National AccessAbility Week (NAAW) is an opportunity to celebrate the valuable contributions of Canadians with disabilities and to recognize the efforts of individuals, communities and workplaces that are actively working to remove barriers to accessibility and inclusion. The week brings Canadians together to celebrate, highlight, and promote inclusion and accessibility for people with disabilities in our schools and broader communities. Inspired by Rick Hansen’s Man in Motion World Tour, is an important week to recognize how far we have come and reflect on how we can become a better, more inclusive, and more accessible Canada.

The 2024 NAAW takes place from May 26 to June 1, 2024.

The following educator resources are available, to teach youth about inclusion and accessibility:

• Elementary: English | French

• Secondary: English | French

Red Shirt Day is an Easter Seals initiative and was first celebrated in 2019. The 2024 Red Shirt Day takes place on May 29, 2024 (Wednesday).

Toronto Catholic District School Board (TCDSB) students and staff are encouraged to wear red on Red Shirt Day to promote messages of support for people and families living with disabilities.

The following videos can assist TCDSB students and staff in promoting awareness and inclusivity:

• Accessibility for All: ASL Fingerspelling Practice - Created by the staff and students of Dante Alighieri Academy Catholic Secondary School, this video highlights a collaborative fingerspelling challenge, spelling words from A to Z, promoting National AccessAbility Week.

• ASL Fingerspelling Practice: Learn to Fingerspell A-Z - Created by the staff and students of Dante Alighieri Academy Catholic Secondary School, this video can assist staff and students in planning a fingerspelling challenge at your school.

Now is your opportunity to teach our youth about disability and inclusion! Together, let’s celebrate diversity and promote accessibility for all.