Selfadvocatenet is in support of National AccessAbility Week: May 31 to June 6, 2026
National AccessAbility Week (NAAW) takes place from May 31 to June 6. The annual initiative celebrates Canadians with disabilities, highlights the achievements of advocates, and raises awareness around removing physical, systemic, and digital barriers in our communities and workplaces.
This year’s National AccessAbility Week theme is “Building a Strong, Accessible Canada.”
The Mission Self Advocacy Group made video on project with a grant from ESATTA.
Our group thank them for this we have produced this accessibility and awareness video from our group of amazing members ours
Mission Self Advocacy Group Accessibility Project done
Celebrating National AccessAbility Week: May 31 to June 6
National AccessAbility Week (May 31–June 6) is a time to celebrate accessibility, inclusion, and the important contributions of people with disabilities across Canada. This year’s theme, “Building a Strong, Accessible Canada,” calls on all of us—governments, businesses, organizations, and community members—to take meaningful action toward a barrier-free country.
At CLBC, we recognize and value the leadership of the people we serve in advancing accessibility and inclusion across B.C. and within our organization. Self-advocacy leaders play an important role in many areas of CLBC, helping to guide decisions, strengthen services, and shape priorities.
Click here to learn more about how self-advocate voices shape CLBC’s work.
Read on for the latest accessibility updates at CLBC—including new plain language infographics, ways to get involved, and how to share your feedback.
Requesting Support plain language infographics now available at all CLBC offices!
CLBC has published new, plain language infographics, designed to help individuals and families understand what to expect when requesting support from CLBC. The infographics were requested by and created in partnership with CLBC’s Accessibility Advisory Committee.
Leah Burnell, Facilitator and member of CLBC’s Accessibility Committee, helped shape the infographics, based on what she’s heard from families.
“Over the years, families have asked for a clear, visual way to understand how CLBC works. I’m excited to have an accessible resource they can follow along with when learning about CLBC planning and supports.”
The infographics were developed through a user-driven design process, that incorporated feedback from parents of individuals transitioning to CLBC services, self-advocates who use CLBC services and CLBC facilitators who guide families through processes.
Leah has now started distributing the infographics to families and individuals.
“The infographic is now part of my framework to have conversations with those new to CLBC. I love that it allows those who learn like me, either through visuals or reading, the opportunity to better understand and thus participate in the conversation. It also allows people to take something away after our conversations so they can review what was discussed and identify which part of the planning process they are in. I do believe the infographics have opened the door to further understanding, engagement and accessibility.”
The printed copies of the infographics are now available at all CLBC offices, and the digital versions can be found on our website:
- Requesting Support from CLBC infographic – Linear format
- Requesting Support from CLBC infographic – Visual format
About CLBC’s Accessibility Plan and Accessibility Committee
The Accessible British Columbia Act (2021) requires all government organizations, including CLBC, to identify, remove, and prevent barriers to accessibility for people with disabilities. To align with this law, CLBC has an:
- Accessibility Plan, that outlines actionable steps to address and prevent barriers over a three-year period (2023-2026). Read our Year 2 Report in Easy Read format here.
- Accessibility Committee, that plays a key role in advising on actions, reviewing feedback, and helping us measure progress.
Call for new members – coming soon!
We are looking for new members to join CLBC’s Accessibility Advisory Committee! In the coming months, a formal call out for new members will be shared. In the meantime, if you would like to learn more about the Committee, email: CLBC.Connect@gov.bc.ca.
Accessibility feedback helps CLBC remove barriers
CLBC is committed to receiving ongoing accessibility feedback from our employees, people we serve and our broader community. Visit the CLBC website for options for providing feedback, including online, in-person, by mail or by phone. Feedback received through this form helps us remove barriers and improve accessibility.
This is on Community Living BC website go to the link here
Canada launches new standard for accessible service delivery
News release
2026-06-01 11:00:31
Accessibility Standards Canada announced today the publication of ASC-5.2.1: Accessible Service Delivery. This new standard brings together all aspects of accessible service delivery into one comprehensive set of requirements. Released during National AccessAbility Week, the standard reflects Canada’s ongoing commitment to building a more accessible and inclusive country through action.
Accessible service delivery is about delivering services that people of all abilities can access, understand, and use. Services are a part of everyday life and include everything from getting information and support to completing essential tasks. When the services Canadians depend on are delivered in an accessible and inclusive way, they are easier to use, more flexible, and more effective for everyone. Accessible services also help organizations reach more people, build trust, and improve service quality.
