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.
2025 Accessibility Advisory Committee Award Nominations are now open!
Durham Region’s Accessibility Advisory Committee (AAC) is pleased to announce that nominations are open for the 2025 Accessibility Awards. This year’s awards will be presented at the Annual Accessibility Awards Celebration to be held in September.
These awards recognize individuals and businesses that have made significant contributions to improving accessibility in the region. Celebrating these successes is vital for raising awareness about accessibility and dismantling barriers faced by persons with disabilities.
- One awardee will be selected from each municipality.
- Community members, along with AAC's are invited to submit nominations.
A review panel will be established to evaluate all nominations.
- Members of AAC, along with Region of Durham staff, AAC and community partners will be invited to participate in the review panel to express their interest. Their involvement will help ensure a fair selection process.
- Nominations are due July 16, 2025
- We believe these changes will make the AAC Awards more inclusive and reflective of the outstanding contributions across our communities.
Eligibility for nomination and process
- Nominees should live or serve clients within the Durham Region (the region) area.
- Members of Durham Region’s AAC and members of AACs in local municipalities cannot be nominated.
- Previous winners of an AAC Award cannot be nominated.
- Local AACs are encouraged to nominate up to three, but at least one, accessibility champions, who have demonstrated leadership and dedication to making the region more accessible for people of all abilities.
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
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Accessibility Advisory Committee Awards 2024
The Durham Region Accessibility Advisory Committee (AAC) is a committee of Council which provides recommendations to make Regional programs and services more accessible for residents, staff, clients and visitors to the region.
Each year, the AAC nominates individuals, businesses, or organizations for their efforts in identifying, removing, and preventing barriers for individuals living with a disability. These accessibility champions are honoured with the Accessibility Award to recognize their dedication to making the Region more accessible for people of all abilities.
On September 19, 2024, we recognized dedicated individuals and organizations for their commitment to strengthening accessibility and inclusion in our communities. Take a look at the highlights of the celebration and discover more about our winners below:
Congratulations to the winners of the 2024 Accessibility Advisory Committee Awards.
Accessibility Conference
On May 22, 2024, Abilities Centre, in partnership with the Region of Durham, invited the business community, regional employers, and those interested in exploring how to prioritize inclusion in the workplace to attend the Durham Accessibility Conference “Committing to Inclusion in the Workplace: Getting your toolkit ready”.
This free conference featured a keynote speaker, a panel presentation, and exhibitors, with a focus on embedding inclusion into the workplace using an intersectional lens.
Check back soon for details on the 2025 Accessibility Conference, which takes place annually in May.
Significant dates
Global Accessibility Awareness Day (GAAD) – May 16, 2024
GAAD aims to promote digital accessibility, access and inclusion.
Guide Dog Awareness Month – September 2024
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, 2024
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
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