Nova Scotia Access Awareness Week: May 25-31, 2025
Nova Scotia was the first province in Canada to champion Access Awareness Week as an extension of Rick Hansen’s 1987 Man in Motion World Tour. During this initiative Rick and his team wheeled through 34 countries raising awareness about the potential of people with disabilities and the possibility of creating accessible and inclusive communities.
For 37 years, Nova Scotians have organized community events, press conferences, forums, concerts and lectures during Access Awareness Week to bring attention to the importance of removing barriers for people with disabilities. Through public awareness, community partnerships education and dialogue, Access Awareness Week aims to foster an environment of equal participation for persons with disabilities. To learn more about events and initiatives happening across the province see the Nova Scotia League for Equal Opportunities and Reachability.
International Day of Persons with Disabilities
December 3rd marks the International Day of Persons with Disabilities proclaimed by the United Nations in 1992. It is a day to promote an understanding of disability issues and raise awareness on the importance of inclusion in all aspects of society. Accessibility for persons with disabilities is a human right in Nova Scotia and we are working towards removing and preventing barriers so that everyone has access to the same experiences and opportunities.
Join us to celebrate the International Day of Persons with Disabilities.
Ability to Rise: Celebrating Leaders In Disability Inclusion
Date: Tuesday, December 3, 2024
Time: 8:30 AM - 4:00 PM
Location: The Westin Nova Scotian (1181 Hollis St, Halifax, NS B3H 2P6)
Attendance options:
- In-Person ($125, includes breakfast and lunch). If the price of ticket is a barrier to attend the in-person event, email programs@nsleo.com.
- Virtual (Free)
The day will be an opportunity to listen to leaders in disability inclusion with a keynote speaker, Prasanna Ranganathan, a panel discussion on Neurodiversity in the Workplace, organizations presentations, awards, and a musical performance from Dee Dee Austin. Sighted guide (in-person only), ASL and CART services will be provided and this event will be livestreamed.
Go to bit.ly/AbilityToRise2024 to register for tickets to attend both in person and virtual.
Take the time to learn about the experiences of those with disabilities in Nova Scotia, work that is happening to improve accessibility, and reflect on our own personal responsibility to make the province a better place to live.
Light It Up! For NDEAM (National Disability Employment Awareness Month)
Light It Up! for NDEAM (National Disability Employment Awareness Month) is a national lighting event held the third Thursday of October, now in it's fifth year. This coast-to-coast collaboration illuminates the nation purple and blue for one night, spotlighting disability-inclusive employment. It’s much more than a special lighting event, be part of the national movement that ignites continuing conversation about disability inclusion in employment, in business and in our communities!
For more information check out the Light it Up! For NDEAM 2024 website. Participating is easy:
- Submit your location
- Watch and share the video ENGLISH | FRENCH to learn more about Light It Up! For NDEAM, and how to get involved.
- Start using the resources in the Light It Up! For NDEAM PR Kit.
- Spread the word ENGLISH | FRENCH — with posters
- Starting in September, use the event hashtags on social media: #LightItUpForNDEAM, #LightItUpForDEAM, #EngageTalent (English) #OnilluminelanuitpourleMNSEPSH, #OnilluminelanuitpourleMSEPSH, #Engagerlestalents (French)
