1. National Office Update | | 
The CAN National Office welcomes Aline Iradukunda, who is with us on a full-time basis through to the end of August as an intern from the Sprott School of Business MBA program. Aline will be working on our CAN emails and providing operational and strategic support as we move into planning for the 26/27 operating year, including planning for our CAN Connect Forums, the CAN newsletter, and other initiatives we’re exploring. Welcome Aline! | | Support the Next Generation of Accessibility Leaders Last fall, CAN members and supporters raised more than $8,500 to help offset the costs of accessibility accommodations, ensuring members could fully participate in CAN meetings and events. This year, we are raising funds to support student involvement in CAN initiatives by creating experiential learning opportunities for undergraduate and graduate students who assist with research, communications, and coordination of CAN’s Communities of Practice meetings and CAN Connect Forum events. Your contribution will help students gain meaningful experience in accessibility work while strengthening CAN’s ability to support its volunteers, collaborators, and national programming. It will also help sustain the coordination and growth of the Network itself, ensuring CAN has the support, tools, and infrastructure needed to continue leading national conversations and driving real, lasting change. Donate or Learn more → | Share Your Voice: Research & Engagement Opportunities If you’re looking for ways to get involved in accessibility research and engagement opportunities, we invite CAN members to check out our new page Share Your Voice where members can learn about current opportunities to engage and/or participate in studies, focus groups, consultations, and feedback sessions that help shape more inclusive policies, programs, and practices across Canada. Many opportunities also offer honoraria or other forms of appreciation for participation. This is a great way to share your lived experience, expertise, and perspectives while contributing to meaningful change. Explore Current Opportunities → | Welcome New CAN Collaborators We are pleased to welcome several new CAN Collaborators to the Network since our last issue in January. With the addition of these organizations and individuals, we are now represented by over 335 members supporting CAN. Individuals - Jeff Reader
- Lindsay Cameron
- Simon Potter
- Jeeva Bains
- Melissa Grassmick
- Marcel Arsenault
CAN Collaborator Directory → | Advertise in the CAN Newsletter Reach a highly engaged national audience committed to advancing accessibility and inclusion across Canada. The CAN Newsletter connects with 1,600+ subscribers, including accessibility advocates, professionals, service providers, researchers, educators, community organizations, public sector leaders, and private sector partners. Advertising in the CAN Newsletter is an opportunity to promote products, services, events, training, resources, and initiatives that align with accessibility, inclusion, disability confidence, and systems-level change. Whether you are looking to build awareness, connect with accessibility-focused audiences, or demonstrate your organization’s commitment to inclusion, the CAN Newsletter offers a targeted and values-aligned platform to expand your reach. Advertise with CAN → | 2. Communities of Practice Highlights | | The CAN Communities of Practice (CoP) are groups that provide inclusive, creative opportunities for CAN Members to drive accessibility forward. Below you will find some highlights to showcase some of the current initiatives that are being worked on by our members. | Education and Training The Education and Training CoP) relaunched in early February 2026, bringing together members from post-secondary institutions, government, accessibility services, advocacy organizations and community partners across Canada. Key areas of interest identified by members included: - Exploring a national scan of accessibility education and training resources
- Developing a centralized and up-to-date resource hub
- Sharing practical examples and organizational accessibility approaches
- Promoting inclusive practices that reflect intersectionality and real-world barriers
Participants also highlighted interest in increased collaboration across CoPs and more opportunities for ongoing engagement between meetings. | Employment The Employment CoP is currently working on a project to develop a new resource to help organizations better support employees who request assistive technologies. Topics being explored include: - Navigating conversations around assistive technology
- Making informed decisions about assistive technology
- Implementing solutions effectively in the workplace
Members interested in contributing to the assistive technologies project are encouraged to reach out to the CoP Co-Lead Bianca at bianca.go@mynslc.com. | Policy The Policy CoP continues to play an important role in shaping accessibility policy across Canada.The CoP has been supporting Accessibility Standards Canada (ASC) by holding feedback sessions on ASC’s draft accessibility standards as they become available. Each session includes an overview presentation by ASC officials on the draft standard, and then CAN collaborators have an opportunity to share their insights, identify gaps, and provide other advice to help ensure the final standard is practical, inclusive, and reflective of lived experience. A feedback session on the draft Wayfinding and Signage Standard took place in March 2026. Most recently, there was a session on ASC’s draft Childcare Centres Standard, where there was strong engagement