City of Peterborough Celebrates National AccessAbility Week

The City of Peterborough is celebrating National AccessAbility Week until Saturday and several events are being held to mark the occasion.

Photo by David Tuan Bui.

This year’s theme is ‘Forward Together: Accessibility and Inclusion for All,’ emphasizing the need for a collective effort to create a barrier-free Canada.

“Our country’s strength lies in the diversity of people – all its people – and we can all contribute to this vision,” as stated by the Government of Canada on its website. 

National AccessAbility Week is an opportunity to celebrate the contributions of people with disabilities, the work of allies and organizations that are removing barriers and the ongoing efforts to become a more accessible and inclusive Peterborough according to the City.

The following are events to help celebrate the week: 

Wednesday, - Red Shirt Day 

In support of Red Shirt Day, the City of Peterborough encourages residents to wear red on May 29, 2024. Established in 2019 by Easter Seals Canada, Red Shirt Day is about making a commitment to remove physical, attitudinal and systemic barriers to accessibility and inclusion. More information about Red Shirt Day is available at www.redshirtday.org. City Hall will be lit red on Red Shirt Day to create a visual display of solidarity and support for people with disabilities. 

Saturday - ‘Diversity, Equity and Inclusion for All’ talk with Nicole Flynn 

Join Nicole Flynn, author of ‘A Life Worth Living’, at the Peterborough Public Library on June 1, 2024 from 1:30 p.m. to 3 p.m. for a talk about the experiences of people with intellectual or developmental disabilities. Refer to the Peterborough Public Library calendar of events for more information on the Diversity, Equity and Inclusion for All talk with Nicole Flynn.    

Peterborough Public Library – cloudLibrary 

CloudLibrary is a continuously growing collection of eBooks, eAudiobooks, movies, and comics that allows users to enjoy digital library materials anywhere they go. With a Peterborough Public Library card, people can access thousands of new and popular titles for all ages and interests on cloudLibrary. An introduction to the cloudLibrary video on the city's YouTube channel teaches you how to make cloudLibrary suit your accessibility needs, such as editing fonts and colours. Library staff will provide an in-person demo or a one-on-one coaching session upon request. 

2024 to 2028 Accessibility Plan 

Following National AccessAbility Week, Peterborough City Council will review the draft 2024 to 2028 Accessibility Plan at the June 3, 2024 General Committee meeting. The Accessibility Plan will be a new five-year plan to help make Peterborough more accessible and welcoming for everyone. The plan will be up for approval at the June 10 City Council meeting. All Council reports are available at www.peterborough.ca/councilmeetings. 

Rotary Greenway Trail Crossing at Hunter Street East 

Upgrades are coming in 2024 to the Rotary Greenway Trail crossing at Hunter Street East. The improvement will accommodate a general increase in trail usage and demand related to the recently constructed mixed-use developments immediately south of the crossing location. 

The project, which was endorsed by Peterborough’s Accessibility Advisory Committee includes enhanced crossing features, surface markings and lighting to ensure people of all abilities can use the crossing independently. 

“Upgrades to the Rotary Greenway Trail crossing demonstrates the City’s ongoing commitment to create a barrier-free community,” said Councillor Kevin Duguay, the Council representative on the City’s Accessibility Advisory Committee. “We’re listening to the needs of the community, value the role of the Accessibility Advisory Committee and the many disability-related organizations in our community who are collectively contributing to create a more inclusive Peterborough.” 

Other community events 

A variety of community events will be taking place during National AccessAbility Week, such as a Peterborough Council for Persons with Disabilities hosting a wheelchair and mobility device maintenance clinic and an all-abilities pickleball event. The week concludes with Peterborough Council for Persons with Disabilities hosting a free Capable Con Event on June 1, 2024, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Venture North parking lot. Capable Con is an event to celebrate everyday superheroes living with disabilities, held in a safe space to learn, share and promote inclusivity. Residents are encouraged to visit the CPD website at www.pcpd.ca for information. 

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