Creating Inclusion – National AccessAbility Week May 31-June 6, 2026

By Don Epp, SARC Facility Planner, May 31, 2026

“Building a Strong, Accessible Canada” is the theme of AccessAbility Week 2026. Every year, the achievements of people experiencing disabilities are celebrated. Organizations and businesses advancing accessibility and inclusion in our communities are also highlighted. For decades, SARC Member organizations have promoted accessibility and have made improvements to include people in the life of their communities.

Accessibility takes work and planning. Accessibility means more than physical access; it includes communication, employment opportunities, decision making, and ensuring people are welcomed and valued. SARC Members play a vital role in advancing this work by modeling that people of all abilities are included and can participate fully in community life across the province. Accessibility and inclusion are created through intentional choices and sustained collaboration.

SARC Members create inclusion through:

• Accessibility – SARC Members go to great lengths and expenses to make their facilities accessible to people of all abilities.
• Advocacy – By bringing concerns, issues, and success stories to the forefront, inclusive solutions are sought.
• Leadership – Leadership teams and boards set the direction of the organization to create a high standard for accessibility and inclusion.
• Lived experience – Decisions are made based on lived experience and first-hand knowledge of challenges and barriers to inclusion.  
• Accommodations – SARC Members support staff and clients by making changes to their buildings and processes to meet everyday needs.
• Education and training – Attending SARC conferences and staff enrolling in educational opportunities are great ways to encourage inclusion as a shared responsibility. A culture of inclusion is created.

SARC Members create accessibility and inclusion by ensuring people are considered first, in how spaces, services, and systems are designed and operated. Person-centred planning initiatives recognize each person is an expert in their own life. People are supported to live, work, and participate in ways that matter to them.

National AccessAbility Week is a reminder that accessibility benefits everyone. When communities are designed to be inclusive, people of all abilities can belong, contribute, and thrive. SARC Members continue to be leaders across Saskatchewan. Together, we are building communities where inclusion is the focus, accessibility is the standard, and everyone has the opportunity to reach their full potential. SARC Members are building a strong, accessible Canada.