Selfadvocatenet.ca is in support of National Accessibility Week from May 28th to June 3,2023
San will highlight what has been improved regarding Accessibility for those with disabilities we find info where find good accessible info for your needs to be met
First is what is National Accessibility Week
National Accessibility Week is an opportunity to:
- celebrate the valuable contributions and leadership of Canadians with disabilities
- highlight the work of people, organizations, and communities that are removing barriers
- reflect on ongoing efforts to become a better, more accessible, more inclusive Canada
2023 theme is
“Disability Inclusion: From Possibilities to Practice.”
Transcript
Title: Minister Qualtrough Launches National AccessAbility Week 2023
[A sequence of videos appears on the screen while upbeat music plays. The sequence includes: a close up of 2 people holding hands at the beach, one of whom is in a wheelchair; a person using a braille typewriter; a person with a prosthetic arm writing on a notepad.] [The Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Disability Inclusion, Carla Qualtrough, appears on screen and begins to speak.]Happy National AccessAbility Week everyone! From May 28 to June 3, 2023, we celebrate the contributions of the over 6.2 million Canadians who have a disability. There will be celebrations in communities and workplaces across Canada during this important week. Celebrations that will spotlight the individuals, organizations, and communities who are working to make Canada more inclusive.
[Another sequence of videos appears as the Minister continues speaking. The sequence includes: a group of children with disabilities sitting on the floor of a classroom; several people at a park, including one person in a wheelchair; a person with a disability using an electronic tablet, while another person smiles and watches; a person in a wheelchair strumming a guitar; a person with a visual impairment walking along a street; a group of persons with invisible disabilities and a person in a wheelchair gathered in an office and looking at the camera.]I challenge you to imagine a Canada where no one is left out. Where disability and diversity is sought out and celebrated, and the needs of everyone are considered from the beginning. A Canada where we are disability inclusive from the start. That’s the Canada we deserve. That’s the Canada we are creating – for everyone.
[The Minister comes back on screen and continues her speech.]In the spirit of “Nothing Without Us,” we’re working with the disability community to make this a reality. Last year’s celebration was an incredible success and we’ve made so much progress in the last 12 months. So we’re building on it, with this year’s theme, “Disability Inclusion: From Possibilities to Practice.”
[Another sequence of videos appears as the Minister continues speaking. The sequence includes: a pair of children communicating using sign language; a person at a running track pulling their pant leg over their prosthetic leg; a person sitting in a wheelchair and painting.]In October, our Government released Canada’s first-ever Disability Inclusion Action Plan. It is a blueprint for change organized under 4 pillars:
[Text that reads “Disability Inclusion Action Plan” appears on the screen. The 4 pillars appear on the screen as the Minister reads them off.]Financial security; employment; accessible and Inclusive Communities; and a modern approach to disability.
[A video appears of a person supporting a smiling young child with a disability and helping them to walk.] [The Minister comes back on screen and continues her speech.]Under the pillar of financial security, we are creating the Canada Disability Benefit. Legislation is currently before our Parliament to create this monthly income supplement for working-age persons with disabilities in Canada.
[Another sequence of videos appears as the Minister continues speaking. The sequence includes: a person with a disability speaking to a co-worker and placing a hand on the co-worker’s shoulder, laughing together, before the person with a disability walks away; a person in a wheelchair moving through a kitchen; a person with a visual impairment being assisted by another person to read a braille book.]This benefit has the potential to lift hundreds of thousands of people out of poverty. I look forward to seeing it pass through Parliament as soon as possible.
[The Minister comes back on screen and continues her speech. As she speaks, another sequence of videos appears. The sequence includes: a person with a prosthetic arm sitting at a desk and reading documents; a person with a disability showing their co-worker something on their phone; a person in a wheelchair in an office, speaking to a co-worker; a person with a prosthetic leg standing in a workshop, looking at the camera; a person with a disability working behind the counter of a coffee shop, serving a customer, a person with a visual impairment reading a braille book; a person using a laptop and putting on a pair of color-blind glasses.]We also created the Disability Inclusion Business Council. Where government and the private sector are working together to make Canada’s workplaces disability inclusive, so persons with disabilities can bring our lived experience and expertise to the table. Stay tuned throughout the week for more news about how we’re investing to help persons with disabilities reach their full potential. This progress is only possible because of the disability community, who have, for generations, called for action to support the financial security of persons with disabilities.
