The federal government is set to host the third annual Canadian Congress on Disability Inclusion, marking the commencement of National AccessAbility Week 2024.
This year’s theme, “Forward Together: Accessibility and Inclusion for All,” underscores the collective effort required from all sectors to achieve a barrier-free Canada by 2040.
Kamal Khera, Minister of Diversity, Inclusion, and Persons with Disabilities, will open the Congress on May 23, 2024. The event will provide a platform for persons with disabilities, disability organizations, public and private entities, academics, and innovators to share insights and best practices aimed at fostering accessible and inclusive communities and workplaces.
“The progress we’ve made so far is because we have been deliberate and persistent in making the choice of inclusion and accessibility,” Khera stated. “It is incumbent upon all of us, as leaders, as advocates, and truly as Canadians, to work to build a fairer, more inclusive and accessible country for all, and for generations to come.”
The Congress, accessible virtually and free of charge, will feature panel discussions on topics such as the progress of the Accessible Canada Act, inclusively built environments, and accessible employment. Prasanna Ranganathan, founding board member of the Disability Screen Office, is slated to deliver a keynote address. The event will also celebrate Canadian athletes and artists with disabilities.
Participants are encouraged to visit the Canadian Congress on Disability Inclusion webpage for registration and additional information.
Background on the Accessible Canada Act
The Accessible Canada Act, which came into force in July 2019, aims to make Canada barrier-free by proactively identifying, removing, and preventing barriers. The Act was developed through inclusive and accessible consultations with the disability community and has established a framework for creating a more accessible and inclusive Canada.
National AccessAbility Week
National AccessAbility Week, a formally legislated week under the Accessible Canada Act, celebrates the contributions and leadership of Canadians with disabilities. It highlights the work of individuals, organizations, and communities in removing barriers and reflects on the ongoing efforts to create a more accessible and disability-inclusive Canada.
Recent initiatives
In 2023, over 3,000 participants registered for the second annual Canadian Congress on Disability Inclusion. Recently, Canada’s first-ever National Air Accessibility Summit was held on May 9, 2024, bringing together representatives from the disability community, the airline industry, and government organizations to identify solutions for making air travel accessible to all Canadians.
The 2024 federal budget includes several measures to support persons with disabilities, such as launching a new Canada Disability Benefit, expanding the disability supports deduction, ensuring access to essential drugs and medical devices, creating a new Youth Mental Health Fund, and improving recruitment and assessment processes for persons with disabilities through the Federal Internship Program for Canadians with Disabilities.