The Guelph Barrier-Free Committee marked the beginning of NAAW (National AccessAbility Week) with a special flag raising ceremony held at Guelph City Hall, on Monday kicking off this year’s celebrations ahead of the official week (May 31 – June 6).
NAAW is an opportunity to recognize the contributions of Canadians with disabilities and to highlight the efforts that make communities more accessible. This year’s theme focuses on building a strong, accessible Canada (opens the Rick Hansen Foundation website in the same tab).
Community members gathered for the ceremony, where speakers reflected on the importance of accessibility in community life.
Among the speakers was Meg Harding, the Chair of the Guelph Barrier Free Committee, who shared the importance of making accessibility a daily commitment. Drawing from her own lived experience as a person with autism, ADHD, and dyscalculia, and a professional digital accessibility specialist, she highlighted the barriers people with disabilities still face and the need for communities to actively remove them.
From My Life Counselling (opens the My Life Counselling site in the same tab), Eve Tesluk shared her organization’s experience in improving physical accessibility in her building to better support clients and visitors. Because of this, My Life Counselling was previously recognized with an Access Recognition Award. She highlighted the importance of listening to the lived experience of community members and ensure that preferred methods of access are prioritized.
Mayor Cam Guthrie also spoke; noting the importance of accessibility initiatives across the city and recognizing the ongoing work of community organizations and advocates working to remove barriers in Guelph.
The flag raising served as a celebration and a reminder that accessibility is an ongoing effort that requires collaboration, awareness, and meaningful action. The Guelph Barrier Free Committee continues to encourage residents, groups and businesses to take part in creating a more inclusive community for people of all abilities.
If you’re interested in continuing the efforts our community is making toward a more accessible Guelph, we’re looking for new members!
