Celebrate National AccessAbility Week with CBC
Over the past year, CBC has been committed to amplifying the voices and experiences of people with disabilities through diverse and meaningful content. From in-depth news coverage and documentaries to sports and entertainment programs, books, podcasts, radio programs, and children's programming, we have worked to ensure that accessibility and disability representation are woven into our storytelling.
Whether highlighting barriers that still need to be broken or celebrating the achievements of the disability community, these stories help foster greater understanding and inclusion. Here's a look at some of the highlights from the past year.
Launching in June 2025: CBC is thrilled to announce it is launching Disability Life, a dedicated online destination designed to improve accessibility and discoverability of content for and about people with disabilities. Disability Life will serve as a one-stop-shop for a wide range of content from across CBC English Services.
CBC Gem
CBC Gem's Living with a Disability collection continues to expand, with recent additions including the second season of the CBC original comedy You're My Hero, which follows Ian, a young man with cerebral palsy, as he navigates a world not designed for him. Biographies like Joze Piranian's story managing his severe stutter in Words Left Unspoken and Ellie Simmonds: Finding My Secret Family exploring the relationship between disability and adoption, while the documentary The Awakeners highlights the powerful work of Indigenous artists with disabilities. The Canadian drama Gabrielle delves into the complexities of love and independence for a musically gifted young woman with developmental challenges. Adding to the collection's breadth, the Australian-British comedy Austin introduces a neurodivergent character who disrupts the life of a children's author.
CBC DOCUMENTARY CHANNEL
A few of the Canadian documentaries available in the past year include Little Miss Sleepy about Jenny Lee-Gilmore who was diagnosed at 21 with narcolepsy. In Little Miss Sleepy, she explores what it's like to live with a neurological disorder that's misunderstood and often misdiagnosed. Her first person article is also available. Everyone says they're tired. Me? I fell asleep behind the wheel and knew something was really wrong. My Brother Soleiman explores the story of Soleiman Faqiri, who had schizophrenia and died in an Ontario jail. His brother Yusuf's fight uncovered through an inquest the shocking truth about Soleiman's confinement conditions and death. Surveillance footage reveals the truth about Soleiman Faqiri's death in prison. No Way to Die follows two people who have struggled with treatment-resistant mental illness their entire lives. Now, they're fighting for their right to die via Canada's MAID program. When it comes to medically assisted dying, critics say Canada has left people with mental illness behind
CBC TELEVISION
During National AccessAbility Week, catch Season 3 episodes of You Can't Ask That from Monday May 26 2025 - Thursday June 5 at 2:30 –3 pm local time, and Season 2 episodes of Push Saturday May 31 & Sunday June 1 at 2-4 pm local time.
CBC Radio and Podcasts
Sickboy presented two powerful narratives: one chronicled Madison MacGregor's battle with cystic fibrosis, rejecting traditional treatments and embracing life on her own terms; the other challenged the stigma surrounding disabled parenting, featuring author Jessica Slice who shared how Postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS) shaped her perspective on relationships and raising children. Short Sighted is a podcast from storyteller Graham Isador who has a degenerative eye disease. This series attempts to explain what vision loss feels like by exploring how it sounds. The show combines personal storytelling, journalistic interviews, and experimental sound design.
Our radio programming explored a wide spectrum of disability and neurodiversity issues. Nahlah Ayed's Ideas looks at living with bipolar disorder with writer and filmmaker Luke Galati. Just Asking with Saroja Coelho tackled neurodiversity in the workplace, with author Alexandra Samuel offering insights, and an accompanying article emphasizing the need for employers to embrace neurodiversity.
The challenges of ADHD were a recurring theme. Alberta at Noon hosted a call-in program on adult ADHD diagnoses, while On the Coast with Gloria Macarenko (guest-hosted by Amy Bell) featured filmmakers discussing their series on adults diagnosed with ADHD later in life. In the podcast White Coat Black Art with Dr. Brian Goldman followed CBC producer Adam Killick's journey seeking an ADHD diagnosis in middle age, highlighting the challenges of navigating a condition often associated with childhood.