The requirements set out in ASC-5.2.1: Accessible Service Delivery standard include:
- offering services in multiple accessible ways
- communicating through plain language and accessible formats
- responding to individual needs in a timely and equitable way
- involving people with disabilities in the design of services
- training staff to deliver accessible and inclusive services
- ensuring access for people using supports
- providing alternatives during service disruptions.
The standard was developed by an Accessibility Standards Canada technical committee. The committee is made up primarily of people with disabilities and members of equity-deserving groups. The standard was finalized after a public review with input from Canadians of diverse backgrounds and experiences.
Quotes
“Accessible and inclusive services help build a stronger Canada where everyone can participate fully in everyday life. This new standard will support organizations in delivering services that are more inclusive, responsive, and accessible for persons with disabilities and ultimately, for all Canadians.”
– The Honourable Patty Hajdu, Minister of Jobs and Families and Minister responsible for the Federal Economic Development Agency for Northern Ontario
“Persons with disabilities should not have to work harder to access services because of barriers that can be prevented. This standard gives organizations guidance to help ensure their services are accessible in ways that meet diverse needs and reflect the full range of experiences across Canada.”
– Leslie Church, Parliamentary Secretary to the Secretaries of State for Labour, for Seniors, and for Children and Youth, and to the Minister of Jobs and Families (Persons with disabilities)
“Everyone should be able to access the services they need, when and how they need them. This is precisely what our new standard is about. It brings together the full service experience into one practical framework to help organizations deliver services that are more inclusive, equitable, and accessible by design. This will help create a Canada where people with disabilities can participate fully in society and live with dignity.”
– Dino Zuppa, Chief Executive Officer, Accessibility Standards Canada
Quick facts
- ASC-5.2.1: Accessible Service Delivery aims to help organizations identify, remove, and prevent barriers in how services are delivered. It addresses many types of barriers in service delivery, including communication, physical, online, built environment, and attitudinal.
- The standard is designed as a practical tool. Organizations can use it in whole or in part to deliver services that are more inclusive, consistent, and responsive to the needs of more people.
- The standard is available for free, in both official languages and accessible formats. It’s accompanied by a summary made available in plain language, American Sign Language and Langue des signes québécoise.
- Accessibility Standards Canada is an accredited standards development organization with the Standards Council of Canada. It is mandated to help create a barrier-free Canada by 2040.
- National AccessAbility Week is an annual event that celebrates the contributions of people with disabilities and promotes barrier-free, inclusive communities. It focuses on removing barriers, fostering equity, and highlighting efforts to make Canada more accessible.
Associated links
Contacts
Communications
Accessibility Standards Canada
Email: nac.communications-communications.asc@nac-asc.gc.ca
Follow us on Facebook and LinkedIn
This is on Govt of Canada website go to the link here
Minister Hajdu invites organizations to apply for funding to promote accessibility and disability inclusion during National AccessAbility Week
News release
June 1, 2026 Gatineau, Quebec Employment and Social Development Canada
To build a stronger, barrier-free Canada, the Government of Canada is investing in community projects that promote accessibility, foster disability inclusion and build a Canada where every person has the chance to contribute their talents and thrive.
Today, to mark National AccessAbility Week (NAAW) 2026, the Honourable Patty Hajdu, Minister of Jobs and Families and Minister responsible for the Federal Economic Development Agency for Northern Ontario, launched a call for proposals under the Accessible Canada Fund – NAAW stream.
Under this call for proposals, up to $3.6 million over three years is available to support up to 20 projects that will promote the implementation of the Accessible Canada Act and its regulations through NAAW activities that:
- highlight the contributions of persons with disabilities;
- raise awareness and promote accessibility and inclusion in communities and workplaces across Canada;
- reduce stigma and attitudinal barriers toward persons with disabilities; and
- allow organizations to share best practices and lessons learned related to NAAW activities within the disability community.
Eligible organizations have until July 28, 2026, at 3:00 p.m. EDT to apply for funding by going to the Accessible Canada – National AccessAbility Week Funding webpage and accessing the application for funding form and instructions.
The Accessible Canada Fund supports the goal set by the Accessible Canada Act of building a country free of physical, societal and attitudinal barriers.
