Nova Scotia Access Awareness Week: May 26-June 2, 2024
Within Nova Scotia and nationally this week is recognized to celebrate the successes of persons with disabilities and to raise awareness about accessibility and disability issues. The events and initiatives hosted during Access Awareness Week are informed by first voice using a disability lens to ensure inclusion for everyone.
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 equal access for persons with disabilities 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.
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.