Article 8 of the UN CRPD highlights the imperative of public awareness of persons with disability, including representation in news, civic institutions, popular media, and so on, as well as intentional efforts through the education system, Public Service Announcements and other means to combat stereotypes and social stigma and to foster inclusion and awareness of rights and contributions.^[1]

There are several international efforts underway to increase public awareness of accessibility and promote the inclusion of people with disabilities. The International Day of Persons with Disabilities is a UN sanctioned day (observed every year on December 3rd) to raise awareness of the rights and needs of people with disabilities and promotes the inclusion of people with disabilities in all aspects of society.^[2]  World Enable is a global network that promotes the rights of people with disabilities and works to increase public awareness of digital accessibility and inclusion.^[3] #PurpleLightUp is a global movement designed to draw attention to the economic empowerment of disabled people.

Canada has declared the last week in May to be National AccessAbility Week (NAAW).  During NAAW in 2022 the Government of Canada held its first Canadian Congress on Disability Inclusion, a public, accessible, virtual and interactive two-day event and over 2,900 participants joined in.^[4]  There are also many awareness-raising activities undertaken by local governments, NGOs, on campuses, and within the private sector. In British Columbia, for example, SPARC BC works with local community groups to help raise awareness, including on June 3 – Access Awareness Day (nearly three decades running), and through a Vancouver-based Access Festival, replete with art shows, cabarets, workshops, and special events featuring disabled and equity-seeking artists, musicians, and community leaders.^[5]

SPOTLIGHT: Access City Award