This LibGuide highlights the richness of our library collections, with a special focus on works by disabled authors sharing their lived experiences. In addition to the print titles featured here, be sure to explore our Featured Collection: National AccessAbility Week, which showcases related materials from the library’s digital holdings.
National AccessAbility Week kicks off every year on the last Sunday in May—a time to recognize and celebrate the leadership and contributions of Canadians with disabilities, and our allies, while renewing our commitment to building a more accessible and inclusive country for everyone.
First launched in 1988 as National Access Awareness Week, this initiative was inspired by Rick Hansen’s legendary Man In Motion World Tour, which helped ignite a national conversation about equity and accessibility. Today, the week continues to spotlight the work needed to break down barriers in our communities, campuses, and workplaces.
Did you know that 27% of Canadians aged 15 and older live with a disability? That makes people with disabilities the largest minority group in Canada—and it’s the only group anyone can join at any point in their life. Globally, over 1 billion people live with a disability.
People with disabilities are less likely to graduate from high school or university than their non-disabled peers. Further, Canadians with disabilities are less likely to be employed, more likely to be underemployed, and more likely to live near or below the poverty line. Working to identify and eliminate barriers is crucial to our well-being and equality.
National AccessAbility Week is not just a celebration—it's a call to action.
Statistics Canada (2022). Canadian Survey on Disability. https://www23.statcan.gc.ca/imdb/p2SV.pl?Function=getSurvey&Id=1329901