From May 28 to June 3, 2023, people across Canada celebrate National AccessAbility Week. This is a time dedicated to recognizing the valuable contributions and leadership of persons with disabilities, while highlighting the important work being done in concert with allies, organizations, and communities to remove barriers and create a more accessible and inclusive society.

The theme for this year’s National AccessAbility Week is “Disability Inclusion: From Possibilities to Practice.” It reminds us of the collective responsibility we share in turning aspirations into action, ensuring that every individual, regardless of their abilities, can participate fully and equally in all aspects of life.

As a union, we prioritize creating an environment where every member feels respected and valued. We firmly uphold the belief that all individuals, regardless of their abilities, should have equal opportunities to contribute and participate in the decision-making processes of our union. By championing accessibility, inclusion, and belonging, we strive to foster a union that embraces the diverse strengths and contributions of its members, ensuring a workplace environment where everyone can thrive with dignity.

Within our workplaces and within our Union, members can begin by taking steps towards inclusion:

1. Encourage the use of the Inclusive Practices Tool Kit in your local union and workplace.
2. Challenge your perceptions about disability and consider how your workplace can be made more inclusive.
3. At your next General Membership Meeting play Unifor’s Workers with Disabilities video.
4. This week, use Unifor’s social media shareable to highlight the abilities of people with disabilities.

National AccessAbility Week serves as a timely reminder that creating a truly inclusive society requires collective effort and continuous commitment.

Let us work together to remove barriers, challenge misconceptions, and build a future where everyone, regardless of ability, can thrive and succeed.