About

Nova Scotia's Access Awareness Week is driven by a single goal; to change the narrative for persons with disabilities by doing our part in raising awareness and taking action on disability issues. The events and initiatives hosted during this week are informed by first voice using a disability lens to ensure inclusion and accessibility for everyone.

What is Access Awareness Week?

An annual celebration and opportunity to raise awareness and engage Nova Scotians on issues around access and inclusion, recognized across the country as National AccessAbility Week.
This year, Nova Scotia’s Access Awareness Week is May 28th to June 3rd, 2023
Nova Scotia was the first province in Canada to champion Access Awareness Week as an extension of Rick Hansen’s 1987 Man in Motion world tour. During this initiative Rick and his team wheeled through 34 countries raising awareness about the potential of people with disabilities and the possibility of creating accessible and inclusive communities.
For 36 years Nova Scotians have organized community events, press conferences, forums, concerts and lectures during Access Awareness Week to bring attention to the importance of removing barriers for people with disabilities.
Through public awareness, community partnerships education and dialogue, Access Awareness Week aims to foster an environment of equal participation for persons with disabilities.

Why is Access Awareness Week important?

The pioneering work of the disability community has made significant advances in the past, but much work remains to fully recognize the rights of all Nova Scotians and create a barrier-free province by 2030.
Access Awareness Week gives Nova Scotians a chance to learn about the work of disability advocates and leaders across the province, while better understanding the barriers that still exist for persons with disabilities.

Nova Scotia Disability Facts: Did you know?

Nova Scotia was the third province in Canada to have Accessibility Legislation.
Canada is one of only a few jurisdictions around the world to have national Accessibility Legislation
Canada is a signatory to the United Nations Convention of the Rights of People with Disabilities.
Nova Scotia has the highest rate of disability in Canada, at 30% of our population, rising to 41% if you are over 65 (2017 Canadian Survey on Disabilities).
People with disabilities in Nova Scotia report a lower satisfaction with their overall quality of life (2019 Engage Nova Scotia Quality of Life Survey).
The employment rate for those aged 25-64 with disabilities in Nova Scotia is 55%, compared to 78% for those without (2017 Canadian Survey on Disabilities).