Translate2024 Access Awareness Week
38% of Nova Scotians have a disability. Recognizing this week provides an opportunity to raise awareness of accessibility in our communities and ways we can improve access together. Visit https://ecrl.ca/about-us/accessibility/ to learn more about accessibility at ECRL.
In celebration and recognition of Access Awareness Week Nova Scotia, ECRL has prepared a Reading List of relevant books in our collection in a variety of formats.
Access Awareness Week Nova Scotia is driven by a single goal; to change the narrative for persons with disabilities by doing our part in raising awareness and taking action on disability issues. The events and initiatives hosted during this week are informed by first voice using a disability lens to ensure inclusion and accessibility for everyone.
Nova Scotia was the first province in Canada to champion Access Awareness Week as an extension of Rick Hansen’s 1987 Man in Motion World Tour. During this initiative Rick and his team wheeled through 34 countries raising awareness about the potential of people with disabilities and the possibility of creating accessible and inclusive communities.
For 37 years, Nova Scotians have organized community events, press conferences, forums, concerts and lectures during Access Awareness Week to bring attention to the importance of removing barriers for people with disabilities. Through public awareness, community partnerships education and dialogue, Access Awareness Week aims to foster an environment of equitable participation for persons with disabilities.
The pioneering work of the disability community has made significant advances in the past, but much work remains to fully recognize the rights of all Nova Scotians and create a barrier-free province by 2030. Access Awareness Week gives Nova Scotians a chance to learn about the work of disability advocates and leaders across the province, while better understanding the barriers that still exist for persons with disabilities.