Accessibility at Heart

The Regional Municipality of Durham is committed to ensuring that people of all identities enjoy the same opportunities as they live work, play, and invest in our region.

We are committed to meeting the requirements outlined in the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005 (AODA) to support the vision of a fully accessible Ontario by 2025 and meet our commitments to the Region’s Multi-Year Accessibility Plan.

Congratulations to the recipients of the 21st annual Accessibility Awards:

• The Barrett Centre of Innovation in Sustainable Urban Agriculture, Town of Ajax
• Emma Story, Town of Whitby
• Matisse Hamel-Nelis, City of Oshawa
• Grounded Community Hub, Municipality of Clarington
• TriBro Studios, City of Pickering
• The A Team, Community Living Durham North, Township of Scugog
• Brock Community Health Centre, Township of Brock
• SunLake Dental Care, Township of Uxbridge

Thank you to these individuals and groups for championing accessibility and helping build a more inclusive, vibrant and caring community.

Accessibility Conference 2025

On May 28, 2025, Abilities Centre, in partnership with the Region of Durham, invited the business community, regional employers, and those interested in learning about an intersectional lens on current systemic challenges surrounding accessibility and inclusion within the employment sector, public spaces and service delivery. The theme for this year’s conference was “Fostering an Accessible and Inclusive Durham Region: Employment and Beyond.”

This free conference featured a keynote speaker, a panel presentation, and exhibitors, and provided perspectives from people with lived and industry experience.

Accessibilities Conference 2025

Keynote speaker Anthony Lue

Panel discussion featuring Anthony Lue, Rachael Rosenberg, Tracey Johnson, Kellina Powell

Project SEARCH

Durham Region has partnered with the Durham Catholic District School Board (DCDSB) and Abilities Centre, for the second year in a row, to participate in Project SEARCH Durham, a school-to-work internship program for students with developmental disabilities.

Ten interns have participated in placements at Durham Regional Headquarters and at the Hillsdale Estates and Hillsdale Terraces Long-term Care Homes. The program has provided the interns with valuable skills to help them on their career paths to finding meaningful employment.

2024 Project SEARCH interns

2024 Project SEARCH mentors

Significant dates

Global Accessibility Awareness Day (GAAD) – May 15, 2025
GAAD aims to promote digital accessibility, access and inclusion.

Guide Dog Awareness Month – September 2025
September is National Guide Dog Month. Guide dogs are specially trained to provide mobility assistance to people who are blind or partially sighted. The Canadian National Institute for the Blind (CNIB) shares tips and information about Guide Dog awareness.

International Day of Persons with Disabilities – December 3, 2025
In recognition of International Day of Persons with Disabilities, the Disability flag is raised at Durham Region Headquarters.

Additional Resources

Accessibility Across Durham Region
Accessibility Reports and Legislation
Universal Access Symbols
Diversity, Equity and Inclusion in Durham Region