Creating Accessible Festivals and Events” Project Report

Creating Accessible Festivals and Events” Project Report

Independent Living Canada Releases New “Creating Accessible Festivals and Events” Project Report During Lead Up to National AccessAbility Week

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

May 2026

Independent Living Canada (IL Canada) is proud to announce the release of its new national project report, Creating Accessible Festivals and Events, now available through the IL Canada website.

Released during the lead-up to National AccessAbility Week and Independent Living Across Canada Day (ILACD) on June 1, the report highlights the importance of accessibility, inclusion, and disability leadership in the planning and delivery of festivals, public events, and community celebrations across Canada.

The project was developed to help strengthen understanding of accessibility beyond minimum standards and compliance requirements. The report explores practical approaches that support full participation for persons with disabilities and encourages organizers, municipalities, and community leaders to embed accessibility into every stage of event planning and implementation.

“Accessible communities are built through intentional inclusion,” said Independent Living Canada. “Public events and festivals are important spaces for culture, celebration, connection, and civic participation. Ensuring these spaces are accessible means ensuring everyone has the opportunity to fully participate in community life.”

The report addresses a range of accessibility considerations, including:

  • Physical accessibility and barrier-free environments
  • Communication accessibility and inclusive information sharing
  • Disability-informed planning and consultation
  • Sensory and cognitive accessibility considerations
  • Community engagement and co-design approaches
  • Building inclusive event experiences from the outset

The release of the report reflects IL Canada's ongoing commitment to advancing the principles of Independent Living, including choice, dignity, self-determination, peer leadership, and full community participation for persons with disabilities.

This announcement also coincides with IL Canada's 40th anniversary year, marking four decades of national leadership, advocacy, and community-building within the Independent Living movement in Canada.

As communities across the country prepare for summer festivals, local events, and public gatherings, IL Canada hopes the report will serve as a practical and meaningful resource to support more inclusive and accessible experiences for everyone.

The full Creating Accessible Festivals and Events report is now available on the IL Canada website.