National AccessAbility Week 2023 and Celebrating Disability Inclusion 360 Recap
This year, National AccessAbility Week takes place from May 28 to June 3. The annual celebration aims to recognize the contributions of persons with disabilities in Canada, the work of allies, organizations, and communities that are removing barriers, and ongoing efforts to become a more accessible and inclusive Canada.
The 2023 theme for National AccessAbility Week is “Disability Inclusion: From Possibilities to Practice.” At HWDSB, this theme was on full display at the first-ever Celebrating Disability Inclusion 360 event that was held earlier this month.
On May 9, student and staff delegates from each secondary school visited Sir Allan MacNab Secondary School for a day of inclusion, disability pride, and allyship. In the true spirit of inclusion, Celebrating Disability Inclusion 360 brought together students with disabilities as well as allies from across HWDSB.
Students with disabilities included those who identify as disabled or a person with a disability, and those who do not identify as having a disability (or as disabled). Allies included students without a disability that engage in authentic reciprocal friendships with students that have disabilities, and work to amplify the voices of people with disabilities (disabled people).
Peggy Blair, Superintendent of Student Achievement, Specialized Services, kicked things off with a warm welcome before handing the microphone over to the day’s keynote speaker. Michael Jacques, a skilled public speaker and activist with autism and an intellectual disability, has wrote and self-published two books. Accompanied by his Executive Assistant/dad, Michael shared stories about being comfortable in your own skin, knowing your strengths, valuing relationships, and giving back to your community.
Once the speakers had finished, it was time for activities! Students had a wealth of options to choose from, including a 360-degree photo booth, arts and crafts, a gardening station, and so much more. Once lunch had wrapped up, students made their ways back to their schools with these lessons of inclusion in their minds and hearts.
Thank you to all the student attendees who helped make the debut Celebrating Disability Inclusion 360 event a success. It is also important to show appreciation for all the staff and volunteers who ensured the day was a special one for all involved.
As we look ahead to National AccessAbility Week 2023, “Disability Inclusion: From Possibilities to Practice” continues with Access Athletics this week at Nora Frances Henderson Secondary School. The event is designed to support access to athletics for HWDSB students with intellectual and/or neurodevelopmental disabilities.
Students will move through athletic events at their own pace while setting goals, developing skills, and enhancing physical development. Access Athletics seeks to provide competition and enjoyment for all HWDSB Student Athletes. Best of luck to all the elementary and secondary students who are participating in the events this week!
HWDSB would also like to recognize and celebrate the life of Rick Hoyt, a regular at the Boston Marathon who competed in more than a thousand road races using a wheelchair pushed by his father, as he passed away last week. His courage and determination have inspired so many people living with disabilities to adopt a “yes I can” attitude.
Happy National AccessAbility Week! Click the following links to learn more about Accessibility and Special Education at HWDSB.
Updated on Monday, May 29, 2023.