National Accessibility Week from May 28 to June 3, 2023.

Selfadvocatenet.ca is in support of National Accessibility Week  from May 28th to June 3,2023

San will highlight what has been improved regarding Accessibility for those with disabilities we find info where find good accessible info for your needs to be met

 

First is what is National Accessibility Week

Transcript

Title: Minister Qualtrough Launches National AccessAbility Week 2023

[A sequence of videos appears on the screen while upbeat music plays. The sequence includes: a close up of 2 people holding hands at the beach, one of whom is in a wheelchair; a person using a braille typewriter; a person with a prosthetic arm writing on a notepad.] [The Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Disability Inclusion, Carla Qualtrough, appears on screen and begins to speak.]

Happy National AccessAbility Week everyone! From May 28 to June 3, 2023, we celebrate the contributions of the over 6.2 million Canadians who have a disability. There will be celebrations in communities and workplaces across Canada during this important week. Celebrations that will spotlight the individuals, organizations, and communities who are working to make Canada more inclusive.

[Another sequence of videos appears as the Minister continues speaking. The sequence includes: a group of children with disabilities sitting on the floor of a classroom; several people at a park, including one person in a wheelchair; a person with a disability using an electronic tablet, while another person smiles and watches; a person in a wheelchair strumming a guitar; a person with a visual impairment walking along a street; a group of persons with invisible disabilities and a person in a wheelchair gathered in an office and looking at the camera.]

I challenge you to imagine a Canada where no one is left out. Where disability and diversity is sought out and celebrated, and the needs of everyone are considered from the beginning. A Canada where we are disability inclusive from the start. That’s the Canada we deserve. That’s the Canada we are creating – for everyone.

[The Minister comes back on screen and continues her speech.]

In the spirit of “Nothing Without Us,” we’re working with the disability community to make this a reality. Last year’s celebration was an incredible success and we’ve made so much progress in the last 12 months. So we’re building on it, with this year’s theme, “Disability Inclusion: From Possibilities to Practice.”

[Another sequence of videos appears as the Minister continues speaking. The sequence includes: a pair of children communicating using sign language; a person at a running track pulling their pant leg over their prosthetic leg; a person sitting in a wheelchair and painting.]

In October, our Government released Canada’s first-ever Disability Inclusion Action Plan. It is a blueprint for change organized under 4 pillars:

[Text that reads “Disability Inclusion Action Plan” appears on the screen. The 4 pillars appear on the screen as the Minister reads them off.]

Financial security; employment; accessible and Inclusive Communities; and a modern approach to disability.

[A video appears of a person supporting a smiling young child with a disability and helping them to walk.] [The Minister comes back on screen and continues her speech.]

Under the pillar of financial security, we are creating the Canada Disability Benefit. Legislation is currently before our Parliament to create this monthly income supplement for working-age persons with disabilities in Canada.

[Another sequence of videos appears as the Minister continues speaking. The sequence includes: a person with a disability speaking to a co-worker and placing a hand on the co-worker’s shoulder, laughing together, before the person with a disability walks away; a person in a wheelchair moving through a kitchen; a person with a visual impairment being assisted by another person to read a braille book.]

This benefit has the potential to lift hundreds of thousands of people out of poverty. I look forward to seeing it pass through Parliament as soon as possible.

[The Minister comes back on screen and continues her speech. As she speaks, another sequence of videos appears. The sequence includes: a person with a prosthetic arm sitting at a desk and reading documents; a person with a disability showing their co-worker something on their phone; a person in a wheelchair in an office, speaking to a co-worker; a person with a prosthetic leg standing in a workshop, looking at the camera; a person with a disability working behind the counter of a coffee shop, serving a customer, a person with a visual impairment reading a braille book; a person using a laptop and putting on a pair of color-blind glasses.]

We also created the Disability Inclusion Business Council. Where government and the private sector are working together to make Canada’s workplaces disability inclusive, so persons with disabilities can bring our lived experience and expertise to the table. Stay tuned throughout the week for more news about how we’re investing to help persons with disabilities reach their full potential. This progress is only possible because of the disability community, who have, for generations, called for action to support the financial security of persons with disabilities.

[The Minister comes back on screen and continues her speech.]

What you’ve fought for, and achieved, matters. You’re who this week is really about. Thank you for making Canada more inclusive, and more vibrant thanks to your lived experience. Our strength lies in the diversity of our people – all of us. Happy National AccessAbility Week, Canada!

