Government Proclaims National AccessAbility Week

Released on May 29, 2023

The Government of Saskatchewan has joined provinces across Canada in recognizing May 28 to June 3, 2023, as National AccessAbility Week.

National AccessAbility Week recognizes the leadership, impact and voices of Canadians living with disabilities. It is also an opportunity to highlight work being done to remove barriers for people with disabilities and to reflect on ways to foster a more accessible and inclusive Canada.

"Removing barriers is key as we work toward a more inclusive Saskatchewan where people with disabilities can fully participate in our communities," Social Services Minister Gene Makowsky said. "Our government recently passed The Accessible Saskatchewan Act, so this year's National AccessAbility Week feels especially significant. This week aligns with the spirit of our historic legislation and I look forward to our continued work with our community partners to ensure that all Saskatchewan people can live the life they choose without barriers."

National AccessAbility Week is proclaimed in partnership with Spinal Cord Injury Saskatchewan (SCI). Since 1964, SCI has worked collaboratively to build accessible and inclusive communities to ensure people with spinal cord injuries and other physical disabilities achieve independence, self-reliance and full community participation. Among their many services, SCI offers education, employment, rehabilitation and accessibility supports.

"Spinal Cord Injury Saskatchewan continues to recognize and promote National AccessAbility Week," SCI Sask Executive Director Launel Scott said. "Our organization, in collaboration with the federal and provincial government, as well as other like-minded community based organizations, is pleased to celebrate the valuable contributions and leadership of Canadians living with disabilities, highlight the work of people, organizations and communities that are working to remove barriers, and reflect on ongoing efforts to become a better, more accessible, more inclusive Saskatchewan and Canada."

The Government of Saskatchewan recently passed The Accessible Saskatchewan Act to prevent and remove accessibility barriers for persons with disabilities. The Act allows government to establish accessibility standards through regulations in the following areas: the built environment, information and communications, employment, transportation, service animals, procurement and service delivery. Government will soon develop an application and selection process to appoint members to the Accessibility Advisory Committee, which will be comprised of persons with disabilities and impacted stakeholders, who will make recommendations about accessibility standards. Government has also started work on the general regulations that require public sector bodies to develop accessibility plans. 

To keep up to date with the progress of Saskatchewan's accessibility legislation, please visit accessiblesk.saskatchewan.ca.

For more information about the supports and services that SCI Saskatchewan provides, please visit scisask.ca.

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