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Every year, starting on the last Sunday in May, Canadians celebrate National AccessAbility Week. Founded as ‘National Access Awareness Week’ in 1988 and inspired by Rick Hansen’s Man In Motion World Tour, this week celebrates the valuable contributions and leadership of Canadians with disabilities while highlighting the work of people and organizations removing barriers, both physically and mentally, to create a more accessible and inclusive Canada. “Attitudes account for some of the greatest barriers faced by people with disabilities on a daily basis,” said Brad McCannell VP Access and Inclusion, Rick Hansen Foundation. “When we challenge our assumptions of what disability is, and begin to uncover our unconscious biases, we set in motion the steps needed to create lasting change and a truly inclusive society for people of all ages and abilities.” Attend this live panel to learn how you can confront attitudinal barriers and challenge perceptions to work towards an inclusive mindset. Panellists will be sharing their lived experiences as people with varying disabilities and intersections, with the goal to create a deeper understanding of this important topic and empower attendees on ways they can make a tangible change. During this one-hour virtual event, moderator Matthew Shaw will be leading the discussion between Inclusive Design Artist and Consultant Yvonne Felix, Entrepreneur and Disability Advocate Taylor Lindsay-Noel, Jade Pichette, Director of Programs at Pride at Work, and former Humboldt Bronco player and Founder of Straz Strong Foundation Ryan Straschnitzki. Panel moderator, Matthew Shaw, is the Accessibility Content Lead with the Rick Hansen Foundation Accessibility Certification™ (RHFAC) team. Matthew speaks and writes on disability and serves as an advisor to federal and provincial governments on accessibility legislation and standards. He joined the Rick Hansen Foundation in September 2022. Yvonne Felix is an award-winning artist whose focus has been driven by the intersectionality of technology and disability in the arts. Professionally and personally, they incorporate the ever-evolving landscape of access, and what it means by applying their lived experience to their approach as a consultant and advisor. Taylor Lindsay-Noel is a 29-year-old entrepreneur, motivational speaker, and disability advocate and is also the owner of Cup of Té Luxury Loose Leaf Teas. In 2020, Taylor was named Young Entrepreneur of the Year at the Black Business and Professional Association Harry Jerome Awards. Jade Pichette is an inclusion, diversity, equity, and accessibility (IDEA) professional currently serving as the Director of Programs atPride at Work Canada. Ryan Straschnitzki is a former Humboldt Bronco player, current Team Alberta para-ice hockey player, and a hopeful for the 2026 Team Canada para-ice hockey team. He recently founded the Straz Strong Foundation through which he hopes to give back to the disability community. His goal is to increase social awareness for those who have a limited understanding of how life is for someone with a disability. The virtual event is free to attend but registering in advance is encouraged to secure your seat. |
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What |
Join us for The Power of an Inclusive Mindset Panel, a free virtual event hosted by the Rick Hansen Foundation.
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When |
Friday June 2nd; 10am PT/ 1pm ET
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Who |
The Power of an Inclusive Mindset Moderator: · Matthew Shaw (he/him), Accessibility Content Lead with the Rick Hansen Foundation Accessibility Certification™ (RHFAC) team The Power of an Inclusive Mindset Panelists: · Yvonne Felix (they/them), Inclusive Design Artist and Consultant · Taylor Lindsey-Noel (she/her), Entrepreneur, Motivational Speaker & Disability Advocate · Jade Pichette (they/them), Director of Programs, Pride at Work · Ryan Straschnitzki (he/him), Former Humboldt Bronco, Team Alberta para-ice hockey member, and Founder of Straz Strong Foundation
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How |
Be sure to register using the Zoom registration link to confirm your space.
ASL interpretation and live captioning will be provided.
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Why |
Attend this live panel in honour of National AccessAbility Week to learn from people with diverse lived experience how we can confront attitudinal barriers and challenge our perceptions to work towards a more inclusive mindset. |
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In addition to the Power of an Inclusive Mindset, the Rick Hansen Foundation is challenging all Canadians to celebrate people with disabilities for their leadership and impact throughout National AccessAbility Week on social media. Make a video or post about how that person is making an impact in your community and beyond – it could be a family member, friend, advocate, or leader with a disability. Challenge that person to do the same and use the #NAAWChallenge hashtag to join the chain of recognition. Visit www.RickHansen.com/NAAW, to learn more about National AccessAbility Week. |
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