City to recognize, participate in National Accessibility Awareness Week

NEWS RELEASE
CITY OF CAMBRIDGE
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The City of Cambridge is proud to recognize and celebrate National Accessibility Awareness Week (NAAW) from May 26 to June 1, 2024. This year’s theme is “Forward Together: Accessibility and Inclusion for All,” which aims to highlight the inclusive practices found within communities and workplaces across the country.

“Accessibility is a fundamental right and a key component of an inclusive society,” said Cambridge Mayor Jan Liggett. “During National Accessibility Awareness Week, we reaffirm our dedication to making Cambridge a city where everyone can thrive and strive to do better. We celebrate the achievements of individuals with disabilities and renew our commitment to continuing our work to eliminate barriers and promote accessibility in all areas of our community.”

Since its launch in 2017, NAAW has been observed annually starting the last Sunday in May. This year’s week-long celebrations will honour the contributions of Canadians living with disabilities and provide a time for reflection on the challenges and ongoing efforts toward creating inclusive communities.

The City encourages the community to help kick-off NAAW 2024 at a free event on May 25 hosted by the Cambridge Accessibility Advisory Committee at Civic Square, Cambridge City Hall. Attendees will have the opportunity to meet with local organizations and learn more about the various programs and services they provide. In partnership with municipalities and organizations across the region, a free webinar series will also be available from May 28 to 30.

One of the goals of the City’s Strategic Plan -  Cambridge Connected includes a focus on creating a community where everyone feels a sense of belonging and receives fair treatment. It also strives to provide accessible, diverse, and inclusive services, programs, and infrastructure that cater to people of all ages and abilities.

Quick facts

• As of 2022, over eight (8) million Canadians aged 15 and above have at least one disability, marking a 4.7 per cent increase since 2017. The aging population has contributed to this rise in disability rates, which are expected to continue increasing as the population ages.
• The City of Cambridge upholds the principles of the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA). We are dedicated to ensuring our processes are as accessible as possible and providing necessary accommodations for all individuals. The 2023 AODA Compliance Report shows the many ways that the City is working hard to eliminate barriers experienced by people living with a disability.
• The City of Cambridge is committed to providing accessible facilities, programs, and services. The Facility Accessibility Design Standards (FADS) were developed to support this commitment, offering a detailed approach to designing barrier-free facilities. FADS aims for an inclusive, user-friendly built environment through thoughtful design, and material selection, and it reconciles legislative changes concerning accessibility under the Ontario Building Code and the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA).

For more information on NAAW 2024 and how to participate, please visit: www.cambridge.ca/accessibility

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