Quebec Week for Disabled Persons

From June 1st to 7th, it's time to highlight the Quebec Week for Disabled Persons. Whatever your role in society, take action to empower people with disabilities.

The spokesperson for this 27th edition, Rosalie Taillefer-Simard, invites you to take part by becoming an agent of change in your environment. Each and every one of us can do our part to break down barriers and achieve a more inclusive world. People with disabilities still have to overcome many obstacles due to a lack of accessibility, including access to housing, public places and employment. Your involvement is essential to reduce barriers to the social participation of people with disabilities.

Ideas for taking action?

Whether you own a business or a building, are a student or an employee, whatever your sector of activity, here are a few ways you can help;

• Involve people with disabilities in the development of your action plans or other new projects.

• Avoid placing product displays in aisles.

• Consider having a reception desk at the entrance to the building to guide your customers.

• Consider making your outdoor public spaces and transportation infrastructure accessible to the disabled.

• Pay particular attention to the spaces reserved for the disabled and clear the way for them to get there.

• Consider hiring disabled people with the skills you're looking for.

• Tell an adult at school if you see bullying of a disabled student.

(Source: Gouvernement du Québec) (in French only)

All these gestures are within your reach and can make a big difference in the lives of people with disabilities. Sometimes, all it takes is respect, understanding and an open mind.

Want to learn more? Take the quiz (in French only) to find out more about the situation of people with disabilities.