This week celebrates the contributions of Canadians with disabilities and recognizes the efforts of those who tirelessly work to remove barriers, ensuring equal participation for all. At Holland Bloorview, we are committed to building and fostering an accessible environment that enables maximum participation by all individuals regardless of ability or background.

"Celebrating NAAW presents an opportunity to create awareness around the fact that 2024 marks the 42nd anniversary of the Canadian Charter of Rights which guarantees equality rights for people with disabilities. Winning this ground-breaking constitutional right was due to the efforts of grassroots disability activists like David Lepofsky,” says Lorraine Thomas, manager, inclusion, diversity, equity accessibility and anti-racism (IDEAA). “We are also mindful that while 2025 marks the deadline for the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA), there is a need to keep the spotlight on accessibility beyond 2025.”

The theme for this year's NAAW is "Forward Together: Accessibility and Inclusion for All," emphasizing the need for collective efforts to create a barrier-free Canada. 

Holland Bloorview is excited to participate in NAAW with a special virtual event on Tuesday, May 28, from 12 to 1 p.m. (EST). The event, titled “Creating a Culture of Inclusion: A Fireside Chat on Removing Barriers to Disability Inclusion,” will provide an opportunity for meaningful conversations about overcoming barriers in various spheres such as work, community and education.

"NAAW week is a phenomenal opportunity for collective learning, allowing us to discuss and celebrate the diverse aspects of the human experience that are often underrepresented,” says Nathan Gaba, officer, partnerships, Holland Bloorview Foundation, and moderator of the upcoming fireside chat. “The disabled community deserves this spotlight to highlight vital topics affecting everyday life. There is great potential for collective growth, but to achieve this, we must continue to amplify each other’s voices and work collaboratively."

Event details:

Date: Tuesday, May 28

Time: 12 to 1 p.m. (EST)

Register for free: hollandbloorview.ca/naaw2024

Event highlights:

Moderator: Nathan Gaba, officer, partnerships, Holland Bloorview Foundation

Guest speaker: Stephen Irish, business solutions manager, INNoVA

About the moderator and speaker:

Nathan Gaba, a dedicated advocate and public speaker, was born with cerebral palsy. As an officer of partnerships at Holland Bloorview’s Foundation, Nathan builds meaningful connections with community partners and supports key events. His expertise and lived experience make him a powerful voice in the face of ableism.

Stephen Irish brings over seven years of experience in disability and employment to the conversation. As the business solutions manager at INNoVA, Stephen is committed to driving change and delivering inclusive solutions. His passion for making a difference will provide valuable insights into overcoming physical, attitudinal and systemic barriers to disability inclusion.

Join us for this insightful discussion and be part of the advocacy efforts towards a more inclusive society. This event, sponsored in-kind by INNoVA, offers a unique opportunity to learn, engage and contribute to the ongoing efforts around making our world more accessible for everyone.