Accessibility and inclusion were also prominent. Edmonton AM with Mark Connolly, Tara McCarthy explored accessible fitness with trainer Erika Sikat. Information Morning - Fredericton with Jeanne Armstrong highlighted a neurodiverse hockey program. Morning North with Markus Schwabe covered research on the challenges faced by rheumatoid arthritis patients in northern Ontario and profiled a Sudbury accessibility advocate.
Ontario Morning with Nav Nanwa discussed a study linking exercise to improved mental health, while Labrador Morning with Rhivu Rashid reported on supports for neurodiverse evacuees in Goose Bay. Mainstreet NS with Jeff Douglas promoted an upcoming disability arts festival. Finally, "On the Coast" interviewed a blind B.C. skater making a documentary to help blind children.
CBC Music
On Sunday, March 30, CBC aired The 54th Annual JUNO Awards live from Vancouver. CBC was thrilled to offer ASL interpretation to audiences streaming the broadcast on CBC Gem and YouTube, made available courtesy of the Disability Screen Office, CBC and Insight Productions with the support from the Canada Media Fund. Live described video and closed captioning were also available to audiences watching at home, and audience members at the show venue had access to real-time captioning
CBC Music also covered a story about Xenia Concerts that pioneered accessible musical experiences, crafting adaptive shows that welcomed neurodiverse and disabled audiences, proving the power of inclusive art. Also, Mattmac, an Oji-Cree artist from Garden Hill First Nation, emerged as an award-winning talent, mastering songwriting and beat production independently, a journey highlighted by his triumphant win of CBC Music's 2023 Searchlight grand prize.
What is "cripping" and what does it have to do with music? Join host and composer James Hamilton as he explores how disability impacts the music scene, and how artists like Neil Young, Joni Mitchell, and Tony Iommi of Black Sabbath and more have changed the game. Produced in association with CBC Creator Network, with support from AccessCBC.
CBC Kids
In celebration of National AccessAbility Week, CBC Kids is committed to providing enriching and inclusive content for its young audience. On the television schedule, viewers can enjoy Dino Ranch with American Sign Language (ASL) interpretation, ensuring accessibility for Deaf and hard-of-hearing children. Silly Paws, featuring the talented Deaf actor Gaitrie Persaud, will air, promoting representation and visibility. Beyond the television screen CBC Kids News published an article about What advice would Paralympians give to their younger selves and the fun, Today's Play video with ASL for International Day of Sign Languages on September 23rd, and interactive video Wheelchair Dancing for Kids (the Cha-Cha), available on the CBC Kids YouTube Playlist - a collection curated for International Day of Persons with Disabilities.
CBC Sports
Accessibility was a key focus for the Olympic and Paralympic Games, with live described video (DV) and American Sign Language (ASL) interpretation offered for the opening and closing ceremonies. Primetime Olympic coverage and afternoon and primetime Paralympic coverage included live DV, ensuring greater access for viewers who are blind or have low vision. Digital offerings included 28 episodes of the daily recap show Rise and Stream with ASL, and 153 hours of closed captioning for high-profile digital streams. Overall, the Paralympics provided over 1,153 hours of digital content and 81 hours of broadcast content over 11 days.
CBC Sports also reported on a variety of stories from the Games, including Day 1 of the Paralympics, featuring several athletes to watch. New Brunswick athletes took the stage, with Alexandre Hayward securing a bronze medal in his first event, highlighting the camaraderie and competitive spirit of the Games. The opening ceremony in Paris aimed to reshape perceptions of disabilities with a spectacular show at iconic locations like the Champs-Elysées and La Concorde. Excitement built as eight local Paralympians were highlighted for their participation in events ranging from wheelchair fencing to Para swimming.
