Accessibility Flag Raised at County of Essex Administration Building

A locally designed Accessibility flag was raised at the County of Essex Administration Building Monday to mark National AccessAbility Week, which runs this year from May 25 to May 31.

The flag features the word “Accessibility” beneath a stylized figure in a wheelchair facing the right side of the flag, with a series of seven chevrons pointing in the same direction.

“We are raising this flag to raise awareness about the importance of inclusivity and accessibility in our region,” said Warden Hilda MacDonald. “The seven chevrons on this flag represent the seven local municipalities moving forward with accessibility together in the right direction. It acknowledges that we’ve made much progress but still have considerable work to do.”

MacDonald praised the tireless work of committee members who organized the inaugural Accessibility Fest-for-All event last year at Colchester Beach. She encouraged the community to attend this year’s event on September 12 at the Libro Center in Amherstburg.

“Your Fest-For-All is an incredible event that brings together accessibility advocates and organizations together in common cause,” said MacDonald. “It is an opportunity to learn and inspire, and a chance to connect communities and champion inclusivity. “

Dennis Sanson, Chairman of the Essex County Accessibility Advisory Committee, said the County wasn’t just raising a flag Monday but “raising awareness and inspiring others to join our campaign for a more accessible community.”

He thanked his fellow committee members for their dedication and hard work throughout the year. Committee members include Vice Chair Debbie Alexander, Kingsville Deputy Mayor Kimberly DeYong, Julie Miles, Rachel Jewell, Diana Kirkbride and Sherrie Currie.

Sanson encouraged residents of Essex-Windsor to wear red on Wednesday – Red Shirt Day of Action for Accessibility and Inclusion – and to share those posts on social media with the hashtags #RedShirtDay and #RedForAccessAbility.

Sanson also highlighted the committee’s upcoming Accessibility Fest-For-All event in Amherstburg and called for accessibility-minded businesses, groups and organizations to participate in the event.

There is no charge for individuals or organizations to participate in the event but they must fill out an online form before June 5.

Learn more about the Accessibility Fest-for-All and sign up to participate on the festival’s webpage at: countyofessex.ca/festforall

What: Accessibility Fest-for-All

When: September 12, 2025 – 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Where: Libro Credit Union Centre, 3295 Meloche Road, Amherstburg