Latest news with #NationalAccessAbilityWeek
Hamilton Spectator
30-05-2025
- Business
- Hamilton Spectator
StopGap Ramp Project: Fort Erie businesses saluted for improving accessibility
As part of National AccessAbility Week, Fort Erie businesses and organizations that took steps to improve accessibility through the StopGap Ramp Project have been recognized by town council. Led by the municipality's accessibility advisory committee, the StopGap initiative provides temporary ramps to businesses with single entrance steps, removing a key barrier to people using wheelchairs, walkers, strollers or canes. 'The objective of the StopGap Ramp Project was to increase accessibility into existing businesses, to increase customer reach, to remove barriers for persons with disabilities,' committee chair Lori Brant told council Monday night. '(The project) is to expand opportunity to be involved and connected with other people and participate in community activities.' The program, launched as a pilot in Crystal Beach and Ridgeway in 2023, received 12 applications in its first year, with nine meeting requirements. In 2024, 10 of 12 applicants received ramps. 'That's pretty phenomenal,' said Brant. 'Businesses reached out and requested, so that's quite a big feat, I think, for the community.' As part of Fort Erie's 2024-29 accessibility plan, the committee had recommended council highlight positive accessibility progress in the community. 'This is a tremendous program,' said Mayor Wayne Redekop. 'It really opens up a lot of opportunities for people who otherwise would have to make plans and determine whether they can even get into some of these facilities.' The accessibility committee has since fielded interest from other municipalities. 'We've just had Niagara Falls and Niagara-on-the-Lake follow up with me in the past week wanting to know how we did it,' said Beverley Bradnam, Fort Erie's manager of community initiatives, adding 'they couldn't believe we had 19' businesses participating. Applications for the StopGap Ramp Project remain open, with a wait-list started for 2025-26. Information on the initiative and how to apply can be found on the town's website . Error! Sorry, there was an error processing your request. There was a problem with the recaptcha. Please try again. You may unsubscribe at any time. By signing up, you agree to our terms of use and privacy policy . This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google privacy policy and terms of service apply. Want more of the latest from us? Sign up for more at our newsletter page .
Yahoo
27-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Shine Foundation Opens the Market
Toronto, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - May 27, 2025) - Tiffany Houston, Chief Executive Officer, Shine Foundation ("Shine") and her team, joined Brady Wilson, Senior Account Manager, Equity Trading, TMX Group to open the market to honour the National AccessAbility Week. Cannot view this video? Visit: For 38 years, Shine Foundation has empowered young people ages 11-21 living with severe physical disabilities by fulfilling personalized Shine Dreams that help them see a brighter future. With close to 9,000 Dreams delivered across Canada, Dreams create opportunities for young people to build confidence, independence, and a sense of purpose. This National AccessAbility Week, Shine highlights the need for a more accessible and inclusive Canada so that people living with severe physical disabilities can chase their ambitions without barriers. Learn more at Shine was established in 1987 by a London, Ontario father as a legacy to his son who passed away from muscular dystrophy. He wanted young people like his son to be able to live their dreams. By 1990, the Foundation was delivering customized Dreams all across Canada. As Shine continues to grow and raise awareness in communities from coast to coast to coast, the next goal is to change a life every day by 2030! MEDIA CONTACT: Jennifer SteadManager, Marketing & x 228 To view the source version of this press release, please visit Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
CTV News
26-05-2025
- General
- CTV News
Accessibility flag raised at Essex County building to mark National AccessAbility Week
A locally designed accessibility flag was raised Monday at the Essex County administration building to mark the beginning of National AccessAbility Week. The flag features the word 'Accessibility' beneath a stylized figure in a wheelchair facing right, with seven chevrons pointing in the same direction — representing the county's seven local municipalities moving forward together on accessibility. 'We are raising this flag to raise awareness about the importance of inclusivity and accessibility in our region,' said Essex County Warden Hilda MacDonald, who is also mayor of Leamington. 'It acknowledges that we've made much progress but still have considerable work to do.' Accessibility flag Accessibility flag raising in Essex County, Ont., on Monday May 26, 2025. (Chris Campbell/CTV News Windsor) MacDonald praised the Essex County Accessibility Advisory Committee for its efforts, including the launch of the inaugural Accessibility Fest-for-All event last year in Colchester. The festival is returning this fall, on Sept. 12, at the Libro Centre in Amherstburg. 'Fest-for-All is an incredible event that brings accessibility advocates and organizations together in common cause,' MacDonald said. 