Huron County, Ontario – During National AccessAbility Week, the County of Huron expresses its sincere appreciation to the Huron County Accessibility Advisory Committee (HCAAC) for its invaluable contributions to making Huron County a more accessible community.
National AccessAbility Week (NAAW) takes place from May 25 to May 31, 2025. HCAAC plays a vital role in assisting Huron County Council and participating municipalities in creating more accessible and inclusive communities. Through their vision, guidance, and advice, they have been instrumental in identifying and removing barriers that hinder accessibility.
In 2024, the HCAAC accomplished several significant milestones, including:
HCAAC Awards 2024: These awards recognize individuals, businesses, and public sector organizations who have demonstrated a strong commitment to removing barriers and building a more inclusive Huron County. In 2024, nominations increased significantly thanks to an updated, more accessible nomination process and community engagement efforts. The winners exemplify leadership in accessibility and continue to inspire others through their actions.
Successful Launch of AccessSLED: Launched recently, AccessSLED is a grassroots funding program that supports local businesses and community organizations in making accessibility improvements to their spaces and services. The program demonstrates the County of Huron’s and HCAAC’s continued dedication to practical, community-level solutions that promote accessibility for everyone.
To further promote inclusive communities, HCAAC in collaboration with the County of Huron’s partner municipalities is hosting a free educational meeting during National AccessAbility Week focused on fostering accessible and inclusive volunteering practices. This session is open to all organizations across the Huron County.
“Accessibility is for everyone. It goes beyond just physical spaces. It’s about creating environments where all people can participate fully and feel a true sense of belonging,” said Sahil Kaushal, the County of Huron’s Inclusion, Diversity, Equity and Accessibility (IDEA) Specialist and Accessibility Coordinator. “Over the past year, we have made significant strides in enhancing the accessibility of County properties, as well as reviewing numerous community projects.”
The County of Huron recognizes that creating a truly accessible community requires the active involvement of its residents. Residents can contribute by raising awareness, advocating for inclusivity, reporting barriers, supporting inclusive businesses, volunteering with relevant organizations, promoting accessible communication, and participating in inclusive events. Their engagement is crucial in fostering a community that prioritizes accessibility and ensures equal opportunities for all individuals, regardless of their abilities.
Quick Facts:
- 27% of Canadians aged 15 years and older, or 8.0 million people, had one or more disabilities that limited them in their daily activities.
- Persons with disabilities often have multiple co-occurring disability types.
- Mental health-related disabilities among youth and working-age adults each increased by 8 percentage points from 2017, representing the largest increase among all disability types and all age groups.
- Women are more likely to have a more severe disability than men.
- In 2022, 6 in 10 persons with disabilities experienced barriers related to accessing indoor and outdoor public spaces.
Source: Statistics Canada
To learn more about the Huron County Accessibility Advisory Committee and their ongoing efforts, please visit their website at https://www.huroncounty.ca/administration/accessibility/hcaac/.
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