Accessibility for Everyone

The DDSB launches an awareness campaign to support accessibility initiatives

The #IgniteAccessibility awareness campaign’s purpose is to let the Durham District School Board (DDSB) students, families, staff and community partners know that the DDSB is committed to inclusive practices and education. The Board is dedicated to providing accessible environments that support independence, dignity and respect for everyone. This campaign aligns perfectly with the DDSB’s Ignite Learning Strategic Priorities, and it also supports the Board’s ongoing efforts to comply with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (2005).

“After much consultation with DDSB’s Accessibility Committee, we decided to create a campaign that would promote the amazing equitable and inclusive practices that we have implemented to improve the well-being and success of all of our students and staff,” says Superintendent of Education Heather Mundy. “We want our school communities to know that we care and we want them to be in environments where they can thrive and be successful.”

The Facilities Services Department has been a key part of DDSB’s accessibility initiatives from the very beginning.

“Facilities Services is pleased to work closely with the Accessibility Committee and our school communities in supporting our students and staff, while working to foster full community participation and integration,” explains Lisa Bianca, Senior Manager of Facilities Services.

This campaign includes posters for schools, social media posts illustrating “People First” language tips when referring to a person with a disability, highlights from the DDSB’s 2019 Accessibility Guide and inspirational quotes from celebrities with disabilities. The initial phase of the campaign will run until the end of December.

Interviews and access to high resolution sample resources from the #IgniteAccessibility awareness campaign can be arranged upon request. Additional information, including electronic copies of our DDSB Multi-Year Accessibility Plan and our DDSB Accessibility Guide can be found at   http://bit.ly/DDSBAccessibility

The Durham District School Board (DDSB) is responsible for public education in the rural settings of Uxbridge, Brock and Scugog Townships and the urban settings of Ajax, Whitby, Pickering and Oshawa. The DDSB employs 6,900 teaching and educational services staff. With 133 elementary and secondary schools and learning centres, the DDSB accommodates more than 70,000 regular day students and thousands more who take advantage of a wide variety of continuing education and adult credit courses. More information can be found on the DDSB’s website at www.ddsb.ca. Like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter @DurhamDSB, Instagram @durhamschools and YouTube at DurhamDSB.

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