City of Waterloo marks National AccessAbility Week

City of Waterloo is recognizing National AccessAbility Week by promoting accessibility and inclusion in our community and celebrating the contributions of Canadians with disabilities.

As a launch to National AccessAbility Week, which happens from May 26 to June 1, Waterloo opened a state-of-the-art, self-cleaning, autonomous accessible washroom, known as the Uptown Loo, located at Heritage Green on the corner of King and William Streets.

Having an accessible public washroom with automated doors, tactile indicators and an adult changing table, as some examples, means more people can enjoy participating in city events. “Investments in accessibility and inclusion is part of the City’s goal to enhance belonging,” said Waterloo Mayor Dorothy McCabe. Barrier-free and universal washrooms were also added at the Waterloo Memorial Recreation Complex and the Community Pavilion during renovations - and more are planned for other municipal spaces and libraries.

From May 23 to 26, the 2024 Special Olympics Ontario Spring Games will be hosted in Waterloo Region. The City of Waterloo is excited to host the Opening and Closing Ceremonies at the Waterloo Memorial Recreation Complex. These Games showcase the talents of over 750 Ontario athletes with intellectual disabilities competing in basketball, powerlifting, rhythmic gymnastics, swimming and 10-pin bowling.

The City of Waterloo, together with local partners, are offering two free webinars about creating more inclusive community experiences.

• Dismantling Ableism in the Community, featuring panelists from Timeless Tales Travel, the Jays Care Foundation, Waterloo Track 3 Ski School and Special Olympics Kitchener-Waterloo is Tuesday, May 28 from 12:30 to 2 p.m.                                                                 
• Dismantling Ableism in Healthcare, featuring panelists from eHealth Ontario, Canadian Hearing Services and Community Healthcaring Kitchener-Waterloo on Wednesday, May 29 from 12:30 to 2 p.m.

We are also supporting The Waterloo Region District School Board’s inaugural Building Community: Advancing Anti-Ableism in Education Symposium. It takes place on Thursday, May 30 from 8 a.m. to 4:15 p.m. at Wilfrid Laurier University – Waterloo Campus – Bricker Building (22 Bricker Avenue, Waterloo, ON N2L 3B4). Registration is open.

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Media contact:

Stacey Abbott
Communications Manager, City of Waterloo
Stacey.Abbott@waterloo.ca