AccessNow and the City of Toronto launch AccessFest on May 31 in David Pecaut Square

Canada’s go-to resource for accessibility information is proud to announce the latest addition to Toronto’s summer festival lineup: AccessFest, a first-of-its-kind festival celebrating accessibility and inclusion. AccessFest marks the organization’s 10^th anniversary, highlighting a decade of advancing accessibility across the country.

Organized with support from the City of Toronto, AccessFest is free, open to all and built for everyone. Taking place on May 31 at David Pecaut Square in Toronto, the festival features barrier-free activities, live music, comedy and panel discussions. The day-long schedule of activities will be hosted by Spencer West – acclaimed motivational speaker, content creator and disability advocate. 

“AccessFest is a declaration that accessibility cannot be an afterthought – it’s a fundamental right,” said Maayan Ziv, Founder and CEO of AccessNow. “At a time when commitments to inclusion have been threatened, we’re creating a space where access is celebrated and non-negotiable.”

From ASL workshops to chair yoga and visits with therapy dogs, the fully accessible festival features an unfiltered, interactive and inclusive lineup of performances and conversations, led by top disabled Canadian musicians, comedians, creators and advocates. This includes:

• Courtney Gilmour – JUNO nominated comedian and Canada’s Got Talent finalist. 
• Martin Deschamps – acclaimed rock artist and advocate for disability rights. 
• Mattmac – blind Oji-Cree rapper redefining the Canadian hip hop scene and winner of CBC Searchlight. 
• Matt Maxey – ASL performer at Kendrick Lamar’s 2025 Super Bowl Halftime Show and founder ofDeafinitely Dope, offering ASL workshops focused on breaking barriers and connecting cultures through sign language and hip hop.
• Stephanie Cadieux – Canada’s Chief Accessibility Officer.
• Taylor Lindsay-Noel – disability rights activist, entrepreneur and content creator. 

“At its core, AccessFest is a reflection of our community’s values,” said Pat Tobin, General Manager, Economic Development and Culture, City of Toronto. “We are proud to collaborate on an initiative that strengthens the incredible arts and culture scene of our city while reinforcing a simple truth: everyone belongs. This is a step toward a more accessible future for all.” Powered by a coalition of Government, Community Partners, and Sponsors – including The Daniels Corporation and Motion – the festival unites those committed to a barrier-free future.

“Our partners and sponsors aren’t just making this possible, they’re helping us flip the script on those dismantling progress,” said Ziv. “Together, we’re putting accessibility at the heart of our culture, communities and conversations.”

AccessFest is taking place on Saturday May 31, 2025, at David Pecaut Square in downtown Toronto (215 King St W, Toronto, ON M5V 3G2) from 9:00 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. ET. The iconic CN Tower will be lit with blue lights in celebration of AccessFest.

Learn more at AccessFest.ca and be part of a festival that’s helping to build a more accessible future.

WHEN: May 29th at 7pm EST

Finding, keeping, and growing in a job or career can be an important part of our lives. It helps us build relationships and connections, gain self-confidence, and support financial security. In Ontario, the supports available to help people with disabilities find a job have changed, and job seekers and their families need to understand the new Employment Ontario program. 

Join us on May 29th at 7pm EST for an UPDATED Strategies for Employment webcast to learn about how to navigate the employment supports system in Ontario, and what steps job seekers can take to prepare for employment or expand their employment goals. 

What’s in it for you:

• Strategies for navigating the new Employment Ontario program
• Key considerations for setting goals and managing expectations
• Tips on preparing for and navigating the job-seeking process
• Understanding of the role of a job developer and employment agency
• A live Q&A session to address your questions

What is Respecting Rights Toronto?

Respecting Rights Toronto is a project at ARCH Disability Law Centre, funded by the City of Toronto and led by persons with intellectual of developmental disabilities. Respecting Rights volunteers work with lawyers and advocacy staff to teach people with disabilities about their legal rights.

What do Respecting Rights Volunteers do?

• Attend planning meetings and teach others about their legal rights
• Help to create learning materials like PowerPoints and Information Sheets
• Co-host in-person and virtual self-advocate meetings, presentations and workshops
• Work on projects to help change the laws for people with disabilities

Eligibility

• You must live in Toronto, Ontario and be 18 years old or older
• You must be able to commit to attending bi-weekly meetings, and volunteer for presentations, workshops and meetings
• You should be able to volunteer for in-person and virtual events
• You should be excited to learn and teach others about legal rights
• You must self-identify as having an intellectual or developmental disability

For more information on how to apply, email Jessica at jessica.field@arch.clcj.ca

See flyer for more details