3 things educators can do to recognize National AccessAbility Week
May 28, 2018
GUELPH, Ontario – National AccessAbility Week runs from May 27 to June 2.
Accessibility is defined as that which enables people to achieve their full potential. The foundation of accessibility awareness is an understanding of the importance of human rights for all.
Here are some quick facts:
- About 1 in 7 (1.85 million) Ontarians has a disability
- As population ages, the number will increase. In 2025,1 in 5 Ontarians will be 65 or older – nearly 6.7 million people
- 38% of people will experience either a permanent or a temporary disability over the course of their lives
- Right now, 53% of Canadians either have a disability or have someone in their immediate family circle who is living with a disability
- Some disabilities are visible and some are not
At the Upper Grand District School Board, we’ve been working with our Accessibility Advisory Committee to improve accessibility in our schools and board offices by identifying, removing and preventing barriers for persons with disabilities. Here are some achievements:
- All school websites have been redesigned and migrated to WordPress, which is a mobile-friendly and accessible platform. Accessibility was a top priority and a key consideration at every step of the design process. These new sites meet Level A criteria of WCAG 2.0 (Web Content Accessibility Guidelines).
- Building staff capacity to more effectively integrate technology to support student learning in the classroom, through direct training to students using SEA equipment, staff training, and the employment of Elementary Inclusion Technology Coaches.
- Renovations and facility upgrades that improve accessibility are prioritized, including barrier free front access and accessible universal washrooms in schools and offices.
The continuous improvements and efforts of each of us are helping move Ontario toward the goal of becoming fully accessible by 2025.
As part of this work, school boards across Ontario have collaborated to create TheTeachAbleProject.org, a resource to help Ontario educators and school board staff build their awareness of accessibility issues, and to equip you with the information and materials you need to educate and inspire students.
Here are three things you can do to recognize National AccessAbility Week
Download new resources
Visit TheTeachAbleProject.org and explore the ready-to-use lesson plans, resources and professional development. Find 30 minutes in your calendar this week or in the next couple of weeks and block it off to explore the site. Commit to downloading one relevant lesson plan or resource and trying it.
Share your successes so others can learn
Submit an accessibility success story to TheTeachAbleProject.org. The project needs to hear from educators like you so success stories can be shared and we can learn from each other. Success stories will be used to create new content that will be shared next school year. Complete this form to submit your story. Here are some success story topics to consider:
- A story of how you tried a new approach with students and what happened
- A change at your school that makes it more accessible— perhaps a new approach to including students in extracurricular activities or field trips
- A story of actively working with a family to remove barriers and the outcomes
- Learning you’ve taken on personally or as a staff or department team and the outcomes you’ve experienced
Donate your influence to TheTeachAbleProject.org
If you’re an educator who is passionate about inclusion and accessibility, and you use social media professionally, reach out to TheTeachAbleProject.org to donate your influence. You’ll receive ready-to-use social media content to help you spread more good and help more people. You can also post about the resources at any time. Please use #TheTeachAbleProject with your posts.
Accessibility awareness aligns with our equity, inclusion and well-being work
TheTeachAbleProject.org is an example of the power of collaboration. Accessibility and inclusion are important to all of us. Please help share these valuable resources widely.
Categories: News Tags: Accessibility