Surrey Schools recognizes National AccessAbility Week

This week is National AccessAbility Week (NAAW), and the district is using this time to recognize the valuable contributions and leadership of Canadians with disabilities.

Founded in 1988 as National Access Awareness Week, the annual celebration was inspired by Rick Hansen’s Man in Motion World Tour, in which the Paralympic athlete travelled more than 40,000 kilometres by wheelchair through 36 countries over 26 months. The week is an opportunity to raise awareness about issues around accessibility and inclusion, and highlight the work of individuals, organizations and communities to remove barriers.

In addition to celebrating NAAW, Surrey Schools is actively working to identify, prevent and remove barriers for students and adults with disabilities in our schools, our facilities and for those interacting with our district.

Earlier this year, Surrey Schools proudly put its first three-year accessibility plan into place and launched two accessibility surveys seeking feedback on the plan and potential barriers to accessibility at schools and district buildings. The plan follows the B.C. government’s introduction of the Accessible British Columbia Act in 2022, a provincial effort to support and further raise awareness for persons with disabilities to meaningfully participate in their communities.

The district also makes efforts throughout the year to recognize other accessibility awareness and acceptance observances such as the International Day of Persons with Disabilities, World Autism Awareness Day and World Autism Month.

This year, elementary and secondary students were also invited to design posters for the district’s accessibility poster contest for NAAW, highlighting inclusive and caring practices in our schools and communities related to accessibility and inclusion. Dozens of entries were received, with elementary and secondary winners selected to have their posters featured in schools and departments across the district.

NAAW opened with the third annual Canadian Congress on Disability Inclusion by Employment and Social Development Canada, a virtual, interactive and accessible chance for persons with disabilities, organizations, employers, innovators and thought leaders to share insights to help shape accessible and inclusive communities and workplaces.

The Rick Hansen Foundation is also offering ways to recognize NAAW, including:

• Attending ‘The Power of Mind-Friendly Communities’ free virtual event on May 27 at 10 a.m. (register here)
• Celebrating NAAW in a school program webinar on May 28 at 10 a.m. (register here)
• Fly a NAAW Flag (download here)

For more information on National AccessAbility Week, click here.

AccessAbility Poster Contest Finalists

Elementary Winners

Secondary Winners