Proclamation – National AccessAbility Week, May 28 – June 3, 2023

“Whereas under the Accessible Canada Act 2019, c. 10 (Section 133), throughout Canada each year, the week starting on the last Sunday in May is to be known as National AccessAbility Week,and is an opportunity to promote accessibility and inclusion across communities and workplaces, and a time to celebrate the contributions of Canadians with disabilities and to be inspired to further break down barriers; and

Whereas a national accessibility week was first established following Paralympian Rick Hanson’s Man in Motion World Tour in 1987; and

Whereas the County of Northumberland is committed to accessibility; and

Whereas for the week of May 28 – June 3, 2023, the Northumberland Accessibility Advisory Committee (NAAC) approved a variety of awareness activities, in consultation with Communications; and

Whereas the theme of “Not every disability is visible” raises awareness that invisible disabilities are not immediately apparent and can substantially affect a person’s ability to carry out day-to-day activities; and

Whereas the County staff named below were honoured with a “Helping Hands Award” to recognize their efforts at embracing accessibility by going above and beyond mere compliance with accessibility legislation:

Bill Smith, Housing Services Supervisor, Community and Social Services

• For excellence in Customer Service for providing service to housing customers in a way that considers their disability and helps facilitating accommodations. He thinks outside the box to ensure that staff and clients who have various needs are accommodated.
• For excellence in Employment for creating a safe and accessible workplace that makes employees with disabilities feel valued and reach their full potential.

Janet Trull, HR/Payroll Coordinator, Corporate Services

• For excellence in Customer Service for the care and individual support she provides for employees with disabilities that need help to understand and complete payroll and benefits forms. She considers the needs and abilities of each employee and adjusts her approach with professionalism and patience. Employees with disabilities have said that she makes them feel valuable and welcomed.

Mike Muldoon, Trails Coordinator, Corporate Services

• For excellence in Design of Public Spaces for his work on the design, development, and maintenance of the universal trails within the County Forest, including the Heritage Trail at the Beagle Club Trailhead, the Carstairs Trail at the Carstairs Trailhead, and the new trail under construction at the Woodland Trailhead. Mike also creates signage to ensure visitors are aware of accessible features including slope, distances, and grades.
• For excellence in customer service for treating all customers in a professional manner and interacting with people with disabilities in a way that respects dignity and independence;

Now Therefore Be It Resolved That I, Deputy Warden Brian Ostrander, on behalf of Northumberland County Council, do hereby proclaim May 28 – June 3, 2023, as ‘National AccessAbility Week’ in Northumberland County.”