[A final sequence of videos appears on the screen. The sequence includes: a close up of a person with a prosthetic arm holding hands with another person; a child with a disability using a tablet while another person watches; a person working in a manufacturing plant; a pair of children communicating using sign language; a close up of a person with a prosthetic leg as they run; a person in a wheelchair strumming a guitar; a person in a wheelchair holding hands with another person, at the beach.] [Text appears on the screen, reading: Join the conversation #NAAW2023] [The final screen has the Canada wordmark with the animated waving flag.]

 

Government of Canada invests in projects to increase workplace inclusion and connect persons with disabilities with good jobs 

“Persons with disabilities are innovative, creative and hardworking. Yet, we are drastically underrepresented in the job market. The Opportunities Fund helps create disability-inclusive workplaces and connects the disability community with the skills training and mentorship needed to succeed in the job market.”

– Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Disability Inclusion, Carla Qualtrough

“The Opportunities Fund for Persons with Disabilities will provide the John Howard Society with the ability to serve our community through our Voyager Employment Program. This program will benefit persons who are diagnosed or have self-identified disabilities. We will have programming that will prepare people to find and maintain meaningful employment with hands-on support. Our goal is to increase their skills and capacities, and support employers through education and advocacy.”

– Director of Programs, John Howard Society of Victoria, Kayla Grosfield

• According to the 2017 Canadian Survey on Disability, the employment rates of persons with disabilities are much lower than those of Canadians without disabilities —59 per cent versus 80 per cent.
• In Budget 2022, the Government of Canada committed $272.6 million over five years to support the implementation of an Employment Strategy for Canadians with Disabilities through the Opportunities Fund.
• National AccessAbility Week (NAAW) is taking place from May 28 to June 3, 2023. A nationwide week of recognition, NAAW celebrates the many social, economic, cultural and political achievements of persons with disabilities. The theme for this year is: “Disability inclusion: from possibilities to practice”.

Related products

• Backgrounder – Organizations funded under the 2022 Opportunities Fund for persons with disabilities

Associated links

• National AccessAbility Week
• Major call for proposals launched to connect persons with disabilities with good jobs
• Opportunities Fund for Persons with Disabilities

For media inquiries, please contact:

Tara Beauport
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Disability Inclusion
343-576-1628
tara.beauport@hrsdc-rhdcc.gc.ca

Media Relations Office
Employment and Social Development Canada
819-994-5559
media@hrsdc-rhdcc.gc.ca
Follow us on Twitter

This is on Govt of Canada website go to the link here

 

The government of Canada invests in skills training and career advancements for persons with disabilities 

News Release

“Creating a disability-inclusive Canada means making sure employers have the tools they need to hire and develop persons with disabilities in their careers. We’re making sure that happens, while also equipping people with the skills they will need to succeed, and thrive in the workplace.”

– Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Disability Inclusion, Carla Qualtrough

“Persons with disabilities deserve good-paying jobs and a decent quality of life, as do all people in our society. If we are able to remove barriers at the learning and training stages, it would benefit employment. Skills Quest 4 Success is hosted on a gamified learning management system. This system allows us to level the playing field by using quest-based learning, an instructional design theory that leverages game mechanics to support student engagement and motivation. Quests are a great way to scaffold participant learning, breaking down learning into small chunks, and supporting students as they move from basic to more complex concepts. When we help ensure Persons with Disabilities have the skills necessary to fill job vacancies, we are providing them with the opportunity to contribute, become more self-sufficient and ultimately make a difference in Canada.”

– Deborah Bromley, CEO of ETHOS Career Management Group

• According to the 2017 Canadian Survey on Disability, the employment rates of persons with disabilities (59%) are much lower than those of Canadians without disabilities (80%).
• Projects funded by the Skills for Success program will contribute to an estimated 90,000 skills training opportunities, helping the Government deliver on its commitment to create 500,000 new training and work opportunities for Canadians.
• The Opportunities Fund helps persons with disabilities to overcome barriers through finding and keeping good jobs. It also helps employers hire and retain employees with disabilities. To support the implementation of an employment strategy for Canadians with disabilities through the Opportunities Fund, the Government of Canada committed $272.6 million over five years in Budget 2022.
• Currently, 45% of Canadians lack the literacy, numeracy and digital skills that are increasingly necessary to succeed in jobs in the knowledge economy. It is estimated that a 1% increase in average literacy rates in Canada, over time, would contribute to an increase in the gross domestic product (GDP) of up to 3% and an increase in productivity of up to 5%. Investments in women and individuals with the lowest literacy levels would have the greatest effect on growth.
• National AccessAbility Week is taking place from May 28 to June 3, 2023. A nationwide week of recognition, National AccessAbility Week marks the many social, economic, cultural and political achievements of persons with disabilities. The theme for this year is “Disability Inclusion: From Possibilities to Practice.”

