Introduction As the closing event of National AccessAbility Week (NAAW) 2026, the NorthStar Charity Golf Experience brought together children with autism, families, community members, and supporters for a day focused on inclusion, accessibility, and community participation through sport. The event provided a welcoming and supportive environment where participants of all abilities could enjoy golf while building connections and engaging with the broader community. Promoting Pa

As part of NAAW 2026, the NorthStar Ottawa Dragon Boat Community Experience brought children, families, and community members together for an afternoon of outdoor fun, teamwork, and connection on the water. Inspired by NorthStar’s established dragon boat program in Toronto, the Ottawa Community Experience focused on creating a welcoming and accessible environment where participants of all ages and backgrounds could enjoy nature and experience the spirit of teamwork through dr

“Accessibility is not just a ramp.” On May 31, 2026, at Pierre Elliott Trudeau High School in Markham, a meaningful community initiative centered on “inclusion,” “equality,” and “hope” took place. Representatives from government, education, community organizations, academia, and families with special needs gathered together to officially launch the 2026 National AccessAbility Week, advocating for a society where everyone can participate and everyone is seen. Event Coverage Th

The Opening Ceremony of National AccessAbility Week (NAAW) 2026, hosted by NorthStar Special Needs Society, received heartfelt greetings and messages of encouragement from distinguished government leaders across Canada. Among the leaders extending their support was The Right Honourable Mark Carney, Prime Minister of Canada, who shared a meaningful message recognizing the significance of National AccessAbility Week and the contributions Canadians with disabilities make across

In many Asian communities, conversations about disability, neurodiversity, and mental health are still shaped by silence, stigma, and misunderstanding. NAAW 2026 hopes to change that. Through a four-part online workshop series, we aim to create a safe and inclusive space where families, caregivers, youth, adults with disabilities, educators, healthcare professionals, and community members can learn, connect, and support one another. Because building an inclusive community beg

In every community, there are families quietly navigating challenges that often remain unseen. There are children seeking connection and belonging, and parents working tirelessly to help them feel included in a world that is not always designed with accessibility in mind. At NorthStar Special Needs Society, these experiences are at the heart of our mission. That is why we are honoured to serve as a co-organizing partner of the National AccessAbility Week 2026 initiative — a c

Organized by NorthStar Special Needs Society in collaboration with York University Toronto, May 25, 2025 — The Opening Ceremony of the National AccessAbility Week (NAAW), themed “Emerging from the Shadows,” was successfully held today at Pierre Elliott Trudeau High School in Markham. The event was organized by NorthStar Special Needs Society (NSNS) with funding support from the Government of Canada, and in collaboration with York University – Asian Business and Management Pro