members of the Disabilities and Human Rights Group speak about their experiences with accessibility at https://anchor.fm/sdcwr

The Black Accessibility Knowledge (BLAcK) Hub

The BLAcK Hub offers culturally-relevant and Black-focused, confidential, fully accessible, and free resources for Black people with disabilities. The BLAcK Hub has three searchable sections:

  • Service directory
  • Disability resources
  • Knowledge catalogue

Participate in Red Shirt Day on May 31

Easter Seals Ontario encourages everyone to wear a red shirt on Wednesday, May 31 to recognize its “Red Shirt Day of Action for AccessAbility and Inclusion”. This day raises awareness for accessibility and disability inclusion, and asks participants to make a pledge to help remove physical, attitudinal, and systemic barriers in their schools, workplaces and communities.

Join the Conversation on Social Media

Share your thoughts and ideas about accessibility on social media using #NAAW2023 to join the conversation. Be sure to tag @WRDSB on Twitter and Facebook, and @WR_DSB on Instagram so we can amplify your posts.

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