Other news from CBC Sports last year included a story about Ashlyn Renneberg, a Paralympic javelin thrower with a brain tumour diagnosis at age 13 that affected her vision, prepared to compete in the 2024 Paris Paralympic Games after setting a Canadian record. Despite the growing popularity of Para sports, a shortage of disabled referees across various disciplines was highlighted. Meanwhile, Terry Hoddinott, a blind rock climber from London, Ontario, continued to set his sights on the 2028 Paralympics as he navigated the climbing wall with the help of his wife.
CBC Books
CANADA READS 2024
Two of this year's panellists, Mirian Njoh and Dallas Soonias, are readers with disabilities, and discussed it on the show. Mirian has albinism and Dallas has dyslexia and dysgraphia. Both panellists consumed their books via audiobooks and Dallas, in particular, shared his challenges with reading which resonated with audiences. Here is his Instagram post reflecting on it. 2024 highlights are here, and the full show is here. Mirian's Instagram reel discussing her albinism with CBC Kids' Gary the Unicorn went viral after the show.
CBC LITERARY PRIZES
Kate Gunn won the 2024 CBC Short Story Prize for Old Bones, which is a short story that explores medical trauma and disability. You can read Old Bones here.
NEWS MAGAZINES
After last year's story about the difficulties of travelling with disabilities Marketplace launched 2nd investigation to check on company's promises of improvements: Air Canada promised to become more accessible. But hidden cameras show it's still falling short.
ACCESSCBC
AccessCBC is a national CBC initiative that provides training, mentorship, and financing support to Deaf and disabled creators, with a focus on creating scripted, unscripted, and kids screen-based content. Explore the AccessCBC playlist and dive into an inspiring collection of short-form content created through this program. Explore stories, creativity, and perspectives that showcase the heart of this incredible initiative.
CBC News
In the past year, CBC provided live Described Video for events including National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, D-Day 80th anniversary, Canada Day celebrations, Remembrance Day ceremony, and more. ASL interpretation was provided on digital streams for the Nova Scotia Provincial Election in November 2024, the Ontario Leader's Debate and Provincial Election in February 2025, the Federal Leaders' debates in both French and English, and the April 28th Federal Election.
Here's a look at some of the key stories driving change:
Newfoundland
Tina Hann, a mother with disabilities, has spoken out about living in "government-induced poverty," explaining how systemic barriers keep many disabled people in financial hardship. In Corner Brook, an articling law student is drawing attention to the inaccessibility of the local courthouse, despite officials stating it met building codes at the time of construction. Meanwhile, on Random Island, 7-year-old Clark Butt has inspired his classmates to learn sign language.
Prince Edward Island
On Prince Edward Island, accessibility advocates are pushing for change on multiple fronts. Winter weather poses significant challenges for Islanders with disabilities, as icy roads and sidewalks make navigating public spaces difficult. Advocates have called for better snow removal and infrastructure improvements to ensure safer mobility. Meanwhile, employment barriers remain a concern, but programs like MentorAbility are helping people with disabilities find meaningful work opportunities. In Charlottetown, a lack of accessible taxis is another pressing issue, with advocacy groups calling for a bylaw requiring cab companies to include accessible vehicles in their fleets. These stories highlight both the struggles and the efforts being made to create a more inclusive province.
New Brunswick
Across New Brunswick, a pressing need for improved support for individuals with disabilities was reported. Parents and advocates voiced concerns over the lack of resources for students with learning disabilities, emphasizing the critical need for better teacher training, particularly in addressing dyslexia. The challenges extend beyond education, as a woman with a disability was sidelined at a music festival due to inadequate accessibility information, highlighting a broader issue of inclusivity in public events. During power outages, advocates are demanding priority for people with disabilities, citing instances where outages have led to hospitalizations. However, positive strides are being made, with Moncton hosting an accessible trick-or-treating event to ensure all children can experience Halloween, and Saint John rebranding its accessible transit service, shedding a "derogatory and degrading" name while expanding its fleet, signaling a move towards greater respect and accessibility. And looking at the lower rate of employment of people with disabilities, this article explores how artificial intelligence is levelling the playing field.
