AccessAbility Week 2026 – Virtual presentation / Special Guest Presentation / Join Us June 2

Hello,

This year’s National AccessAbility Week theme, “Building a Strong, Accessible Canada,” invites all of us to take action to advance a barrier-free country. While important progress has been made, there is more to do. By continuing to work together, we can help build a Canada that is accessible, inclusive, and equitable for all. Our country is stronger when persons with disabilities can fully participate in every aspect of society.

At Parks Canada, we are proud to take part in National AccessAbility Week, including recognizing Red Shirt Day on June 3 and celebrating the contributions of persons with disabilities. We remain committed to fostering an inclusive workplace and creating accessible experiences so that everyone, team members and visitors alike, can connect with and enjoy Canada’s natural and cultural heritage.

In recognition of National AccessAbility Week 2026 (May 31–June 6), the Employees with Disabilities Network invites you to participate in an engaging and thought-provoking virtual presentation by Professor John Ward of Sydney University, Not All Disabilities Are Visible – A Two-Eyed Seeing Approach to Invisible Disabilities, on Tuesday, June 2, from 1:00 to 2:30 p.m. EST.

Using a Two-Eyed Seeing approach, Professor John Ward brings together Indigenous and Western ways of knowing to foster inclusion, respect, and belonging for persons with disabilities. His work focuses on Indigenous disability knowledge and research methodologies, invisible disabilities, learning disabilities, and dyslexia. He is dedicated to advancing accessibility, awareness, and understanding.

This presentation will explore invisible disabilities, including the many forms of dyslexia and their impacts on reading, writing, and communication, while offering practical insight into how individuals experience and process information differently. It will also deepen understanding, challenge assumptions, and highlight the importance of accommodations and inclusive practices in creating accessible workplaces and communities.

Content warning: This presentation may include discussions about the impacts of the residential school and day school systems on Indigenous Peoples and their families. We recognize that these topics may be difficult or distressing for some participants, particularly Survivors, families, and communities. Employees are encouraged to participate in the way that feels most appropriate for them and to access available support resources if needed.

Registration link: https://events.teams.microsoft.com/event/f788d118-42fc-4f12-83a7-933f95f807fc@6f45dd51-039e-4566-bcc5-5b700537cb87

We encourage team members to take part in this valuable opportunity and continue learning in support of more equitable and accessible workplaces and communities.

Sincerely,

Nadine Spence and Nicholas Irving

Co-champions, Employees with Disabilities Network

Andrew Campbell

Interim President & CEO