from participants from across the Network. In addition, the CoP has been working to strengthen relationships with provincial and territorial governments. Since late 2025, outreach efforts have: To keep the momentum going, follow-up meetings with provincial and territorial officials are ongoing. | Research, Design and Innovation The Research, Design and Innovation CoP continue to advance work on accessibility-focused research and knowledge sharing. The CoP is nearing completion of a report on accessible research guidelines, which is aimed at supporting more inclusive and effective research practices. In addition, the CoP has launched a Knowledge Sharing Initiative to collect information about accessibility-related research, design, and innovation to improve information exchange and foster learning about accessibility. CAN members and others can contribute to the initiative by submitting information about their research via a submission form on the CAN website. Submission Form → | Innervation Wins G7 GovAI Grand Challenge Innervation has been recognized as a recipient of the G7 GovAI Grand Challenge. The company’s Ableism Debiaser tool helps organizations review documents, detect bias, and improve accessibility in communications. Unlike traditional tools, it evaluates how disability-related language is used in context and aligns it with best-practice accessibility guidelines. Learn More → | New Book on the Accessible Canada Act Max Brault of Niewe Consulting has published his first book: The Race to the Starting Line: What You Need to Know About the Accessible Canada Act for Making a Barrier-Free Society. Drawing on lifetime of advocacy, the book explores how Accessible Canada Act was developed, why it is one of the most significant pieces of legislation since the Charter of Rights and Freedoms, and why more awareness is still needed. It examines the Act’s seven key areas from employment to transportation and introduces the federal roles created to support implementation and long-term change. The book also looks ahead to what the Act could achieve and what further progress is needed. This work serves as both an informative guide and call to action to advance accessibility across Canada. Learn More → | Self-Advocacy Learning Modules Launch at Humber Polytechnic In March 2026, Humber’s Advising & Career Services launched their Self Advocacy Learning Modules. The Self-Advocacy Learning (SAL) project was developed in response to research showing rapidly rising disability and mental-health-related needs among post-secondary learners, along with the ongoing underemployment of Canadians with disabilities who could work with appropriate supports. SAL positions self-advocacy as an essential employability competency directly aligned with Humber’s Learning Outcomes. Complementing this work, Affinity Art Advocacy is developing an Ableism Awareness Article and Portrait Project exploring barriers to participation, visibility, and inclusion experienced by people with disabilities. The project aims to bring together diverse voices and perspectives through storytelling, art, and community collaboration. Affinity Art Advocacy → | Accessible Canada Roadmap Explore the new Accessible Canada Roadmap and find out how it can help guide your accessibility efforts today? The Accessible Canada Roadmap is designed to help you identify the actions you and your organization can take in working towards the goal of a barrier-free Canada. Getting to a barrier-free Canada however will take everyone, as individuals and organizations, working collectively to create a country where everyone can participate. Now is the time to act! Learn More → | Professional Education for Accessibility Competence (PEAC) - Upcoming Courses As organizations plan for the months ahead, it’s a great time to build accessibility capacity across your teams. The Professional Educational for Accessibility Competence (PEAC) program, offered by the Accessibility Institute at Carleton University, provides practical, skills-based training for professionals looking to strengthen their accessibility knowledge and apply it confidently in their roles. PEAC courses are designed for both individual learners and organizations aiming to upskill multiple team members. Learn more about PEAC → | CAN Connect Forum: Accessibility is a Leadership Competence Date: Tuesday, May 26th , 2026
Time: 12:00 p.m. to 1:30 p.m. ET
Delivery: Virtual via Zoom The Canadian Accessibility Network (CAN) invites you to join an engaging panel discussion exploring accessibility as an essential leadership competence across sectors. This forum will bring together leaders, advocates, educators, and lived-experience voices to discuss how accessibility-informed leadership can drive inclusion, innovation, and meaningful change. Register here → | The Attendant Perspective: The People Behind the Care Join Whimble Care for a virtual panel exploring the experiences of care attendants and the important role they play in supporting clients. This session will offer an honest, behind-the-scenes look at day-to-day care from meaningful moments to real challenges and highlight the impact on both clients and caregivers. Attendees will gain insight into the people behind attendant care and the work they do. Event details: Register Here → | IWSCC National Forum for Disabled Entrepreneurship The National Forum for Disabled Entrepreneurship returns on May 26. Join the Inclusive Workplace and Supply Council of Canada (IWSCC) for their annual celebration of Canadian disabled-owned businesses and their allies. Participants will: - Learn from dynamic entrepreneurs
- Access resources and programs
