Celebrating National AccessAbility Week 2025: Building a Barrier-Free Canada
National AccessAbility Week (NAAW) 2025 occurs from May 25 to May 31, 2025. It’s a time for Canadians to celebrate the contributions of persons with disabilities while recommitting to creating a more inclusive and accessible society. It’s not just about awareness—it’s about action.
What Is National AccessAbility Week?
National AccessAbility Week began as an opportunity to promote inclusion and recognize the efforts made by individuals, communities, and organizations to remove barriers for people with disabilities. It’s rooted in the values of the Accessible Canada Act, which aims to make Canada barrier-free by 2040.
The week celebrates the leadership of persons with disabilities and the work of allies breaking down accessibility barriers in employment, communication, transportation, technology, and more.
The 2025 Theme: “Forward Together: Accessibility for All”
This year’s theme focuses on collective progress. “Forward Together: Accessibility for All” emphasizes collaboration between government, businesses, nonprofits, and community members to ensure that accessibility is part of everything we do. From inclusive hiring to accessible design, this theme is a call to action.
Why It Matters
1 in 5 Canadians aged 15 and over has a disability.- Barriers in transportation, communication, and infrastructure continue to limit opportunities.
- Accessibility benefits everyone—parents with strollers, seniors, people with temporary injuries, and more.
Creating an inclusive society is about more than compliance—dignity, autonomy, and equal opportunity.
💡Discover our accessible programs and services
Funding for Accessibility Projects
The Social Development Partnerships Program – Disability Component (SDPP-D) supports community-based projects during NAAW. Eligible organizations can apply for up to $200,000 over two years to increase awareness and reduce disability-related stigma.
Projects may include:
- Community events and educational campaigns
- Resources for employers to become more inclusive
- Peer-led workshops or mentorship for youth with disabilities
- ESS received a $47,500 Capital grant from OTF. This grant will enable ESS to install two permanent ramps and make other essential improvements at its community program building at 30 Rosemont Avenue. The project has improved accessibility for older adults and seniors participating in the programs being delivered at the space.
How You Can Get Involved
- Host or attend an accessibility event in your community.
- Share stories on social media about people or organizations making a difference.
- Make your workplace more inclusive by reviewing accessibility policies and practices.
- Partner with disability-led organizations to amplify their voices and leadership.
Whether you’re an employer, educator, policymaker, or neighbor, you have a role in shaping an inclusive Canada.
References
- Government of Canada – National AccessAbility Week:
https://www.canada.ca/en/employment-social-development/campaigns/national-accessability-week.html - Accessible Canada Act Overview:
https://www.canada.ca/en/employment-social-development/programs/accessible-canada.html - Funding for NAAW Projects (SDPP-D):
https://www.canada.ca/en/employment-social-development/services/funding/accessible-grants-accessability-week.html
Author
Shiroman is a dedicated Marketing and Communications Specialist at ESS Support Services. He is driven by a passion for the non-profit sector and enhancing the well-being of seniors. With a strong commitment to community service, he uses his expertise to make meaningful contributions that support aging with dignity and joy. Through his work, Shiroman shares valuable insights, resources, and research to empower seniors and those who care for them. Outside his professional endeavors, he enjoys diving into self-help books, weightlifting, and discovering the city’s hidden gems.