Action, community, celebration, and the Accessibility Awards come to Whitby this May
WHITBY, Ont. — Abilities Centre is proud to announce the return of its National Accessibility Week (NAW) Conference, taking place May 24 to 30, 2026, at its flagship facility in Whitby, Ontario. Building on the success of last year’s inaugural event, this year’s conference will bring together changemakers from across the country for a full week of programming dedicated to advancing accessibility and inclusion. The week will culminate with the
annual Accessibility Awards celebration on the evening of May 28, 2026.
“Whitby is where the accessibility conversation happens, and this May, we want everyone to be part of it,” said Michael Cvitkovic, president and chief executive officer, Abilities Centre. “We have built something here that the country needs. This week is for the researchers, the advocates, the athletes, the community builders and everyone who refuses to accept the status quo. Come to NAW. Be part of what comes next.”
National Accessibility Week is a pivotal moment on the Canadian calendar, and one that Abilities Centre has long championed as an opportunity to move beyond awareness and into meaningful action. This year’s conference will convene leaders across various sectors and organizations and provide a platform to exchange ideas, tackle systemic barriers, and explore what a truly inclusive Canada looks like in practice.
The Accessibility Awards are back, and this year, Abilities Centre want to hear about the people and organizations quietly doing extraordinary work. From community champions to innovative organizations pushing the boundaries of inclusive programming, the Awards are an opportunity to shine a well-deserved spotlight on those making a real difference across Durham Region and beyond.
Nominations are now officially open. Winners will be celebrated at a ceremony on May 28 in front of hundreds of guests and national media.
For more information on the National Accessibility Week Conference or to submit a nomination for the Accessibility Awards, visit
abilitiescentre.org.
About Abilities Centre
Abilities Centre is a state-of-the-art facility in Whitby, Ont., dedicated to enhancing the quality of life for people of all ages and abilities. Through innovative programs in health and fitness, arts and culture, and life skills development, the Centre fosters inclusivity and empowers individuals to achieve their full potential. Our mission is to reimagine accessibility and redefine the way Canadians live, work, and play. For more information about the Abilities Centre and its programs, please visit
abilitiescentre.org.
Media Contact
Matisse Hamel-Nelis
Manager, Marketing and Communications
Abilities Centre
mhamel-nelis@abilitiescentre.org