Related products

• Backgrounder – List of Skills for Success projects

Associated links

• Skills for Success
• Opportunities Fund
• National AccessAbility Week
• Accessible Canada Facebook
• Employment and Social Development Canada on Facebook

For media inquiries, please contact:

Tara Beauport
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Disability Inclusion
tara.beauport@hrsdc-rhdcc.gc.ca
343-576-1628

Media Relations Office
Employment and Social Development Canada
819-994-5559
media@hrsdc-rhdcc.gc.ca

This is on Govt of Canada website go to the link here

The government of Canada invests in over 900 projects to increase accessibility and inclusion in Canadian communities

“Making sure persons with disabilities are able to participate in all aspects of their communities is a critical component of Canada’s Disability Inclusion Action Plan. By helping organizations across Canada make their buildings more accessible through the Enabling Accessibility Fund, we’re removing barriers to participation that often go overlooked.”

– Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Disability Inclusion, Carla Qualtrough

“The reconfiguration of 55 rue Marengère to an adapted residence for persons with disabilities is an excellent example of what the Enabling Accessibility Fund can do for our communities. Once completed, the initiative will allow Gatineau residents with disabilities to stay within their communities, where their families and loved ones are, and maintain their daily routine. I am particularly proud to see our community organizations join forces, with the support of the Government of Canada, to improve accessibility and the inclusion of persons with disabilities across the Outaouais.”

– Steven MacKinnon, Member of Parliament for Gatineau

• The 2017 Canada Survey on Disability found that one in five Canadians aged 15 and over—or about 6.2 million persons—report as having a disability.
• The Enabling Accessibility Fund (EAF) is a federal grants and contributions program that supports infrastructure projects across Canada that improve the accessibility, safety and inclusion of persons with disabilities in communities and the labour market. Over 7,200 projects have been funded under the EAF since its launch in 2007, helping thousands of Canadians gain access to programs, services and employment opportunities in their communities.
• Through Budget 2021, the Government of Canada committed up to $100 million over two years, starting in 2021-22, to increase funding for the EAF to help make communities and workplaces more accessible for persons with disabilities by reducing barriers to employment, activities, and programs.
• National AccessAbility Week (NAAW) 2023 takes place from May 28th to June 3rd, and is a nationwide week of recognition, celebrating the many social, economic, cultural and political achievements of persons with disabilities. The theme for NAAW 2023 is: “Disability inclusion: from possibilities to practice”.

Related products

• Backgrounder – Organizations funded under the 2022 Enabling Accessibility Fund small projects component

Associated links

• National AccessAbility Week
• Enabling Accessibility Fund
• Call for proposals launched to increase disability inclusion and accessibility in communities, workplaces and early learning and child care facilities
• Disability Inclusion Action Plan

For media inquiries, please contact:

Tara Beauport
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Disability Inclusion
343-576-1628
tara.beauport@hrsdc-rhdcc.gc.ca

Media Relations Office
Employment and Social Development Canada
819-994-5559
media@hrsdc-rhdcc.gc.ca
Follow us on Twitter

This is on Govt of Canada website go to the link here

National AccessAbility Week: Workshop inspires in Terrace BC

 

In a lot of cases, people who have developmental disabilities are told what they need, rather than being able to share what they want. Changing this was the reason behind a recent workshop in Terrace, organized and lead by people with similar lived experience.

One of the ways we celebrate National AccessAbility Week is by sharing the work of organizations that are removing barriers for people with disabilities. We spoke with some people from Empowering Self Advocates To Take Action (ESATTA) who recently hosted the Terrace event.

What started as a group of people who wanted to be their own bosses, run a business, and help people take control of their lives, became Empowering Self Advocates To Take Action – or ESATTA Co-op. ESATTA now has a team of eight who run a range of workshops for people with developmental disabilities and their support networks. These include self-esteem workshops, grief workshops, breaking down barriers workshops, and People Planning Together.

