CASDA is a coalition of organizations and individuals developing a comprehensive National Autism Strategy that addresses critical gaps in funding and policies, which are preventing individuals with autism and their families from exercising their equal rights as Canadians.

CASDA leads with the vision that all Canadians living with autism have full and equal access to the resources they require to achieve their full potential.

Dolphin Disabilities Mentoring Day utilizes technology to help bridge the talent, communication and knowledge gaps between business, employment and community supports, and persons with disabilities. Dolphin Disabilities Mentoring Day is always held on the last Wednesday of October.

Indigenous peoples of Canada experience a disability rate significantly higher than that of the general population. Indigenous Disability Awareness Month (IDAM) brings awareness of these barriers and the issues that Indigenous peoples living with disabilities and their families face every day. More importantly though, in spite of these barriers, IDAM celebrates the achievements of Indigenous peoples living with disabilities and recognize the significant and valuable contributions they make to our communities socially, economically, and culturally every day.

December 3 is International Day of People With Disabilities, an annual occasion designated to join together to support people with disability in our communities, and raise awareness of the importance of creating a future where people with disabilities experience equal opportunity and face no barriers in all aspects of their lives— whether it be going about their day-to-day lives with adequate accessibility in their communities, joining the workforce, or being able to showcase their abilities and reach their goals without facing barriers.

The International Week of the Deaf People (IWDP) is celebrated annually by the global Deaf Community on the last week of September each year to commemorate the first World Congress of the World Federation of the Deaf in Rome in 1958. The International Week of the Deaf People is celebrated through various activities and events by Deaf Communities worldwide and aims to promote human rights for deaf people, provide a platform for them to tell their stories and have their voices heard.

The International Agency for the Prevention of Blindness (IAPB) has revealed #LoveYourEyes as the theme of World Sight Day 2021, due to be held on 14 October. An “ambitious” campaign which aims to encourage everyone who is able to book a sight test, screening or exam and emphasises that “everyone counts”.

In Canada, we celebrate National AccessAbility Week (NAAW) every year starting on the last Sunday in May. The week raises awareness of the critical need for accessibility and inclusion for all in our communities and workplaces. During National AccessAbility Week, we recognize the ongoing work we all have to do to counter discrimination against persons with disabilities and promote a culture of inclusion.

October is Disability Employment Awareness Month (DEAM) in Canada, a time to recognize and celebrate the contributions of workers living with disabilities as well as to educate employers and the public about the value of a workforce that is inclusive of all skills, talents and abilities.

Government of Saskatchewan, Manitoba, and Alberta has taken an initiative and designated October as Disability Employment Awareness Month. Disabled people will be offered more jobs during this month as this month will promote individual, societal and economic benefits of diversification of workforce.

#PurpleLightUp is a global movement that celebrates and draws attention to the economic contribution of the 386 million disabled employees around the world.

PurpleSpace leads this movement, marking their respect to the UN International Day of Persons with Disabilities (IDPD) held annually on 3rd December.

Since 2017, #PurpleLightUp has been driving momentum for disability inclusion across hundreds of organisations, reaching thousands of employees in different ways. This includes lighting up iconic buildings purple, holding events, developing workplace policies for disabled employees and sparking conversations about disability inclusion worldwide.

The Valuable 500 is the largest global network of CEOs committed to close the disability inclusion gap by driving business action, capturing and disseminating learnings, and leveraging leadership for accelerating Disability Inclusion through the Power of Business Leadership.

White Cane Week takes place across Canada in the first full week of February every year. The week raises awareness about how blind people travel and make a difference in their communities. In 2021, White Cane Week took place from Sunday, February 7th to Saturday, February 13th.

CCRW has created children’s books on disability and inclusion in both English, French, ASL and LSQ. If you wish to order a hard copy, please contact info@ccrw1.wpengine.com