National AccessAbility Week 2025: May 25–31

May 25–31 is National AccessAbility Week (NAAW)! Each year, beginning on the last Sunday in May, Canadians celebrate the disabled community and highlight the importance of accessibility and inclusion. This week is an opportunity to draw attention to the experiences of disabled people and the areas in which accessibility barriers continue to be upheld.  

This week of awareness began in 1988. At that time, it was recognized as “National Access Awareness Week” and took inspiration from Rick Hansen’s Man in Motion World Tour. From March 21, 1985, to May 22, 1987, Rick Hansen—a wheelchair user—wheeled with his team across 34 countries. In doing so, he hoped to demonstrate the limitless potential of all when barriers are removed, and the world is made accessible. 

The Live Work Well Research Centre is committed to disability research, advocacy, and highlighting the potential of all. Our Disabilities, Access, and Inclusion research cluster, led by Deborah Stienstra, is one of the foundations of our Centre. Research in this cluster focuses on livelihoods and disability, women with disabilities, and Indigenous approaches to disability. This cluster is a hub for disability resources, with knowledge kits, actionable tools, and inclusive practices. This cluster also prioritizes the participation and contribution of people with disabilities, especially when evaluating current disability legislation.  

The Live Work Well Research Centre’s blog called Notes from the Field has published multiple blog posts on accessibility. Blogs like the Disabilities, Access and Inclusion Reading, Watching, Engagement List are a great starting point for anyone looking for media or literature to help them learn about the experience of being disabled and creating an inclusive and accessible environment. Other blog posts like Make Website Content More Accessible With These Tips on Accessibility give direct suggestions for how to improve accessibility right from your computer. 

Show your support for access, inclusion, and the lived experiences of people with disabilities by wearing a red shirt on May 28 for Red Shirt Day. Red Shirt Day falls annually during National AccessAbility Week and is an opportunity show your solidarity with the disabled community. This week, it’s important to remember Rick’s mission and the part we all play in making the world more accessible and in driving change.