The ESATTA team is trained to facilitate People Planning Together Workshops. The two-day workshop is led by and for people with developmental disabilities who are interested in taking a leadership role in planning a life they desire. Attendees learn to dream about and plan for their futures alongside their peers. Facilitators get paid to lead and make a difference in their communities.

ESATTA recently held a People Planning Together Workshop in Terrace, B.C. The northern region of B.C. hadn’t had an event like this one in over two decades, so the attendees were eager to learn and connect. The workshop hosted 29 people, including 20 self-advocates and nine support workers. ESATTA made every effort to bring people together for this event. They partnered with the local self-advocacy society to sponsor hotel rooms for people from the nearby Indigenous Nation so they wouldn’t have to travel four hours for each day of the workshop. This allowed three Gitxsan participants to attend the event.

Ryan Groth, an ESATTA leaders and co-founder, shared that this type of event is pivotal for people.

“For a lot of people,” Ryan says, “it’s a turning point from people telling them what they need, to them telling people what they want.”

Ryan went through the program himself and found that it was empowering to be lead by people with a similar lived experience as him.

At the end of the workshop, participants leave with a plan that reflects their desires. They can use the plan to ask for services and supports for themselves. The goal is for people to walk away from the workshop with a better understanding of who they are and what they want.

This type of work is made possible through Community Living BC’s grant program. CLBC grants fund organizations that are working to promote community inclusion. James White is a founding co-op member. He wanted to start ESATTA to remind people that everyone deserves to have a say in their lives.

“We still have to keep reminding people that everybody is equal,” James says, “and that is an ongoing battle.”

If you are interested in hosting a workshop, or want to learn more, visit ESATTA’s Facebook page here.

 

 

National Accessibility Week is from May 28 to June 3

 

Employers Lead the Way with New Inclusive Economy

Powell River Friday, May 26, 2023, 8:30 AM

In time for National AccessAbility Week, business owners throughout the province can access information about becoming more inclusive in their workplaces through the New Inclusive Economy project.

Inclusion Powell River is leading a provincewide effort to raise awareness about accessibility in the workplace and inviting B.C. employers to become more inclusive and equitable. Inclusive hiring supports Accessibility 2024, the provincial government’s vision of becoming the most accessible province in Canada for people with disabilities, including having the highest labour-participation rate.

“The business community in B.C. will be able to hear directly from employers who are implementing disability inclusion in the workplace,” said Selina Robinson, Minister of Post-Secondary Education and Future Skills. “They will have the opportunity to hear how disability inclusion enriches the workplace and creates excellent employees.”

Throughout June 2023, employers can attend free in-person workshops in a business-to-business roadshow hosted in 10 communities to learn about becoming more inclusive. Workshops will be held in Surrey, Vancouver, Prince George, Smithers, Terrace, Kelowna, Cranbrook, Fort St. John, Victoria and Powell River.

“People with disabilities deserve good job opportunities,” said Sheila Malcolmson, Minister of Social Development and Poverty Reduction. “Helping employers remove barriers to the workplace means more people with disabilities can work and participate in their communities.”

The Province, through the Sector Labour Market Partnerships program, is providing more than $803,000 to Inclusion Powell River to engage with businesses to expand accessibility in the workplace and to deliver a research report.

Self-employed people, employers in B.C. and people who identify as having a disability are all welcome to participate in their community’s events. The New Inclusive Economy project provides support to anyone who needs it to attend project events. People are encouraged to pre-register so that facilitators can provide accessibility accommodation.

“Most inclusive employment projects focus on people with disabilities gaining new skills and being ready for employment, which we fully support, but often we do not consider employers and what role they play in creating and maintaining disability-inclusive work,” said Corinna Curtis, CEO, Inclusion Powell River. “This project is about exploring with employers what they may be able to alter in their current practices to engage a more diverse workforce and discovering what supports are needed to make that happen.”

The provincial government, with funding through the Canada-BC Labour Market Development Agreement, invests $6 million annually to support industry-led projects under the Sector Labour Market Partnerships program, which supports workforce development and ensures all British Columbians, especially vulnerable and under-represented groups, have access to inclusive and equitable workforce opportunities.