[The Minister comes back on screen and continues her speech.]What you’ve fought for, and achieved, matters. You’re who this week is really about. Thank you for making Canada more inclusive, and more vibrant thanks to your lived experience. Our strength lies in the diversity of our people – all of us. Happy National AccessAbility Week, Canada!
[A final sequence of videos appears on the screen. The sequence includes: a close up of a person with a prosthetic arm holding hands with another person; a child with a disability using a tablet while another person watches; a person working in a manufacturing plant; a pair of children communicating using sign language; a close up of a person with a prosthetic leg as they run; a person in a wheelchair strumming a guitar; a person in a wheelchair holding hands with another person, at the beach.] [Text appears on the screen, reading: Join the conversation #NAAW2023] [The final screen has the Canada wordmark with the animated waving flag.]
The government of Canada invests in over 900 projects to increase accessibility and inclusion in Canadian communities
News Release
May 30, 2023, Gatineau, Quebec Employment and Social Development Canada
Every Canadian deserves to fully participate in all aspects of society and contribute to our communities and the economy. For this reason, the Government of Canada continues to support organizations across the country, that are investing to make spaces, communities, workplaces, services, and systems more accessible and improve the inclusion of persons with disabilities.
Today, as part of National AccessAbility Week 2023, Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Disability Inclusion, Carla Qualtrough, announced $70.8 million in funding to support 903 accessibility projects led by organizations across Canada. Organizations were selected as a result of a Call for Proposals, launched in 2022, under the Enabling Accessibility Fund (EAF) small projects component.
Today’s announcement took place at Mouvement d’entraide communautaire à l’emploi, based in Gatineau, Quebec. The organization is receiving $100,000 through the EAF small projects component to retrofit 12 accessible doors in a building soon to be partially converted into 10 fully accessible housing units for persons with disabilities. The organization’s partners, Exdeltra and Entre Deux Roues, also received $100,000 each in funding under the EAF small projects component for this joint initiative. Once finalized, the initiative will help persons with disabilities stay within their community, increase their ability to participate, and thereby help promote wider social inclusion.
The small projects component of the EAF mostly supports construction, renovation, and retrofit projects that increase accessibility, inclusion, and safety in communities and workplaces. Under the fund, eligible projects can receive a grant of up to $100,000 each.
This funding contributes to the Government of Canada’s ongoing commitment toward its Disability Inclusion Action Plan, by promoting the creation of a fully inclusive Canada, free of physical, societal, and attitudinal barriers.
Quotes
“Making sure persons with disabilities are able to participate in all aspects of their communities is a critical component of Canada’s Disability Inclusion Action Plan. By helping organizations across Canada make their buildings more accessible through the Enabling Accessibility Fund, we’re removing barriers to participation that often go overlooked.”
– Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Disability Inclusion, Carla Qualtrough
“The reconfiguration of 55 rue Marengère to an adapted residence for persons with disabilities is an excellent example of what the Enabling Accessibility Fund can do for our communities. Once completed, the initiative will allow Gatineau residents with disabilities to stay within their communities, where their families and loved ones are, and maintain their daily routine. I am particularly proud to see our community organizations join forces, with the support of the Government of Canada, to improve accessibility and the inclusion of persons with disabilities across the Outaouais.”
– Steven MacKinnon, Member of Parliament for Gatineau
Quick facts
- The 2017 Canada Survey on Disability found that one in five Canadians aged 15 and over—or about 6.2 million persons—report as having a disability.
- The Enabling Accessibility Fund (EAF) is a federal grants and contributions program that supports infrastructure projects across Canada that improve the accessibility, safety and inclusion of persons with disabilities in communities and the labour market. Over 7,200 projects have been funded under the EAF since its launch in 2007, helping thousands of Canadians gain access to programs, services and employment opportunities in their communities.
