Access for all: Durham celebrates National AccessAbility Week

Whitby, Ontario – The following statement is being issued on behalf of John Henry, Regional Chair and Chief Executive Officer for The Regional Municipality of Durham:

“From 1985 to 1987, Rick Hansen wheeled more than 40,000 kilometres through 34 countries to raise awareness about the potential of people with disabilities, and the importance of creating accessible and inclusive communities.

This journey—the Man In Motion World Tour—led to the creation of an annual celebration to reflect on how we can make Canada more accessible for everyone.

National AccessAbility Week starts today (May 25) across the country. This week, we celebrate people of all abilities; recognize those working hard to remove barriers to accessibility; and raise awareness of the critical need for full participation and inclusion for everyone, everywhere.

It’s about acknowledging and responding to systemic challenges within the employment sector, public spaces and service delivery that people with disabilities continue to face. And how collectively, we can remove and prevent barriers to accessibility so that everyone has the opportunity to live, work, grow and succeed. 

In support of this important work, Durham Region has proclaimed May 25 to 31 as National AccessAbility Week, and in recognition, the AccessAbility Flag will fly at Regional Headquarters for one week beginning May 26.”

– 30 –

For media requests, please contact CorporateCommunications@durham.ca.