National AccessAbility Week: May 30 – June 5

National AccessAbility Week (NAAW) is an opportunity:

• to celebrate the valuable contributions of Canadians with disabilities
• to recognize the efforts of individuals, communities and workplaces that are actively working to remove barriers to accessibility and inclusion

We all benefit from a society and an economy without barriers to inclusion. When persons with disabilities can participate in all aspects of society, including accessing employment, resources and services, it enriches Canada’s economy.

Throughout the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, the Government of Canada has been helping Canadians with disabilities maintain their health, safety and dignity. This year celebration activities for NAAW will be virtual, respecting current public health instructions.

Our Community

This week we are celebrating stories of perseverance and success throughout our community. Wavefront Centre is proud to play a part in uplifting and supporting these inspiring individuals:

Heidi – Employment Counselling and Audiology client at Wavefront Centre
“I came to Wavefront Centre severely marginalized. I was diagnosed with a 50% hearing loss, knew no ASL, had no hearing aids, and was underemployed. Joy Borgonia, Employment Placement Specialist & Counselling Team Assistant, was the first person I saw, and she helped me get funding for my hearing aids. She validated me and made me feel safe. 

She helped me through all the administrative hoops of applying for Work BC for hearing aids. She then took me under her wing for one year after I got my hearing aids to check on me because I needed the support and guidance.

Sandra Baker, Registered Audiologist & Hearing Instrument Practitioner, was the first person who explained how my ears worked. Sandra told me about the hearing aid technology and how it worked so that I could understand.

I cried when I heard my breathing for the first time. She helped me navigate social stimulation and accessibility issues.

My work started picking up. I went from being severely underemployed to employed. My anxiety is less, and my depression is less to the point that I don’t think I have it anymore.”

Learn more about Employment Counselling
Learn more about the Hearing Clinic

Workshops

This week we are hosting six workshops to empower our community members with tools to include in their toolbox. From disability management, networking and self-marketing, to interview & zoom etiquette, our employment counselling team will cover a wide range of topics to enhance your journey to employment. Whether you are currently employed or seeking employment, join our webinars to learn more about how we can equip ourselves with new tools and celebrate the valuable contributions of Canadians with disabilities during National AccessAbility Week.

Click here to RSVP for the workshops.