Access Awareness Week (AAW), recognized across the country as National AccessAbility Week, is an annual celebration that takes place during the last week of May to raise awareness about disability, access and inclusion.The provincial theme is "Communities for All: Taking Action on Access Awareness” and it takes place this year from May 26 to June 1, 2024.
The disability community in Nova Scotia was the first in the country to champion Access Awareness Week as an extension of Rick Hansen’s 1987 Man in Motion world tour.
During this initiative, Rick and his team wheeled through 34 countries raising awareness about the potential of people with disabilities and the possibility of creating accessible and inclusive communities.
For 37 years, Nova Scotians have organized community events, flag raising, forums, and concerts during Access Awareness Week to bring attention to the importance of removing barriers for people with disabilities.
For details of these events and more information about how you or your community can get involved in Access Awareness Week you can visit https://nsleo.com/access-awareness-week-nova-scotia/ or by searching “Access Awareness Nova Scotia” online.

One of the waysThe Municipality of the District of St. Mary's has taken part in Access Awareness Week is the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower Program. This program is a simple tool for residents to voluntarily share that they have a disability or condition that may not be immediately apparent  and that they may need a helping hand, understanding, or more time in shops, at work, on transport, or in public spaces. Staff are trained and will understand that some residents may require additional needs. You may pick up a Sunflower lanyard at the Municipal Office.