May 30th, 2022

The Waterloo Region District School Board (WRDSB) prioritizes accessibility in all that we do. This week is National AccessAbility Week (NAAW) in Canada and this year’s NAAW theme is “Inclusive From The Start.” The NAAW is a time to:

  • Celebrate the contributions of people with disabilities
  • Raise awareness of the critical need for accessibility and inclusion for all

According to the Ontario Human Rights Code, “disability” covers a broad range and degree of conditions. Some visible and some not visible. A disability may have been present from birth, caused by an accident, or developed over time.

No person should experience discrimination or harassment because of their:

  • Physical disabilities
  • Mental disabilities
  • Learning disabilities
  • Neurodiversity
  • Hearing or vision abilities
  • Epilepsy
  • Mental health
  • Addictions
  • Environmental sensitivities
  • Other disabilities

Look out for a story on our website during #NAAW2022 highlighting some of the efforts being made to celebrate, include and raise awareness of people with disabilities at schools across Waterloo Region.

Advancing Anti-Ableism Awareness

What is Ableism?

Ableism is discrimination towards someone based on their abilities. It often favours those who do not have a disability and sees less value in those who do.

The Ontario Human Rights Commission’s Policy on ableism and discrimination based on disability describes ableism as:

“a belief system that sees persons with disabilities as being less worthy of respect and consideration, less able to contribute and participate, or of less inherent value than others”.

Ableism can be conscious or unconscious actions, words, behaviours, and access issues which:

  • Limit the opportunities of persons with disabilities
  • Reduce their inclusion in the life of their communities

You can see our ongoing commitment to accessibility in the WRDSB Accessibility Plan 2021-2026.

Get Involved during #NAAW2022

Join the Conversation on Social Media

Share your thoughts and ideas about accessibility on social media using #NAAW2022 to join the conversation. Be sure to tag @WRDSB on Twitter and Facebook, and @WR_DSB on Instagram so we can amplify your posts.