Guelph Barrier Free Committee

Tag: NAAW

  • Access Recognition Awards and NAAW are coming!

    Access Recognition Awards and NAAW are coming!

    In July 2026, The Guelph Barrier Free Committee and the City of Guelph will partner for the Access Recognition Awards. This is a chance to highlight local businesses and organizations that demonstrate a strong commitment to accessibility and inclusive service. These awards acknowledge those who not only understand accessibility requirements but also respond thoughtfully and creatively when unique support is requested.

    By recognizing these accessibility champions, we help promote businesses we want to see thrive; businesses that welcome everyone and lead by example in creating a barrier-free community.

    We encourage community members, caregivers, support workers, and service agencies to nominate a business or organization that goes above and beyond in providing accessible customer service.

    We will also be hosting the National AccessAbility Week flag raising ceremony at City Hall in May.

    A black and white photo of the side of a building with large white letters that spell: "Coming Soon"

    Details about nomination categories and deadlines and NAAW celebrations will be available here soon! Keep checking back or follow us on social media for more information!

  • NAAW flag raising ceremony

    NAAW flag raising ceremony

    At noon on Tuesday, May 27, members of the Guelph community gathered in front of City Hall to celebrate National AccessAbility Week (NAAW). The event, hosted by the Guelph Barrier Free Committee (GBFC), brought together local leaders, advocates, and residents to champion a more inclusive and accessible city for all.

    Kayla Besse served as the event’s MC, setting the tone for an afternoon of reflection, inclusivity, and awareness. The ceremony featured three inspiring speakers, each offering unique perspectives on accessibility in Guelph.

    Justin Reesor, Chair of the GBFC, opened the event with a warm welcome, inviting the community to continue supporting inclusivity not only during NAAW but throughout the year.

    Mayor Cam Guthrie emphasized that accessibility doesn’t just happen during National AccessAbility Week it’s something we must commit to every day.

    Maddy Workman, a passionate committee member, delivered a powerful call to start meaningful conversations about accessibility and people’s needs. Her words underlined the importance of advocacy and awareness in creating lasting change in our city.

    Following the speeches, attendees were invited to the flagpole to witness the raising of the NAAW flag. With Mayor Guthrie leading the way, the flag was hoisted as a symbol of Guelph’s ongoing commitment to a barrier free Guelph.

    The Guelph Barrier Free Committee thanks all who attended and encourages everyone to continue the conversation, take action, and help build a city where everyone belongs.

    Brad, Maddy, Kayla, Meg, Kelsey and Justin gather together to hold the National AccessAbility Week flag.
    Brad, Maddie, Kayla, Meg, Kelsey, and Justin hold up the National AccessAbility Week flag outside of Guelph City Hall at the flag raising ceremony.
  • National AccessAbility Week 2025 celebrations

    National AccessAbility Week 2025 celebrations

    Join us in celebrating 2025 National AccessAbility Week! Also known as “NAAW”, this week seeks to promote accessibility and inclusion for people with disabilities. NAAW is an wonderful opportunity to recognize the contributions of Canadians with disabilities and raises awareness around making Canada a more accessible place to be.

    This year, NAAW will be held from
    May 25 – May 31

    We have 2 events planned for our celebration this year! Both events are listed below with details.

    Download the NAAW Poster (PDF)

    If you would like to download a different, accessible format of the poster, please contact us.

    National AccessAbility event information in this poster can be found following this image. To download a copy of the poster, a link has been provided.

    Flag Raising Ceremony

    Join the Guelph Barrier Free Committee in a ceremony to raise the flag for NAAW!

    Date: May 27, 2025
    Time: 12:00pm – 1:00pm
    Location: Guelph City Hall

    ASL interpretation will be provided.

    Enabling Garden Open House

    Join the Guelph Enabling Garden for an open house in celebration of NAAW!

    Date: May 30, 2025
    Time: 2:00pm – 6:00pm
    Location: Riverside Park Enabling Garden

    National AccessAbility Week