Government of New Brunswick

May 26 - June 1, 2024
This year's campaign theme is “Embracing Accessibility, Inspiring Change”

The Premier's Council on Disabilities is proud to once again be organizing several province-wide events as part of Disability Awareness Week (DAW).  In addition, we will be offering ongoing advertising support to provincial and local community groups for any events that they are hosting.

Disability Awareness Week (DAW) continues the tradition of National Access Awareness Week first established in 1988 to promote better community access for people with disabilities. In 1998, a decision was made in New Brunswick to continue celebrating an annual awareness week but with a new name to ensure that all issues related to persons with a disability could be promoted. The main goal of DAW is to raise public awareness of existing barriers that prevent citizens with disabilities from full and equal participation in all aspects of their community and what may be done to correct these problems. We also want to celebrate examples of best practices and advancements made towards full inclusion for citizens with disabilities.

The DAW awareness campaign targets the participation of communities large and small across New Brunswick to create positive changes in the lives of people with disabilities.

Activities for Disability Awareness Week are coordinated at the provincial level by the Premier's Council on Disabilities. Local groups will also organize community projects across the province. Disability Awareness Week covers all types of disabilities and all age groups in partnership with any interested supporters.

DAW is not intended to provide an opportunity for organizations to raise funds for their own activities. The sole focus should be on public awareness about disability issues.

Please join us as we celebrate the 37th year of this campaign!

 

DAW 2024 Events

DAW Kick-off


When:
May 25th
Where: 324 Duke St W, Saint John
Time: 12:00 to 2:00 PM

For more information, please contact the NB Deaf and Hard of Hearing Services

Telephone: (506) 633-0599
https://nbdhhs.com

nbdhhs-ssmnb

Walk & Roll Challenge!


When? Anytime you like between
            May 26th to June 3rd
Where?  You choose, your
               neighbourhood, school,
               business or favourite
               walking route.

Get social with us!

When out for your walk, take a photo or video, share it on social media and tag us @NBPCD. Use the hashtag #DAW2024.

Walk & Roll Challenge Form

Or join us in Fredericton!

When:  June 1st
Where: Bill Thorpe Walking Bridge
             Starting on the north side
Time:   12:00 pm

Stay for the Parks and Trails Day activities – 10:00 am to 2:00 pm.


Legislative Lunch


Where:
 Crowne Plaza Fredericton
Date: May 28
Time: 11:00 am – 2:00 pm

 

Event with simultaneous translation and ASL

The Legislative Lunch brings together and connects key government officials, service providers, community stakeholders, and consumers to discuss issues related to persons with a disability. The event will feature a variety of presentations on disability related topics and will include a keynote address from Premier Higgs.

The guest list for this event is now full, but those still wishing to view the presentations can do so by joining us virtually here:

Join Us Virtually!

 

DAW awards and contests


Several contests are being held this year to help organizations promote Disability Awareness Week activities. These are designed to foster discussion and a better understanding of the challenges facing more than 246,000 persons with disabilities living in New Brunswick. This represented 35.3% of the province’s population aged 15 years and over, the second highest percentage among the provinces and territories, and well above the 27% seen at a national level.

DAW Awards
Deadline: May 17th, 2024

Contests

We will no longer be selling promotional items, however a limited amount of promotional items will be available at DAW events.