Learn More:

To learn about the New Inclusive Economy Business-to-Business Roadshow, visit: https://newinclusiveeconomy.ca/contact-us/rsvp

This is on the BC Govt website go to the link here

 

The government of Canada invests in projects to increase accessibility and inclusion in Canadian communities and workplaces 

 “It is essential we continue the work of creating a Canada where no one is left behind. Through the Enabling Accessibility Fund, we’re making safer, more accessible communities and workplaces. These spaces give persons with disabilities access to more opportunities to fully participate in society.”

– Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Disability Inclusion, Carla Qualtrough

• The 2017 Canada Survey on Disability found that one in five Canadians aged 15 and over—or about 6.2 million persons—report as having a disability.
• The Enabling Accessibility Fund (EAF) is a federal grants and contributions program that supports infrastructure projects across Canada that improve the accessibility, safety, and inclusion of persons with disabilities in communities and the labour market. Over 7,200 projects have been funded under the EAF since its launch in 2007, helping thousands of Canadians gain access to programs, services and employment opportunities in their communities.
• Today, over $8.8 million in funding is being invested by the Government of Canada under the EAF mid-sized projects component for infrastructure accessibility projects led by 14 organizations from across Canada.
• Through Budget 2021, the Government of Canada committed up to $100 million over two years, starting in 2021-22, to increase funding for the EAF to help make communities and workplaces more accessible for persons with disabilities by reducing barriers to employment, activities, and programs.
• Budget 2023 committed $10 million over two years, beginning in 2024-25, to Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC) to support additional projects under the mid-sized components of EAF and help address the unique needs and ongoing barriers faced by persons with disabilities in communities and workplaces across the country.
• National AccessAbility Week (NAAW) is taking place May 28 to June 3, 2023, and is a nationwide week of recognition, celebrating the many social, economic, cultural, and political achievements of persons with disabilities. The theme for NAAW 2023 is: “Disability inclusion: from possibilities to practice.”

Related products

• Backgrounder – Organizations funded under the 2021 Enabling Accessibility Fund mid-sized projects component

Associated links

• National AccessAbility Week
• Enabling Accessibility Fund

For media inquiries, please contact:

Tara Beauport
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Disability Inclusion
343-576-1628
tara.beauport@hrsdc-rhdcc.gc.ca

Media Relations Office
Employment and Social Development Canada
819-994-5559
media@hrsdc-rhdcc.gc.ca
Follow us on Twitter

This is  on Govt of Canada Website go to the link here

 

The government of Canada hosts the second annual Canadian Congress on Disability Inclusion, kicking off National AccessAbility Week 2023

“The Congress is an opportunity to put disability inclusion into practice. Important conversations will be held over the next three days with individuals and organizations from the disability community on issues identified as priorities by the disability community.  For us to continue building a barrier-free Canada, it is critical that we continue to share ideas, concepts and plans for innovating. Together, we can put these possibilities into practice.”

– Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Disability Inclusion, Carla Qualtrough

• In 2022, Employment and Social Development Canada hosted the inaugural Canadian Congress on Disability Inclusion, which was attended by over 2,900 participants.
• National AccessAbility Week is a formally legislated week under the Accessible Canada Act. It is championed by the Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Disability Inclusion and provides an opportunity to:
  • celebrate the valuable contributions and leadership of Canadians with disabilities;
  • highlight the work of people, organizations and communities that are removing barriers; and
  • reflect on ongoing efforts to make Canada more accessible and inclusive

Associated links

• The Second Annual Canadian Congress on Disability Inclusion by Employment and Social Development Canada
• National AccessAbility Week
• Summary of the Accessible Canada Act

For media enquiries, please contact:

Tara Beauport
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Disability Inclusion
tara.beauport@hrsdc-rhdcc.gc.ca

Media Relations Office
Employment and Social Development Canada
819-994-5559
media@hrsdc-rhdcc.gc.ca

Follow us on Twitter

This is on Govt of Canada website go to the link here

 

RED SHIRT DAY of Action for Accessibility and Inclusion WEDNESDAY, 31 MAY 2023

What is Red Shirt Day?

Red Shirt Day for AccessAbility and Inclusion is a day when people across Canada come together and wear red in schools, workplaces and spaces everywhere as a visual display of support and celebration of our friends with different abilities ❤️

Why are we encouraged to wear red?

• To show support for persons and families who are living with disabilities
• To celebrate the achievements of people living with disabilities
• To pledge commitment to help create a fully accessible and inclusive society that honours and values the contributions of people of all abilities in all aspects of life.