- Through Budget 2021, the Government of Canada committed up to $100 million over two years, starting in 2021-22, to increase funding for the EAF to help make communities and workplaces more accessible for persons with disabilities by reducing barriers to employment, activities, and programs.
- National AccessAbility Week (NAAW) 2023 takes place from May 28th to June 3rd, and is a nationwide week of recognition, celebrating the many social, economic, cultural and political achievements of persons with disabilities. The theme for NAAW 2023 is: “Disability inclusion: from possibilities to practice”.
Related products
Associated links
Contacts
For media inquiries, please contact:
Tara Beauport
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Disability Inclusion
343-576-1628
tara.beauport@hrsdc-rhdcc.gc.ca
Media Relations Office
Employment and Social Development Canada
819-994-5559
media@hrsdc-rhdcc.gc.ca
Follow us on Twitter
This is on Govt of Canada website go to the link here
National Accessibility Week is from May 28 to June 3
Every year, starting on the last Sunday in May, Canadians celebrate National Accessibility Week (NAAW).
Founded as ‘National Access Awareness Week’ in 1988 and inspired by Rick Hansen’s Man In Motion World Tour, this week is an opportunity to celebrate Canadians with disabilities and raise awareness of the critical need for accessibility and inclusion for all in our communities and workplaces.
National Accessibility Week is an opportunity to:
- celebrate the valuable contributions and leadership of Canadians with disabilities
- highlight the work of people, organizations and communities that are removing barriers
- reflect on ongoing efforts to become a better, more accessible, more inclusive Canada
You can read the provincial government’s Accessibility Week announcement here.
Accessibility at CLBC
CLBC is working to comply with the new Accessible B.C. Act. To help us understand where we need to improve, we conducted a review in the fall of 2022 to identify ongoing barriers. People, their families, our partners and service providers were generous enough with their time to attend sessions and share feedback and stories on their experiences accessing CLBC services.
We took the feedback we received from the consultations and internal reviews and compiled CLBC’s Baseline Accessibility Report, which is available below in multiple formats. The report will advise CLBC’s Accessibility Plan that we’re developing. The final plan will be posted on our website by September 2023.
- Baseline Accessibility Report
- Baseline Accessibility Report – Plain Language Summary
- Baseline Accessibility Report – Plain Language Summary (with audio)
- Baseline Accessibility Report – Plain Language Summary in plain text
This is on Community Living BC Website go to the link here
Employers Lead the Way with New Inclusive Economy
Powell River Friday, May 26, 2023, 8:30 AM
In time for National AccessAbility Week, business owners throughout the province can access information about becoming more inclusive in their workplaces through the New Inclusive Economy project.
Inclusion Powell River is leading a provincewide effort to raise awareness about accessibility in the workplace and inviting B.C. employers to become more inclusive and equitable. Inclusive hiring supports Accessibility 2024, the provincial government’s vision of becoming the most accessible province in Canada for people with disabilities, including having the highest labour-participation rate.
“The business community in B.C. will be able to hear directly from employers who are implementing disability inclusion in the workplace,” said Selina Robinson, Minister of Post-Secondary Education and Future Skills. “They will have the opportunity to hear how disability inclusion enriches the workplace and creates excellent employees.”
Throughout June 2023, employers can attend free in-person workshops in a business-to-business roadshow hosted in 10 communities to learn about becoming more inclusive. Workshops will be held in Surrey, Vancouver, Prince George, Smithers, Terrace, Kelowna, Cranbrook, Fort St. John, Victoria and Powell River.
“People with disabilities deserve good job opportunities,” said Sheila Malcolmson, Minister of Social Development and Poverty Reduction. “Helping employers remove barriers to the workplace means more people with disabilities can work and participate in their communities.”
The Province, through the Sector Labour Market Partnerships program, is providing more than $803,000 to Inclusion Powell River to engage with businesses to expand accessibility in the workplace and to deliver a research report.
