Oshawa proclaims May 30 to June 5 AccessAbility Awareness Week
The City of Oshawa has proclaimed Sunday, May 30 through to Saturday, June 5 as National AccessAbility Awareness Week (N.A.A.W.) in Oshawa.
N.A.A.W. is celebrated annually during the last week in May and is a time when accessibility and inclusion are promoted in communities and workplaces.
During this week, the City joins in celebrating the contributions of Canadians who are actively removing barriers and ensuring that programs and services are provided to people with disabilities in a manner that promotes integration, independence, dignity and equal opportunity.
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 toward developing and maintaining a barrier free community with the goal of improving the quality of life for people with disabilities.
To mark this week and in keeping with the continued need for physical distancing, the Oshawa Accessibility Advisory Committee’s flag will be flying at City Hall and everyone is encouraged to:
- Support the Easter Seals Canada initiative “Red Shirt Day” on Wednesday June 2. Wear your red shirt and show your support for accessibility and inclusion.
- Take a picture in red and tag us on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram using the hashtags #RedForAccessAbility, #AccessForAll and #OurOshawa.
- Discuss accessibility and inclusion with family, friends and colleagues. Follow the City’s @OshawaCity Facebookand Twitter accounts to learn more.
For more information about the Oshawa Accessibility Advisory Committee and how the City of Oshawa is celebrating National AccessAbility Week visit www.oshawa.ca/naaw.
Information about accessibility in Oshawa is available on the City’s Accessibility webpage.
For updates on the City of Oshawa, visit www.oshawa.ca and sign up for news, alerts and e-newsletters. Stay connected with us on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, YouTube and Connect Oshawa.
Quotes:
“Access for all is more important than ever, as the pandemic has had a disproportionate impact on persons with disabilities. Removing barriers for people with disabilities is both a social responsibility and genuinely in the public interest. Communities are stronger and more vibrant when the built environment is barrier free and services provided are fair to all. Everyone can make sure this fairness is not absent, but is truly embraced where they live. During National AccessAbility Week a big thank you shout-out to all who volunteer on the Oshawa Accessibility Advisory Committee (OAAC) and champion accessibility! City businesses, residents and visitors benefit from the sincere interest and efforts of OAAC members in promoting continuous accessibility improvements in Oshawa, said Councillor Rosemary McConkey, Council Representative, Oshawa Accessibility Advisory Committee.”
“There must be accessibility for all…for without it, we can't move forward as a City”, said Steven Moenster, Chair, Oshawa Accessibility Advisory Committee.