Oshawa Celebrates National AccessAbility Week

The City of Oshawa has proclaimed Sunday, May 26 through to Saturday, June 1 as National AccessAbility Awareness Week (N.A.A.W.) in Oshawa.

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

• applauds 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.

Oshawa’s 2023 - 2027 Accessibility Plan identifies key priorities for the removal and prevention of barriers in customer service, information and communication, employment, design of public space and the built environment.

As part of the City’s commitment to developing an inclusive and welcoming community, the City of Oshawa has partnered with StopGap Foundation to offer a 2024 ramp pilot project to remove single step entrance barriers to businesses in Oshawa. Learn more at oshawa.ca/1stepramp.

The City recognizes the Oshawa Accessibility Advisory Committee (O.A.A.C.) for their 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.

To acknowledge 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:

• Attend, webstream or participate in the Tuesday, May 28 Special Council Meeting where members of the public and City Council will discuss accessibility, diversity and inclusion.
• Support the Easter Seals Canada Red Shirt Day” initiative on Wednesday May 29. Mark the occasion: share a picture wearing your red shirt and tag us on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram using the hashtags #NAAW2024, #RedForAccessAbility and #OurOshawa.
• 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 City is committed to identifying, removing and preventing accessibility barriers in our community,” said Oshawa Mayor Dan Carter. “We continue to make great strides by implementing actions outlined in our 20223- 2027 Accessibility Plan, enabling everyone to enjoy all that the great City of Oshawa has to offer.”

“The City continues to look for advancement opportunities to make accessibility achievable,” said Councillor Derek Giberson, Chair, Corporate and Finance Services Committee. “StopGap is an example of some of the innovative ways we are working to bring accessibility options to our businesses and community members.”

“Oshawa’s collaboration with the Stop Gap Foundation for 10 free ramps really is something to celebrate this spring. Consider how many positive outcomes there are for the City becoming more barrier-free!” said Councillor Rosemary McConkey, Council Representative, Oshawa Accessible Advisory Committee. “The Oshawa Accessibility Advisory Committee Working Group’s dedicated volunteers are very excited by the number of business owners immediately embracing this program to make entry to their premises more accessible.”

“We invite you to join the members of the O.A.A.C. as we celebrate National AcessAbility Week,” said Dot McFarlane, Chair, Oshawa Accessibility Advisory Committee. “Thank you for supporting our efforts to shape an accessible community!”