National AccessAbility Week and Red Shirt Day
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, it 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 2025 NAAW takes place from May 25 to May 31.
Educator Resources
Red Shirt Day
Red Shirt Day is an Easter Seals initiative and was first celebrated in 2019. The 2025 Red Shirt Day takes place on May 28. Visit the Easter Seals website for more information.
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.