Disability Awareness Week

Release

Premier’s Council on Disabilities, Office of the Premier

May 25, 2026

FREDERICTON (GNB) – The Premier’s Council on Disabilities is observing Disability Awareness Week 2026, May 31 to June 6.

Disability Awareness Week provides an opportunity to celebrate the contributions of people with disabilities while renewing society’s commitment to advancing accessibility and inclusion, and eliminating barriers so that every New Brunswicker, regardless of ability, can participate fully in community life with dignity, independence and opportunity.

This year’s theme is Accessibility Creates Full Inclusion.

“Creating communities where everyone can fully participate begins with recognizing and removing the barriers that people with a disability face,” said Premier Susan Holt. “As we mark the 39th anniversary of Disability Awareness Week, I want to thank the members of the premier’s council, community organizations and people across New Brunswick whose dedication, advocacy and leadership continue to help build a more accessible and inclusive province for everyone.”

The annual legislative lunch will be held Tuesday, May 26, in Fredericton, with Holt as keynote speaker. The event will bring together government representatives, community leaders, organizations and advocates to recognize the importance of accessibility and inclusion.

The provincial kickoff event for this year’s campaign will be hosted by the Saint John Ability Advisory Committee on Sunday, May 31, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Irving Oil Field House in Saint John.

Schools, organizations and businesses are also encouraged to take part in the annual Walk and Roll Challenge. Each year, thousands of New Brunswickers walk and roll for 15 minutes to show support for people with disabilities and to promote accessible and inclusive communities.

“Disability Awareness Week is an opportunity to recognize the value of accessibility and the importance of building communities where everyone can participate fully,” said council chair Nick Taggart. “While progress continues to be made, there is still important work ahead to ensure inclusion and accessibility are part of everyday life across our province.”

The council encourages community leaders, businesses, organizations and individuals to use this week as a catalyst for lasting change, ensuring accessibility and inclusion remain priorities in policy, planning and public life.

More information concerning events during Disability Awareness Week and the work of the Premier’s Council on Disabilities is available on the council’s website.

25-05-26

Related links

Premier’s Council on Disabilities

Related topics

Your government