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National Accessibility Week 2025:
Voices of Accessibility- Understanding Visitor Needs

To celebrate National Accessibility Week 2025 (May 25-May 31), Parks Canada proudly presents a series of engaging virtual panel discussions exploring accessibility and inclusion for visitors with disabilities. Under this year’s theme, “Voices of Accessibility- Understanding Visitor Needs" we will learn about the lived experience of the panelists and will gain a better understanding of how to better serve visitors.

We invite you to join us for four different sessions running from May 26 to May 29. All sessions will feature captions and simultaneous language translation, and will have ASL/LSQ translation. We encourage you to participate actively with your questions and comments.

We also welcome you to view the videos (links below) and hear firsthand accounts of the importance of accessibility in Parks Canada places.

May 26, 2025 - 1 p.m. – 2 p.m. Eastern
Session 1: Beyond Awareness: Improving experiences for neurodiverse visitors
Don't miss this session where we will explore with our guest speaker the unique challenges and opportunities faced by neurodiverse individuals. You will gain valuable insights into the autism spectrum and its impact on daily life. The session aims to encourage us to think about how to enhance experiences and improve service for neurodiverse visitors

May 27, 2025 - 1 p.m. – 2 p.m. Eastern
Session 2: Seeing Beyond: Experiences and Inclusion for visitors who are blind or have low vision
Join us for an enlightening session exploring the experiences and challenges faced by individuals who are blind or have low vision. Our guest speakers will share their life experiences, providing valuable perspectives to inspire enhancements in infrastructure, programs and services for visitors with visual impairments at your sites.

May 28, 2025 – 1 p.m. - 2 p.m. Eastern
Session 3: Breaking Barriers: Real stories and practical solutions for mobility impairments
Be part of an engaging session that addresses the challenges and opportunities faced by individuals with mobility impairments. Our guest speakers, will share stories and examples from their lived experience. This session will offer practical solutions and strategies to enhance accessibility and independence for visitors with reduced mobility.

May 29, 2025 – 1 p.m. – 2 p.m. Eastern
Session 4: Hearing Every Voice: Experiences and inclusion for deaf and hard of hearing visitors
Participate in an engaging session that highlights the experiences and challenges faced by individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing. Our guest speakers will provide insights into the spectrum of hearing loss and its impact on communication and daily life. This session will offer valuable strategies and suggestions to improve accessibility and inclusion for this community.


Chris
English / French

Ramesh
English / French

Sophie and Lisa
English / French


Darlene Upton
Pronom: Elle
Pronouns: She/Her