Every year, starting on the last Sunday in May, Canadians celebrate National AccessAbility Week (NAAW). Founded as ‘National Access Awareness Week’ in 1988 and inspired by Rick Hansen’s Man In Motion World Tour, this week is an opportunity to celebrate Canadians with disabilities and raise awareness of the critical need for accessibility and inclusion for all in our communities and workplaces.
Scroll down to discover the many ways to join the celebrations for #NAAW from May 28th to June 3rd, 2023.
Participate in our #NAAWChallenge
Do you know a person with a disability who...
Advocates for themselves or others
Points out the barriers they encounter
Calls out non-inclusive language
Shares their story or experiences
Join us in celebrating them!
This year for National AccessAbility Week, we're challenging all Canadians to celebrate people with disabilities for their leadership, impact and voice. Make a video or post about how that person is making an impact – it could be a neighbour, friend, celebrity or Instagram creator. Challenge that person to do the same, and make sure you use the #NAAWChallenge hashtag to join the chain of recognition!
Watch Rick's video on Instagram and follow the challenge hashtag here!
More Ways to Recognize #NAAW:
Watch the Recap of 'The Power of an Inclusive Mindset'
To conclude National AccessAbility Week, the Rick Hansen Foundation hosted a free virtual event on the importance of challenging perceptions of disability and removing attitudinal barriers.
Celebrating National AccessAbility Week in Elementary Classrooms
For educators: spark conversations about disability inclusion! Explore lessons, announcements and presentations from the Rick Hansen Foundation School Program for youth in grades K-8.
Celebrating National AccessAbility Week in Secondary Classrooms
For educators: spark conversations about disability inclusion! Explore lessons, announcements and presentations from the Rick Hansen Foundation School Program for youth in grades 9-12.
Fly a National AccessAbility Week Flag
We've created a flag which you can use at your school, workplace, NAAW event, or online! Download it for free below, and we would love to see how you use it. Tag @rickhansenfdn in any pictures you share on social media, or email us for a chance to be featured in our blog or newsletter.
Join the Conversation
All week long, we’ll be sharing stories, news and exciting announcements about people, organizations and places who are making a difference for people with disabilities. Follow along on our Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn and Instagram channels to stay in the loop!
We will finish the week by announcing this year’s RHF School Program Difference Maker of the Year Award winners – youth, community leaders and educators across the country who are improving access and inclusion for people with disabilities.
Learn more about Universal Design
We've created these free universal design guidelines to help your location become more accessible.
Donate to Build a More Accessible Future
In honour of National AccessAbility Week, make a gift to the Rick Hansen Foundation. It’s time everyone, everywhere is included in society.