'It's an opportunity to learn and inspire, and a chance to connect communities and champion inclusivity.' Dennis Sanson, chair of the accessibility committee, said the county wasn't just raising a flag Monday — but raising awareness. 'Any kind of visibility, any kind of public event — especially in the age of incessant media — it's an important part of what we do,' Sanson said. Flag raising Accessibility flag raising in Essex County, Ont., on Monday May 26, 2025. (Chris Campbell/CTV News Windsor) Sanson encouraged Essex-Windsor residents to take part in Red Shirt Day of Action for Accessibility and Inclusion on Wednesday by wearing red and sharing photos using the hashtags #RedShirtDay and #RedForAccessAbility. He noted the committee's ongoing work, particularly in the areas of barrier-free building and outdoor inclusion — from accessible trails to better fishing and hunting access for people with disabilities. 'There are still lots of opportunities to engage different parts of the community,' he said. 'It's been interesting to see more people come forward who want to help build those connections — especially in outdoor recreation.' Sanson said the flag-raising was also a chance to connect with the public, away from screens. 'It's an opportunity for people to come together and take time out of the work schedule. person to person, as opposed to of seeing something that's online,' he said. 'Every time we host something like this, I meet new potential partners.' Sanson explained, 'It's an opportunity for us to make accessibility more accessible.' Sanson gave the region's accessibility efforts a 'B+ and moving right along,' praising the work of his committee colleagues, including Vice-Chair Debbie Alexander, Kingsville Deputy Mayor Kimberly DeYong, Julie Miles, Rachel Jewell, Diana Kirkbride and Sherrie Currie. MacDonald said it's important municipalities recognize and act on the need for more inclusive communities — particularly as populations age and accessibility needs grow. 'We want everyone to feel that they're welcome and included,' she said. 'To be aware of barriers and to do something about them — I think it's incumbent on us.' MacDonald also acknowledged recent discussions around flag-raising policies in neighbouring Windsor. The city is reviewing its current process amid debate over which flags should be flown at city hall. 'In the Municipality of Leamington we've always had a policy where we've limited the flags to certain ones, and here at the county, same thing,' she said. 'We do upper levels of government, we do Indigenous flags, we do the Pride flag and we do the accessibility flag. Those decisions were made by administration. They were not political decisions, and I think that has served us well.' While flag policies vary across jurisdictions, MacDonald said consistency helps municipalities avoid controversy and remain focused on messages of unity. 'There's always that fear of not being inclusive, and yet sometimes certain flags create controversy in our community. So perhaps it's just best not to have too wide of a policy that you get into trouble.' The Accessibility Fest-for-All event is free for individuals, organizations and accessibility-minded businesses to attend or participate in. Those interested must fill out an online registration form by June 5 at
Cision Canada
26-05-2025
- Business
- Cision Canada
Statement by Minister Ali on National AccessAbility Week 2025 Français
OTTAWA, ON, May 26, 2025 /CNW/ - The Honourable Shafqat Ali, President of the Treasury Board, made the following statement today: "From May 25 to 31, National AccessAbility Week highlights the leadership, resilience, and contributions of persons with disabilities in Canada. It's also a reminder of the progress made, and the work still needed, to build a truly accessible and inclusive society, starting with how we design our workplaces, deliver programs and services, and support each other. This year marks a key milestone for accessibility in the Canadian public service. In 2019, the Office of Public Service Accessibility launched Nothing Without Us: An Accessibility Strategy for the Public Service of Canada, which committed to hire 5,000 new employees with disabilities by 2025. I am proud to share that we've exceeded this goal, welcoming nearly 7,000 public servants with disabilities. This achievement is supported by initiatives like the Government of Canada's Workplace Accessibility Passport, now adopted by over 60 departments, and the Lending Library Service, which ensures quick access to adaptive technologies. While these achievements are encouraging, accessibility remains an ongoing commitment. Inclusion must be embedded in how we recruit, support, and empower public servants. Guided by the lived experiences of persons with disabilities and through collaboration with advocates and experts, we are transforming the federal public service into a more inclusive, equitable and accessible workplace. National AccessAbility Week 2025 is both a celebration and a call to action. Together, we are building a public service where accessibility is more than a policy—it's a daily practice that empowers all Canadians to reach their full potential." Stay connected SOURCE Treasury Board of Canada Secretariat
CTV News
26-05-2025
- General
- CTV News
Redefining ability with Christen Roos
Christen Roos, TEDx Winnipeg speaker, shares her lived experience and why talking about disability matters during National AccessAbility Week.
