Gravenhurst celebrates National AccessAbility Week

Canada’s National AccessAbility Week (NAAW) takes place from May 25 to May 31. 

The week recognizes the important contributions of people with disabilities and encourages efforts to remove barriers, creating a fair and welcoming society for everyone. 

To recognize the importance of this week, the Town of Gravenhurst is flying the Community Living South Muskoka (CLSM) flag in conjunction with the Gravenhurst Accessibility Advisory Committee (AAC) on Monday, May 26 at 9 a.m. in front of the town’s municipal office. People are welcome to attend the flag raising.   

“The goal of removing barriers is foremost in the leadership, planning, and outcome work in Gravenhurst, as demonstrated by the town’s five-year plan. This week marks a time to appreciate people with disabilities and to continue the work to make this town welcoming for all,” Mayor Heidi Lorenz said. 

“We are excited to have our first flag raising. NAAW means making it possible for all to be part of this amazing community. Working collectively with the town and CLSM is pivotal to accessibility,” Barbara McNeice-Stallard, chair of the Gravenhurst AAC, said.

“I can tell you that my past work with government and the private sector clearly demonstrates that the CLSM’s mission is on track for NAAW: building independence, fostering inclusion, and empowering people living with a developmental disability across their lifespan is key to supporting a town for all,” Gord Haugh, chair of the board of directors of CLSM, said.

“The work of the town to remove barriers is ongoing. There are many examples of this successful work including the accessibility of playgrounds and municipal buildings. I am proud to live in such a supportive environment,” Councilor Penny Varney, a member of the Gravenhurst AAC, said. 

Please join the town in celebrating the significant and innovative contributions of persons with disabilities in Canada, and the accomplishments of people who proactively identify, remove, and prevent barriers to accessibility and disability inclusion in their communities and workplaces. 

-30-