This annual event is an opportunity for Canadians to come together to celebrate the valuable contributions and leadership of Canadians with disabilities, highlight the work of individuals, organizations and communities who are removing barriers, and reflect on our ongoing efforts to become a better, more accessible, more disability inclusive Canada.
By participating in National AccessAbility Week, you will be helping to:
- Improve the understanding and knowledge of Canadians about accessibility and inclusion
- Reduce stigma and attitudinal barriers towards persons with disabilities.
- Share best practices and lessons learned related to NAAW activities within the disability community.
- Be seen as a supportive voice and advocate for Canadians with disabilities.
Celebrate AccessAbility across the ALCDSB!
Celebrate an AccessAbility Champion:
ALCDSB is looking for help with identifying and celebrating AccessAbility Champions in our Catholic Learning Communities.
An AccessAbility Champion is a student or staff member who goes above and beyond to create a more inclusive and accessible environment in their school or community.
There are lots of ways to be a champion. For example, your champion could be someone who:
- speaks up for fairness
- removes barriers
- encourages others to think about how to make activities, spaces, and communication more inclusive
AccessAbility Champions believe that everyone deserves equal opportunity to participate, learn and feel included!
The entry form closes Tuesday, June 10, 2025, at 4 p.m.
Submit your entry here: https://forms.office.com/pages/responsepage.aspx?id=eWrjBJpsTkKu9WekMhYEwTMoPpXbkrVFhN8dst_xcIxUQkZHMDA5Qkc5SFAxTzZUR1JSRDhXUDBJTC4u&route=shorturl
Spread the News!
Use the hashtag #ALCDSBNAAW in your social media posts to share what’s going on in your school community during National AccessAbility Week.
Be sure to tag the School Board:
@algonquin_lakeshore on Instagram
@ Algonquin Lakeshore Catholic District School Board on Facebook
Top participating classes will receive a PRIZE from Student Services!
National AccessAbility Week Schedule
Monday, May 26
Try a suggested activity from the ALCDSB AccessAbility Week Resource or explore the Inclusive Playground Project Education Package.
Tuesday, May 27
Read a book with your students about Disabilities, Accessibility, and Inclusion
10 Great Reads for Kids: https://easterseals.ca/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/Red-Shirt-Day-Resource-10-Recommended-Reads-for-Kids.pdf
Wednesday, May 28 - Red Shirt Day
Red Shirt Day, which takes place on the Wednesday of National AccessAbility Week each year, is an Easter Seals Ontario initiative and is celebrated across Canada as a day where people come together and wear red to create a visible display of solidarity.
Red Shirt Day:
Wear red!
- Make a Red Shirt Day Pledge to learn about issues related to disability, remove barriers, and make our schools, workplaces and communities accessible and inclusive for people of all abilities.
- Share a photo wearing red and/or with your pledge.
- Include the hashtags #ALCDSBNAAW, #RedShirtDay, #RedforAccessAbility
By wearing red, we show our support for disabled people and their families and celebrate the achievements of disabled Canadians.
Click here to print a pledge form.
Click here to print a support form.
Thursday, May 29
While classrooms across the ALCDSB are wrapping up AccessAbility Week activities, we encourage families to continue the conversation at home.
Follow teen parasport athletes compete in different events during Season 5 of TVO kid’s All-Round Champion series.
Watch FREE online:
Episode 1A - Track | All-Round Champion Season 5 | TVOKids.com
Or take in a TED Talk! View a top 10 list of insightful TED Talks about disabilities, accessibility, and inclusion here: PowerPoint Presentation
Additional Resources:
Celebrating National AccessAbility Week in Secondary Classrooms | Rick Hansen Foundation
Celebrating National AccessAbility Week in Elementary Classrooms | Rick Hansen Foundation