County of Essex Raises Flag to Mark AccessAbility Week 2026

Warden Hilda MacDonald joined members of Essex County Council and the Essex County Accessibility Advisory Committee Monday morning for a flag raising outside the County of Essex Administration Building to mark National AccessAbility Week, which runs this year from May 31 to June 6.

“National AccessAbility Week is an opportunity to celebrate the contributions, leadership and achievements of persons with disabilities while recognizing the ongoing work required to create a more accessible and inclusive society,” said MacDonald.

“This year’s theme is ‘Building a Strong, Accessible Canada.’ It is a fitting theme because accessibility strengthens our communities. When people can participate fully in all aspects of community life, we all benefit from their ideas, talents, experiences and leadership.”

The locally designed 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.

“The seven chevrons on the flag represent the seven local municipalities of Essex County moving forward together in the right direction. They remind us that accessibility is not the responsibility of one person, one organization or one level of government. It is something we achieve by working together,” said MacDonald. “We have made much progress in recent years, but we know there is still work to do. National AccessAbility Week reminds us that accessibility is a journey, not a destination.”

Participants, many wearing red in advance of Wednesday’s Red Shirt Day of Action for AccessAbility and Inclusion, applauded when Dennis Sanson, Chair of the Essex County Accessibility Advisory Committee, hoisted the flag.

“Accessibility is about removing barriers, creating opportunities and ensuring that everyone can participate fully in community life,” said Sanson. “National AccessAbility Week gives us an opportunity to celebrate progress, but it also encourages us to keep moving forward.”

Sanson praised the members of the Essex County Accessibility Advisory Committee for their hard-work and dedication throughout the year. Members include Julie Miles, Rachel Jewel, Debbie Alexander, Diana Kirkbride, Sherri Currie and Essex County Councillor Kim DeYong.

The committee is hard at work planning the 2026 Accessibility Fest-for-All, which takes this year from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Friday, Sept. 11 at the Gosfield Communications Community Centre in Cottam. Companies or organizations who want to participate in this special event are asked to fill out an Expression of Interest Form.

Following the flag raising, attendees participated in a short walk around the grounds of the County Administration Building.

“It’s a reminder that accessible public spaces help create healthier, stronger and more connected communities,” said Sanson. “National AccessAbility Week reminds us that accessibility is everyone’s responsibility. By working together, listening to one another and removing barriers wherever they exist, we can create stronger communities for all.”

Learn more about the Outdoor Accessibility Fest-for-All on Friday, Sept. 11!