Self-employed people, employers in B.C. and people who identify as having a disability are all welcome to participate in their community’s events. The New Inclusive Economy project provides support to anyone who needs it to attend project events. People are encouraged to pre-register so that facilitators can provide accessibility accommodation.
“Most inclusive employment projects focus on people with disabilities gaining new skills and being ready for employment, which we fully support, but often we do not consider employers and what role they play in creating and maintaining disability-inclusive work,” said Corinna Curtis, CEO, Inclusion Powell River. “This project is about exploring with employers what they may be able to alter in their current practices to engage a more diverse workforce and discovering what supports are needed to make that happen.”
The provincial government, with funding through the Canada-BC Labour Market Development Agreement, invests $6 million annually to support industry-led projects under the Sector Labour Market Partnerships program, which supports workforce development and ensures all British Columbians, especially vulnerable and under-represented groups, have access to inclusive and equitable workforce opportunities.
Learn More:
To learn about the New Inclusive Economy Business-to-Business Roadshow, visit: https://newinclusiveeconomy.ca/contact-us/rsvp
This is on the BC Govt website go to the link here
The government of Canada invests in projects to increase accessibility and inclusion in Canadian communities and workplaces
News Release
May 29, 2023, Winnipeg, Manitoba Employment and Social Development Canada
Building a barrier-free Canada can only be achieved if we work together, which is why the Government of Canada continues to support and collaborate with organizations across the country to improve accessibility, safety and the inclusion of persons with disabilities in communities and workplaces.
In celebration of National AccessAbility Week 2023, Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Disability Inclusion, Carla Qualtrough, announced the Government of Canada’s investment through the Enabling Accessibility Fund (EAF) mid-sized projects component to support infrastructure accessibility projects led by 14 organizations, to help increase the social participation and labour market opportunities of persons with disabilities.
Minister Qualtrough made the announcement during a visit to the Neeginan Center Inc, an organization that promotes the social, educational and entrepreneurial growth of the Indigenous community in Winnipeg. It offers employment readiness programs, career counseling, placement services, as well as educational and health programs. The Centre received $543,321 in funding through the EAF mid-sized projects component to improve safe access to its facility by persons with disabilities with the construction of an interior ramp, installation of an elevator, and the building of accessible doors and washrooms.
Today’s funding announcement results from a 2021 call for proposals under the EAF mid-sized projects component that provided contributions of up to $1 million to support larger retrofit, renovation, or construction projects. The approved projects seek to improve access to employment preparedness programming and services, social inclusion community programming, sports and recreation programming, and peer-led support and/or workforce onboarding and retention programs for persons with disabilities.
This funding supports the employment of persons with disabilities, and the development of accessible and inclusive communities, which are two pillars under the Government of Canada’s Disability Inclusion Action Plan. It also contributes to the Government’s on-going commitment to create a truly inclusive Canada, free of physical, societal, and attitudinal barriers.
Quotes
“It is essential we continue the work of creating a Canada where no one is left behind. Through the Enabling Accessibility Fund, we’re making safer, more accessible communities and workplaces. These spaces give persons with disabilities access to more opportunities to fully participate in society.”
– Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Disability Inclusion, Carla Qualtrough
Quick facts
- The 2017 Canada Survey on Disability found that one in five Canadians aged 15 and over—or about 6.2 million persons—report as having a disability.
- The Enabling Accessibility Fund (EAF) is a federal grants and contributions program that supports infrastructure projects across Canada that improve the accessibility, safety, and inclusion of persons with disabilities in communities and the labour market. Over 7,200 projects have been funded under the EAF since its launch in 2007, helping thousands of Canadians gain access to programs, services and employment opportunities in their communities.
- Today, over $8.8 million in funding is being invested by the Government of Canada under the EAF mid-sized projects component for infrastructure accessibility projects led by 14 organizations from across Canada.
- Through Budget 2021, the Government of Canada committed up to $100 million over two years, starting in 2021-22, to increase funding for the EAF to help make communities and workplaces more accessible for persons with disabilities by reducing barriers to employment, activities, and programs.
