Accessibility is the inclusive practice of designing environments, products, devices, or services so that they can be seamlessly used by people of all abilities. It removes physical, sensory, and cognitive barriers, ensuring equitable access and independence for everyone.
National AccessAbility Week (NAAW) runs from May 31 to June 6, 2026, under the theme “Building a Strong, Accessible Canada”.
As someone living with a brain injury and an acquired learning disability I have come to realize, over time, the importance of accessibility for all. But I have also learned that even with the best of intentions, it is not always easy to accomplish this task.
Working in the disability sector before I came on board with CAYR, my experiences taught me that the best way to making things accessible and barrier-free is being mindful and maintaining open communication. Being understanding that perfection is not always achievable and that there are differences with everyone. Just because we may think something has been made accessible for folks, it is not always the case. This is where focus groups and consulting with peers becomes as important as the action itself.
The word ‘Accessibility’ tends to be viewed as something like the word ‘Accommodation’, that it only applies to someone with a disability. And the word ‘disability’ comes with a stigma attached, an assumption of who that person is and/or what they can do. It is not just accessibility to a parking space, it is accessibility to:
- health care
- workspaces
- technology
The list can go on and include a lot, and it does not always need to be that difficult. Sometimes it may not even be achievable to do everything. But, as long as we communicate with one another, I think we can accomplish a lot. Things have also changed quite a bit; there is more of an understanding. But the importance of accessibility, and the importance of that understanding, is sometimes forgotten.
Like this year’s theme suggests, we need to be strong, and the best way to do that is by working together.
You can learn more here: https://www.rickhansen.com/NAAW
By Mark Koning
Mark is the Manager of Communications & Operations with CAYR COMMUNITY CONNECTIONS and Author of Challenging Barriers