Celebrate National AccessAbility Week

The City of Oshawa has proclaimed Sunday, May 28 through to Saturday, June 3 as National AccessAbility Week (N.A.A.W.) in Oshawa.

Celebrated annually, N.A.A.W.:

celebrates the valuable contributions and leadership of Canadians with disabilities;
highlights the work of people, organizations and communities that are removing barriers; and,
reflects on the ongoing efforts to become a better, more accessible and more inclusive Canada.

The City wishes to recognize the Oshawa Accessibility Advisory Committee (O.A.A.C.) for their hard work and dedication to raising awareness and making recommendations to improve accessibility in our community. The O.A.A.C. advises and assists the City in developing and facilitating strategies and actions towards a barrier free community with the goal of improving the quality of life for people of all abilities.

Earlier this month, Oshawa City Council approved the City’s 2023 - 2027 Accessibility Plan, which received input and endorsement from the O.A.A.C. Key priorities of the Plan include customer service, information and communication, employment, design of public space and the built environment.

To celebrate the valuable contributions made to accessibility in Oshawa and nationwide, the O.A.A.C.’s flag will be flying at City Hall. Community members are encouraged to:

Support the Easter Seals Canada “Red Shirt Day” initiative on Wednesday May 31. Mark the occasion: share a picture wearing your red shirt and tag us on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram using the hashtags #NAAW2023, #RedForAccessAbility and #OurOshawa.
Attend, webstream or participate in the Wednesday, May 31 Special Council Meeting where members of the public and City Council will discuss accessibility, diversity and inclusion.
Attend or webstream future O.A.A.C. meetings. View the Committee Meeting Calendar to save the date!
Start the conversation; ask yourself and others:
- How can I champion accessibility and inclusion in my everyday life?
- How can I be an ally to persons with disabilities?
- Take a moment to thank an individual or organization that makes accessibility and inclusion a reality in Oshawa!

Additional information about accessibility in Oshawa is available on the City’s Accessibility webpage.

For City of Oshawa updates, visit Oshawa.ca/NewsCentre to follow us on social media, subscribe to news and alerts, and have your say on Connect Oshawa.

Quotes

“The 2023 – 2027 Accessibility Plan outlines our continued commitment to identify, remove and prevent accessibility barriers in our community,” said Oshawa Mayor Dan Carter. “While we continue to make great strides, we can always improve to ensure that everyone can enjoy all that the great city of Oshawa has to offer.”

“An improved, barrier-free downtown and more accessible places both new and old in the City of Oshawa are attainable! But it requires people believing and committed to ensuring that no Oshawan with a disability is excluded or left to feel like a second class citizen,” said Councillor Rosemary McConkey, Council Representative, Oshawa Accessibility Advisory Committee. “The Oshawa Accessibility Advisory Committee volunteer members are working to encourage others to help bring the lens on accessibility into sharper focus and accomplish more together. It is the way to a better City.”

“Please join with the members of the Oshawa Accessibility Advisory Committee as we celebrate National AccessAbility Week,” said Steven Moenster, Chair, Oshawa Accessibility Advisory Committee. “We thank you all for strengthening our efforts to build an accessible and inclusive community!”