- Budget 2023 committed $10 million over two years, beginning in 2024-25, to Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC) to support additional projects under the mid-sized components of EAF and help address the unique needs and ongoing barriers faced by persons with disabilities in communities and workplaces across the country.
- National AccessAbility Week (NAAW) is taking place May 28 to June 3, 2023, and is a nationwide week of recognition, celebrating the many social, economic, cultural, and political achievements of persons with disabilities. The theme for NAAW 2023 is: “Disability inclusion: from possibilities to practice.”
Related products
Associated links
Contacts
For media inquiries, please contact:
Tara Beauport
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Disability Inclusion
343-576-1628
tara.beauport@hrsdc-rhdcc.gc.ca
Media Relations Office
Employment and Social Development Canada
819-994-5559
media@hrsdc-rhdcc.gc.ca
Follow us on Twitter
This is on Govt of Canada Website go to the link here
The government of Canada hosts the second annual Canadian Congress on Disability Inclusion, kicking off National AccessAbility Week 2023
May 24, 2023 Gatineau, Quebec Employment and Social Development Canada
More than 6.2 million Canadians have a disability, which may be permanent or temporary, visible or invisible. The Government of Canada continuously advocates for accessibility and the full inclusion of persons with disabilities in all aspects of Canadian society by working closely with the disability community, stakeholders, all levels of government and international partners.
Today, the Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Disability Inclusion, Carla Qualtrough, opened the second annual Canadian Congress on Disability Inclusion. The congress will run from May 24 to 26, 2023, under the theme “Inclusion from the Start: From Possibilities to Practice.” Focus on this theme will continue during National AccessAbility Week 2023, which will take place from May 28 to June 4, 2023.
The congress is accessible, virtual, interactive, free and open to all. It provides networking opportunities and includes numerous panel discussions and conversations on important issues key to advancing accessibility and disability inclusion in Canada. There will also be an accessibility innovation showcase and celebrations of Canadian artists with disabilities and of athletes from the Special Olympics.
The third day of the congress (May 26) will consist of a virtual career fair for persons with disabilities, which will feature some of Canada’s most diverse and inclusive employers on the lookout for talent. The career fair will provide a unique opportunity for persons with disabilities to explore interesting employment possibilities.
All Canadians are encouraged to visit the Canadian Congress on Disability Inclusion 2023 webpage to register or to obtain more information.
Quotes
“The Congress is an opportunity to put disability inclusion into practice. Important conversations will be held over the next three days with individuals and organizations from the disability community on issues identified as priorities by the disability community. For us to continue building a barrier-free Canada, it is critical that we continue to share ideas, concepts and plans for innovating. Together, we can put these possibilities into practice.”
– Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Disability Inclusion, Carla Qualtrough
Quick facts
- In 2022, Employment and Social Development Canada hosted the inaugural Canadian Congress on Disability Inclusion, which was attended by over 2,900 participants.
- National AccessAbility Week is a formally legislated week under the Accessible Canada Act. It is championed by the Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Disability Inclusion and provides an opportunity to:
- celebrate the valuable contributions and leadership of Canadians with disabilities;
- highlight the work of people, organizations and communities that are removing barriers; and
- reflect on ongoing efforts to make Canada more accessible and inclusive
Associated links
Contacts
For media enquiries, please contact:
Tara Beauport
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Disability Inclusion
tara.beauport@hrsdc-rhdcc.gc.ca
Media Relations Office
Employment and Social Development Canada
819-994-5559
media@hrsdc-rhdcc.gc.ca
This is on Govt of Canada website go to the link here
RED SHIRT DAY of Action for Accessibility and Inclusion WEDNESDAY, 31 MAY 2023
What is Red Shirt Day?
Red Shirt Day for AccessAbility and Inclusion is a day when people across Canada come together and wear red in schools, workplaces and spaces everywhere as a visual display of support and celebration of our friends with different abilities ❤️
Why are we encouraged to wear red?
- To show support for persons and families who are living with disabilities
- To celebrate the achievements of people living with disabilities
- To pledge commitment to help create a fully accessible and inclusive society that honours and values the contributions of people of all abilities in all aspects of life.
