May 27th, 2024

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 NAAW for 2024 is “Forward Together: Accessibility and Inclusion for All”.

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
  • Developed over time

No person should experience discrimination or harassment because of:

  • Physical disabilities
  • Mental and learning disabilities
  • Neurodivergence
  • Hearing or vision disabilities
  • Epilepsy
  • Mental health
  • Addictions
  • Environmental sensitivities
  • Other disabilities

Get Involved during #NAAW2024

2024 Building Community: Advancing Anti-Ableism in Education Symposium

Join the WRDSB as we host our first-ever accessibility and anti-ableism symposium.

  • When: 9 to 10:30 a.m on Thursday, May 30
  • Where: Virtual Live Stream
  • Register for the Keynote Live Stream: In-person registration is sold out. Virtual registration for the morning keynote livestream only is ongoing

This inaugural event invites educators, community members, families and caregivers, students, and local leaders to come together. It’s an opportunity to learn more about ableism and how to dismantle it in education systems and throughout the community.

Life Made Accessible Series

Life Made Accessible is a virtual series about accessibility, hosted during National AccessAbility Week (NAAW). This year, there are two empowering webinars:

  • Dismantling Ableism in Community: Making Fun Accessible for All (May 28)
  • Dismantling Ableism in Health Care (May 29)

Learn more about Life Made Accessible.

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 they might not be heard. Listen to their podcast, Life Stories of Displacement, to hear from members of the Disabilities and Human Rights Group speak about their experiences with accessibility.

For more information about the DHR group, become a member, or to attend a meeting, please visit Disabilities and Human Rights | Social Development Centre Waterloo Region.

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

For help or to learn more about how to navigate the Hub, please email:

Participate in Red Shirt Day on May 29

Easter Seals Ontario encourages everyone to wear a red shirt on Wednesday, May 29 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

We invite you to share your thoughts and ideas about accessibility on social media using #NAAW2024 to join the conversation.

Be sure to tag @wr_dsb on Instagram so we can amplify your posts.

Categories: School News