- Connect with supporters and allies
- Celebrate award-winning leaders in IWSCC’S national community
Early registration is now open. Recordings of past forums are also available. Learn more and register → | TechEmpower Webinar Series – March of Dimes Canada March of Dimes Canada’s SkillingUp Program presents the TechEmpower Webinar Series, a free three-day virtual event exploring practical applications of assistive technology and artificial intelligence in the workplace. Participants can attend one or all sessions to learn how technology can enhance accessibility and productivity. Events Details: - Dates: May 26-28, 2026
- Time: 1:30 – 3:30 p.m. ET
- Format: Virtual
- Language: English and French
Session Topics: - May 26 – Assistive Technology for Vision Loss
- May 27 – Using AI for Work
- May 28 – Invisible Assistive Technology Supports
Register Here → | Accessibility Wins Campaigns – Disability Alliance BC Disability Alliance BC is inviting organizations to showcase their accessibility successes. Through an interactive map, participants can: - Share photos and stories
- Highlight accessible spaces
- Promote inclusive practices across British Columbia
This initiative celebrates real- world accessibility improvements and encourages broader adoption of inclusive design. Explore or contribute → | AccessAbility Day 2026 – City of Ottawa As part of AccessAbility Day 2026, the City of Ottawa is proud to be partnering with Wheelchair Basketball Canada in anticipation of the 2026 IWBF Wheelchair Basketball World Championships, which will be hosted in Ottawa this fall. In recognition of this partnership, the theme of this year’s AccessAbility Day is Game Changers: Accessible Sport in Action. Date: Friday, May 29Time: 9:30 am to 3 pm Place: Ottawa City Hall (110 Laurier Avenue West); the morning portion of the event will be livestreamed via the City’s YouTube channel RSVP → Please register by Friday, May 22 | National AccessAbility Week (May 31 – June 6, 2026) National AccessAbility Week (NAAW) is taking place from May 31 to June 6, 2026, offering an opportunity to recognize the contributions of people with disabilities and reflect on the importance of removing barriers to participation. Inspired by Rick Hansen’s Man in Motion World Tour (1985-1987) and officially established in the Accessibility Canada Act (2019), the week highlights how accessibility benefits everyone, from individuals with disabilities to families, caregivers and communities. It also serves as a reminder that advancing accessibility requires ongoing awareness, commitment, and action across all sectors. The Rick Hansen Foundation offers resources to help individuals and organizations recognize and participate in this important week. Learn more → | IAAP Canada Chapter Launch Event The Canadian community is coming together for an exciting milestone. On June 8, 2026, Aequum Global Access, A11yverse, and the International Association of Accessibility Professionals (IAAP) will officially launch the IAAP Canada Chapter. This National chapter will bring together accessibility professionals, entrepreneurs, and advocates from across the country to connect, collaborate and learn from organizations driving change. The event will be hosted and sponsored by Deloitte and will feature a keynote address from The Honorable Stephanie Cadieux Events details: Learn more and register → | From Insight to Action: Driving Equity in Employment 31st Annual National Supported Employment Conference - Date: June 9-11, 2026
- Delivery: In person
- Location: Westin Ottawa, 11 Colonel By Drive, Ottawa, Ontario
Register Now → Explore research, innovations, and the best practices for supporting job seekers and workers experiencing disability and for encouraging disability inclusion among employers. Network with career development professionals, disability advocates, and non-profit organizations. Hosted by the Canadian Association for Supported Employment in partnership with CCRW and ODEN. | Hone Your Skills to Support Job Seekers Experiencing Disability The Canadian Association for Support Employment (CASE) offers online certificate programs sharing best practices to support persons experiencing disability and the employers who want to hire them. Strengthens-based Career Development in the Age of AI – June 16 The Strategic Marketer: Building Job Seeker Brand – June 25 Register Now → | Building an Accessible Canada: Ideas, Impact, and Innovation Join Easter Seals Canada for 2- year National Accessibility Week virtual conference taking place on June 2, 2026, from 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. (ET) Funded by the Government of Canada through the Canadian Council on Rehabilitation and Work (CCRW) and Indigenous Disability Canada/ BCANDS), this free national virtual conference hosted by Easter Seals Canada will explore what accessibility looks like across Canada today and what it can become. This conference will feature thought-provoking and engaging discussion panels with leaders, advocates, and community members from across Canada dedicated to increasing accessibility and inclusion. Topics include: - Housing & Accessible Design
- Employment & Artificial Intelligence
- Sport & Leisure
- Buy Canadian (Procurement)
Accessibility features including captioning (English and French) as well as ASL and LSQ interpretation will be provided. The conference will also be recorded for viewing on demand. Register Now → | CAN is actively recruiting! If you know an organization or an accessibility advocate who might be a good fit for the Network, please connect them with can@carleton.ca. | Copyright © 2026 Canadian Accessibility Network. All rights reserved. | | | | |
