National AccessAbility Week 2025
Building inclusive workplaces is a forward-thinking strategy that enables every employee to reach their full potential and make meaningful contributions. National AccessAbility Week provides Canadian organizations with a valuable opportunity to take the lead in promoting accessibility and inclusivity in the workplace.
What is National AccessAbility Week?
National AccessAbility Week (NAAW), beginning each year on the last Sunday in May, is a time to highlight ongoing efforts to break down barriers and promote accessibility and inclusion for workers in communities, workplaces, and society at large.
For 2025, NAAW takes place from May 25 to May 31, using the theme Breaking barriers together: Paving the way for an inclusive future. This theme emphasizes the shared responsibility of creating a barrier-free Canada, celebrating meaningful progress for inclusion and accessibility.
Why accessibility in the workplace matters
Unlocks potential
Did you know that more than eight million Canadians live with disabilities? By prioritizing accessibility, organizations can attract job seekers from a larger pool of talented candidates. Employees with disabilities can also bring diverse perspectives and unique skills that help drive innovation and reduce stigmas surrounding disabilities.
Strengthens employee morale and engagement
Accessible work environments foster inclusion, which strengthens employee morale and engagement. When employees feel acknowledged, valued, and supported, they are more likely to stay motivated and productive.
Maintain legislative compliance and mitigate risks
Canada introduced the Accessible Canada Act (ACA) in 2019 to create a barrier-free country. The ACA mandates accessibility standards across federal entities, while provinces like Ontario have their own requirements under the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005 (AODA). Other jurisdictions are following suit as more accessibility legislation is being developed and introduced across Canada. Meeting accessibility standards not only protects your organization from legal and reputational risks, it also helps empower all workers to perform at their best while futureproofing your business.
How organizations can support National AccessAbility Week (NAAW)
Participating in NAAW is an excellent way to highlight your organization’s commitment to accessibility and inclusion. Here’s how you can engage your workers and promote this meaningful week.
Provide education
Use NAAW as an opportunity for education. Organize workshops or training sessions for employees to better understand the barriers faced by persons with disabilities and how to overcome them.
Our online courses include topics like Improving Workplace Accessibility Training for Leaders – All Jurisdictions, which can be used by organizations that don’t have accessibility legislation in their jurisdiction. We also offer jurisdiction-specific training, such as the AODA Customer Service Standards Training courses and more! Make use of registered not-for-profit disability awareness organizations like the Rick Hansen Foundation.
Conduct an accessibility review
Review your workplace environment, policies, and processes to ensure they align with legislative accessibility requirements, like the AODA, for instance. Look at physical spaces (including doors, ramps, and elevators), digital domains (like your website, e-mail templates, or HRIS), and recruitment and onboarding processes.
Highlight your organization’s commitment
Communicate your organization’s commitment to accessibility through newsletters, blogposts, or social media platforms with the hashtag #NAAW2025. Showcase your commitment to championing inclusion within your workplace and the communities your organization serves.
Collaborate with community organizations
Partner with groups like the Canadian Council on Rehabilitation and Work (CCRW) or local disability advocacy groups to create significant initiatives, sponsor events, or co-host webinars or workshops during NAAW.
Promote volunteering and advocacy opportunities
Encouraging employees to take part in community-based NAAW events demonstrates your organization’s dedication to fostering meaningful community engagement. Providing structured opportunities for involvement highlights your corporate commitment to making a positive and lasting difference, reinforcing your position as a reliable and socially responsible leader.
Showcase accessibility in action
Organize live demonstrations or share tips that helped your organization implement accessibility measures. From inclusive tech solutions to workplace accommodations, tangible examples often inspire others to action, become the trendsetter in your industry!
The consequences of not meeting accessibility requirements
Neglecting accessibility in your workplace can have significant repercussions.
- Legal and financial risks: Noncompliance with accessibility standards, like the AODA, can lead to substantial financial penalties and legal consequences. On top of the legal risks, it can also damage an organization’s reputation, hurting credibility and trust.
- Employee turnover: Lack of inclusion can lead to dissatisfaction, ultimately driving higher employee turnover and increasing recruitment costs.
- Talent loss: Failing to provide an inclusive culture deters some talent from joining your organization. Skilled, innovative professionals who could drive your business forward might pass over applying to your organization if clear accessibility barriers exist.
- Customer backlash: Modern consumers expect businesses to champion inclusion. Neglecting accessibility can alienate a significant proportion of your customer base.
Moving forward together
Promoting accessibility in the workplace isn’t a once-a-year project; it’s an ongoing commitment to inclusion, equity, and innovation. National AccessAbility Week is the perfect time to evaluate your organization’s practices, engage employees in meaningful conversations, and build a roadmap for the future for all your workers.
Connect with our HR experts to learn how Citation Canada can help business leaders create the accessible and thriving workforce they need to drive business growth.
How our services support accessible workplaces
Creating and sustaining a barrier-free, inclusive workplace may feel daunting, but you don’t have to tackle it alone. Our HR and health and safety experts are here to support your organization’s accessibility goals every step of the way.
- Expert-led guidance: Our team of seasoned HR professionals provides live advice tailored specifically to your organization’s unique challenges. Unsure how to update your workplace policies? We’ll walk you through it. Struggling to decipher provincial compliance nuances? We’ll simplify it for you.
- Training programs and development tools: From accessibility training to inclusive hiring practices, our programs equip your teams with the knowledge and tools they need to make meaningful changes.
- Scalable and flexible solutions: Whether you’re a local startup or a national organization, our HR and health and safety packages are priced to fit businesses of all sizes and budgets. Create an accessible and inclusive workplace that’s not just attainable, it’s scalable.