Surrey Schools recognizes National AccessAbility Week
This week is National AccessAbility Week (NAAW), and the district is using this time to recognize the valuable contributions and leadership of Canadians with disabilities.
Founded in 1988 as National Access Awareness Week, the annual celebration was inspired by Rick Hansen’s Man in Motion World Tour, in which the Paralympic athlete travelled more than 40,000 kilometres by wheelchair through 36 countries over 26 months. The week is an opportunity to raise awareness about issues around accessibility and inclusion, and highlight the work of individuals, organizations and communities to remove barriers.
“National AccessAbility Week is a time celebrate the significant contributions made by Canadians with disabilities, the work Surrey Schools is engaged in to make our district as inclusive and accessible as possible, and the gifts and strengths our students, staff and community members with disabilities bring to our community,” said Colin Reid, District Principal with Student Support.
Surrey Schools is actively working to identify, prevent and remove barriers for students and adults with disabilities in our schools, our facilities and for those interacting with our district.
Last year, Surrey Schools proudly put its first three-year accessibility plan into place and launched two accessibility surveys seeking feedback on the plan and potential barriers to accessibility at schools and district buildings. The plan follows the B.C. government’s introduction of the Accessible British Columbia Act in 2022, a provincial effort to support and further raise awareness for persons with disabilities to meaningfully participate in their communities.
“Surrey Schools has passionate students, community members and staff members who work to ensure we continue to make our school district as inclusive and accessible as possible,” said Reid. “I always look forward to celebrating those achievements and raising awareness for the work underway, while recognizing our commitment to the work not yet completed.”
In ongoing efforts to improve accessibility, earlier this year, the district released a four-part animated accessibility video series, focused on creating a common understanding of the terms disability, barrier, accessibility and inclusion.
The district also makes efforts throughout the year to recognize other accessibility awareness and acceptance observances such as the International Day of Persons with Disabilities, World Autism Awareness Day and World Autism Month.
This year, the district has designed and distributed a poster for NAAW to all schools and district departments, promoting inclusive and caring practices in our schools and communities related to accessibility and inclusion. These posters include QR codes linking to the four animated videos produced by the Accessibility Working Group alongside the Accessibility Advisory Committee, as well as the Rick Hansen Foundation’s NAAW webpage.
The Rick Hansen Foundation is hosting three free, live webinars for NAAW as part of their Power of Inclusion series:
- Monday, May 26 at 10 a.m.: The Power of Championing Disability Inclusion (register here)
- Tuesday, May 27 at 10 a.m.: Youth Disability Panel: How to Become a Young Advocate (register here)
- Thursday, May 29 at 10 a.m.: Are You Ready for Summer? (register here)
Additionally, on Wednesday, May 28, the City of Surrey is hosting free, in-person, accessible and sensory friendly tours of the Grandview Heights Aquatic Centre (16855 24th Ave.) for families. Enjoy a welcoming and inclusive environment for individuals with sensory sensitivities, explore the weight room and try out accessible equipment. Complimentary healthy snacks and beverages will be provided.
For more information on National AccessAbility Week, click here.
