International Day of Persons with Disabilities invites our community to recognize the leadership, rights, and lived experiences of people with disabilities. The theme “Fostering Disability Inclusive Societies for Advancing Social Progress” spotlights the importance of inclusion and encourages environments where every person can participate and feel respected.
We use this day to reaffirm our commitment to accessibility across all Waypoints programs. Our buildings and partner locations throughout the Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo are designed with accessibility in mind, allowing individuals with disabilities to navigate our spaces with confidence. This includes attention to physical access, sensory-aware environments, and teams that prioritize clear, trauma-informed communication and engagement.
We also design our educational materials and resources that accommodate diverse abilities. The work continues as we improve the way information is presented so more people can learn, understand, connect, and seek help in ways that align with their needs.
People experience disability in many ways, and these experiences often influence how they engage with services, healing, safety planning, and daily life. Our teams across our Unity House Emergency Women’s Shelter, Second Stage Women’s Shelter, our Child & Youth Advocacy Center, Sexual Trauma Support Services, Outreach Services, and Opportunities for Change program approach each person with care and respect for what they need in the moment. These efforts support individuals with all types of disabilities and reflect our focus on reducing barriers wherever possible.
We encourage our community to use this day as a reminder to create spaces, conversations, and systems that welcome every person and value every voice, because inclusion is more than just a goal; it’s how we choose to show up for each other every day. And at Waypoints, we’re here for you.
To discover more about International Day of Persons with Disabilities, please visit the United Nations’ website.