Join us in celebrating National AccessAbility Week through a series of events that foster dialogue, inclusion, and community learning.
Explore the Week's Events“Emerging from the Shadows” is a national initiative led by NorthStar Special Needs Society as part of National AccessAbility Week 2025 and 2026. Through a series of themed workshops, panel discussions, and community events, the project aims to raise awareness, reduce stigma, and foster inclusion for individuals with disabilities within Asian-Canadian communities.
The project unfolds in two phases: Year One (2025) focuses on speakers, families, and advocates primarily from Ontario; Year Two (2026) expands to include voices and perspectives from across Canada, deepening the conversation nationally.
While NorthStar's core work centers on children with autism, this initiative is designed to resonate across the broader disability community, creating space for shared understanding and solidarity.
In many Asian cultures, disability is still associated with stigma, silence, or shame. Deeply rooted cultural norms may lead families to hide disabled members, limit access to services, and isolate them from community life. Language barriers, fear of judgment, and a lack of culturally relevant supports often compound these challenges.
This silence causes harm — not just to individuals with disabilities, but to their families and communities. It hinders inclusion and reinforces systemic inequities.
This project responds by creating space for open dialogue, education, and storytelling — rooted in cultural understanding and focused on building more inclusive futures.
Through events and a social media campaign, we’ll educate Asian-Canadian communities about disability experiences, challenging stereotypes and dispelling misconceptions.
By amplifying the experience of individuals with disabilities and their families, we aim to build empathy, challenge stigma, and promote acceptance.
We'll offer resources and practical guidance to help families advocate for their loved ones and navigate the support system with confidence.
By sharing recordings of our events, we'll help service providers better understand the cultural context of disability in Asian-Canadian communities.
This week-long program features a powerful mix of online workshops, panel discussions, and in-person community events — including an Opening Ceremony and Closing Celebration open to all. Together, these events explore how we can challenge stigma, share new perspectives, and build more inclusive spaces for individuals with disabilities in Asian-Canadian communities.
Take part in the conversation and help shape brighter futures — not just for individuals with disabilities, but for their families and communities too.
Time:
9:30 am - 1:30 pm ET
Location:
Pierre Elliott Trudeau High School
90 Bur Oak Ave, Markham, ON L6C 2E6
Agenda:
9:30 am Registration
10:00 am Opening
11:00 am Break w/ light refreshments
11:30 am - 1:30 pm Panel discussion
Panel Discussion Topic:
Inclusive Education — Creating Equitable Learning Environments for Asian Canadians with Disabilities
In the first hour an expert panel brings together educators, disability advocates, and policy specialists to discuss inclusive teaching practices, student experiences, and the policy landscape shaping access to education. Together, they'll explore what it takes to meet the needs of diverse learners through both cultural and disability lenses.
In the second hour, an interactive workshop showcases innovative inclusion strategies in schools and classrooms. Participants will hear moving personal stories, explore real-world examples, and engage in networking and collaboration with fellow educators, advocates, and community leaders.
This workshop will feature opportunities for Q&A.
Speakers:
TBA
We begin with a look at how disability is viewed within various Asian cultures, and how these perspectives influence attitudes and openness around inclusion. We then examine intersectionality, highlighting how race, language, and disability can compound barriers to healthcare, education, and social support.
The second hour introduces The Accessible Canada Act, exploring its relevance to Asian-Canadian communities and the path forward toward accessibility and equity.
Time:
7:00 - 9:00 pm ET
Format:
Live Zoom webinar with interactive audience Q&A
Speakers:
TBA
The session begins with an expert panel exploring how cultural awareness, inclusive business practices, and community-based programs can reduce stigma and expand support. Panelists include leaders from the nonprofit, business, therapeutic, and cultural sectors, sharing insights on creating environments where individuals with disabilities are welcomed and empowered.
In the second hour, an interactive workshop guides participants through real-world accessibility planning. Through group work and case studies, attendees will identify barriers in local services and collaborate on action steps to improve access and inclusion in ways that reflect both cultural and disability-related needs.
Time:
7:00 - 9:00 pm ET
Format:
Live Zoom webinar with interactive audience Q&A and breakout discussion opportunities
Speakers:
TBA
The session begins with an expert panel bringing together an employer, an employee with lived experience, and an HR professional to share practical strategies for creating inclusive, culturally aware workplaces. Topics include hiring practices, workplace accommodations, and navigating cultural and systemic challenges.
The second hour invites participants to roll up their sleeves and explore solutions. Activities include a mock workplace accessibility audit, a demonstration of assistive technologies, and collaborative policy development. Attendees will leave with concrete ideas for fostering inclusion in their own workplaces.
Time:
7:00 - 9:00 pm ET
Format:
Live Zoom webinar with interactive audience Q&A and action planning activities
Speakers:
TBA
This special in-person event invites audiences to witness the benefits of inclusive, adaptive physical activity in action. The evening will feature a demonstration by autistic children engaged in hockey and skating—highlighting how movement, teamwork, and encouragement can build confidence and social connection.
More than a game, this showcase is a reminder that inclusion isn't just about access—it's about celebrating strengths, building community, and creating spaces where all children can thrive.
All are welcome to attend. Families, educators, community members, and sport inclusion advocates are especially encouraged to join.
Time:
6:15 pm - 8:15 pm ET
Location:
West Rink, Thornhill Community Centre
7755 Bayview Ave, Thornhill, ON L3T 4P1
TBA
These events are open to everyone who wants to learn, connect, and take part in reshaping how disability is understood and supported in Asian-Canadian communities. Whether you're personally affected by disability, work in the field, or are simply curious to learn more — you belong here!
This project is made possible through the collaboration and support of dedicated organizations that believe in building a more inclusive Canada — one where all individuals and families can thrive, free from stigma and full of possibility.
We're proud to work alongside our partners and supporters in creating this space for dialogue, learning, and connection.
Serving children with autism and their families through inclusive community programming since 2021.
Educational content partner supporting panel discussions and workshops.
NewStart Nexus provides consultation and project management support to nonprofit organizations,
helping them design and deliver initiatives that advance their missions.