Quotes
“Every Canadian deserves the opportunity to succeed, contribute and be valued for who they are. National AccessAbility Week reminds us that building a barrier-free Canada is a shared responsibility; we can’t do this work alone. It is only by working together that we can break down barriers and build a stronger and more accessible Canada, where no one is left behind.”
– The Honourable Patty Hajdu, Minister of Jobs and Families and Minister responsible for the Federal Economic Development Agency for Northern Ontario
Quick facts
- According to the 2022 Canada Survey on Disability, 27% of Canadians aged 15 and over—or about 8 million persons—report as having at least one disability.
- NAAW 2026 runs from May 31 to June 6, 2026, and is a nationwide week of recognition that celebrates the many social, economic and cultural achievements of persons with disabilities. The theme for NAAW 2026 is: “Building a Strong, Accessible Canada.”
- The Accessible Canada Fund – NAAW stream provides grant funding to projects that raise awareness of the importance of accessibility and disability inclusion in different sectors, workplaces and communities across Canada.
Related products
Contacts
For media enquiries, please contact:
Jennifer Kozelj
Senior Communications Advisor and Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Jobs and Families and Minister responsible for the Federal Economic Development Agency for Northern Ontario
jennifer.kozelj@labour-travail.gc.ca
Media Relations Office
Employment and Social Development Canada
819-994-5559
media@hrsdc-rhdcc.gc.ca
Follow us on X (Twitter)
This is on Govt of Canada website go to the link here
CRTC improves accessibility of programming for Canadians who are Deaf, DeafBlind or hard of hearing
News release
May 25, 2026—Gatineau—Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC)
The CRTC is taking another step forward to implement the modernized Broadcasting Act (the Act) by making programming more accessible for Canadians who are Deaf, DeafBlind or hard of hearing.
The Act requires the CRTC to modernize Canada’s broadcasting framework and ensure that persons with disabilities can access content without barriers.
As part of its work to implement the Act, the CRTC held a public consultation on whether programs offered online should be accessible through closed captioning. The CRTC heard a wide range of perspectives, including from individuals, advocacy groups, traditional broadcasters, and online streaming services.
Based on the public record, the CRTC is introducing changes to better support Canadians who rely on closed captioning. Within one year, Canadians will have access to captions on online streaming services for new original programs, whether live or pre-recorded. Shows that were captioned on TV will also include captions when added online. More programs will include captions over time, and within five years, this feature will be available for all online programming.
This phased approach gives online streaming services time to adjust while making sure that Canadians continue to have access to captions that are accurate and of high-quality.
This decision follows a number of actions the CRTC has taken to implement the modernized Act and to help make the broadcasting system more accessible to all Canadians. To find out more, check out the CRTC’s regulatory plan.
Quote
“Today’s decision supports greater accessibility in Canada’s broadcasting system. It strengthens access for persons who are Deaf, DeafBlind or hard of hearing so they will be able to enjoy the content and the information they rely on, no matter the platform they use.”
– Vicky Eatrides, Chairperson and Chief Executive Officer, CRTC
Quick facts
- The CRTC is an independent quasi-judicial tribunal that regulates the Canadian communications sector in the public interest. The CRTC holds public consultations on telecommunications and broadcasting matters and makes decisions based on the public record.
- Closed captioning enables persons who are Deaf, DeafBlind, or hard of hearing to have access to audio-visual content by displaying in text what is being said on-screen and describing who is speaking, what music is playing, and other sounds.
- This decision is aligned with the government’s policy direction that directs the CRTC to support the provision of programming that is accessible without barriers to persons with disabilities. It is the latest step in the CRTC’s efforts to improve accessibility and advance the principles of the Accessible Canada Act.
Associated links
- Broadcasting Regulatory Policy CRTC 2026-98: Closed captioning provided by online streaming undertakings
- ASL – Regulatory Policy for closed captioning provided by online streaming undertakings
- Broadcasting Notice of Consultation CRTC 2024-137 – Development of a regulatory policy for closed captioning provided by online streaming undertakings
- Accessible TV
- Regulatory Plan
- Modernizing Canada’s broadcasting framework
Contacts
Media Relations
Email: media@crtc.gc.ca
Telephone: 819-997-9403
General Inquiries
Telephone: 819-997-0313
Toll free: 1-877-249-2782
TTY: 1-877-909-2782
This is on govt of Canada website go to the link here
