by Tova Sherman
As the CEO of reachAbility, I am incredibly proud to lead an organization rooted here in Nova Scotia, a province with a deep commitment to championing disability inclusion. With National AccessAbility Week (NAAW) running from May 31st to June 6th, this year’s national theme; Building a Strong, Accessible Canada” reflects a goal we strive towards every week of the year.
For us, accessibility isn’t a corporate checklist or a regulatory hurdle to clear. It is a celebration of human potential, innovation, and community resilience.
3 Reasons Why We All Should Celebrate NAAW
- Honouring the Power of First Voices: Inclusion only works when it is informed by the lived experiences of individuals with disabilities. NAAW elevates these vital perspectives to the forefront of business and policy discussions.
- Recognizing Immense Contributions: This week is a dedicated moment to applaud the leadership, talent, and achievements that professionals, creators, and entrepreneurs with disabilities bring to our workforce every single day.
- Reframing the Narrative: True accessibility requires breaking down attitudinal barriers alongside physical ones. Celebrating together normalizes diversity and fosters an environment where equal participation is the default, not the exception.
What’s New and Exciting at reachAbility
For over 25 years we have been pushing boundaries and rolling out new initiatives as we adapt to the changing needs of our clients:
- Reach on the Road: In addition to bringing our programming to multiple Atlantic Community Shelter Society locations throughout the Halifax area, our employment preparation and emotional management courses are now implementing more out-of-office time including visits to libraries, community partner resource hubs, and places of employment as we strive to build up their confidence and new real world applications for their transferable skills.
- Thought Leadership & Practical Accommodations: Our team has been sharing actionable resources all month—ranging from managing neurodivergence in leadership roles to implementing zero-cost cognitive accommodations that instantly upgrade workplace culture for every employee.
- New Programming: We are seeing ever increasing numbers of clients facing intersecting barriers, especially newcomers to Canada who are living with disabilities. To reflect the changing needs of our clientele, we have launched two new courses this spring: ERIN (Emotional Regulation in Newcomers) and BERY (Building Emotional Resilience in Youth).
Our commitment to innovation never stops. Behind the scenes, our team has been developing even more initiatives designed to address evolving gaps in employment, systemic access, self-awareness and community support.
We will be sharing an exclusive first look at these next-practice initiatives during our upcoming Open House, and in the weeks beyond. If you want to know where the future of disability advocacy in Nova Scotia is heading, you will want to stay in touch.
Annual Open House (June 5th): We are opening our doors at 3845 Joseph Howe Drive from 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM. We invite our clients, community partners, and local business leaders to drop by for refreshments, great conversations, a preview of our upcoming programs, and a firsthand look at our 27 years of success stories.
Rooted in Collaboration: Thanking Our Partners
None of this systemic change is possible alone. Our ability to innovate, adapt, and serve Nova Scotians is directly tied to the incredible trust of our funders. Their steadfast commitment, alongside the vital support we receive from grants and foundations, ensures that accessibility remains a well-funded, top-tier priority in our communities. Thank you for standing with us on this journey.
How You Can Take Action Today
Building an accessible Canada requires collective momentum. As business leaders, we have the power to shape the spaces and cultures where people thrive. This week, I challenge my network to:
- Audit your digital spaces for screen-reader compatibility.
- Review workplace accommodation policies to ensure neurodivergent team members feel supported.
- Join us on June 5th to connect, collaborate, and learn how we can build an unstoppable, inclusive workforce together.
Let’s not just raise awareness this week—let’s take concrete action.
How is your organization marking National AccessAbility Week this year?