Nova Scotia
In Nova Scotia, CBC reported that advocates are decrying the persistent issue of institutionalization, with a recent report revealing that over 700 individuals remain in these settings. While progress is being made in some areas, exemplified by the mandatory inclusion of accessibility information in real estate listings, thanks to the efforts of advocates like Gerry Post, significant hurdles remain. A blind woman's near-miss at a poorly marked construction intersection underscores the daily risks faced by people with disabilities, highlighting the need for improved infrastructure accessibility. Local journalists reported a disability advocate's experience at an awards ceremony, where she was honored in Truro. They also shared tributes to Halifax filmmaker Spencer MacKay, whose infectious spirit and positive nature left a lasting impression on those who knew him.
Quebec
Our journalists in Quebec reported on a range of stories showcasing both the heart of the community and the launch of vital initiatives. They covered the efforts of a Quebec mother whose need for an adapted vehicle for her son, a considerable expense, prompted her community to rally and raise funds. Additionally, they documented the opening of Pigeon dans le Parc in Hampstead, a café designed to provide opportunities for neurodivergent youth, highlighting the successful collaboration between non-profits, the local municipality, and a philanthropic foundation. Getting around in the winter is challenging for people with reduced mobility.
Ontario
A wide range of stories concerning accessibility and disability topics were reported across Ontario. In Toronto, a deaf couple showcased their ability to communicate fluently in six languages without sound. Research revealed the stark financial disparities faced by disabled people, with the cost of thriving in the Greater Toronto Area being 39% higher for them. Concerns were raised about the lack of emergency evacuation plans for Ontarians with disabilities, a year after it was flagged as a "crisis." Disability advocates rallied for increased federal benefits, while a "historic" $30 million donation by the Slaight Family Foundation was made to support 11 disability organizations. In Mississauga, the city joined a program to improve transit for people with hidden disabilities, and a condo board reversed its decision to restrict visitors with service dogs. Advocates also called for TIFF to require closed captions for all films to improve accessibility.
In Windsor, a paraplegic man publicly shared his frustrations and alleged mistreatment within disability support services, and a close call involving a wheelchair user stuck on train tracks highlighted winter accessibility issues. Advocates in London urged the school board to track the frequency of sending special needs children home early. In Sudbury, an accessibility activist criticized the city for "opacity and ableism," advocating for a municipal accessibility advisory committee. In Hamilton, a first-person account detailed the experience of navigating life as a Black man with ADHD, and disability advocates asserted that Ontario is "nowhere close" to achieving full accessibility by the 2025 deadline. Students performed the national anthem in American Sign Language at Scotties Tournament of Hearts in Thunder Bay.
Manitoba
Our Manitoba journalists reported on several key issues impacting individuals with disabilities across the province. A man living with cerebral palsy expressed frustration over changes to the province's income assistance program, highlighting the challenges faced by low-income individuals with disabilities. Alex Lytwyn, a disability advocate and writer, shared personal experiences in two first-person articles, detailing the indignities of using "accessible" washrooms and emphasizing the mutual benefits of employing support workers. These narratives underscored the need for greater respect and understanding in addressing accessibility and support needs. A Winnipeg teenager with Tourette's syndrome leans into his neurodiversity, and becomes a Terry Fox Humanitarian Award winner, coach, and volunteer. Finally, The Forks in Winnipeg received provincial funding to improve accessibility, signifying a positive step towards making public spaces more inclusive.
Saskatchewan
In Saskatchewan, our journalists focused on the challenges and successes within the disability community. Advocates pushed for increased income assistance, emphasizing that the struggles of those on SAID benefits were often overlooked. Winter accessibility was a major concern, as a Saskatoon woman with brittle bone disease highlighted the dangers of harsh weather and the need for disabled focus groups. Voting accessibility was also addressed, with reports detailing the extra hurdles faced by disabled voters.
Conversely, positive stories emerged. A report on Indigenous perspectives of autism showed how the Cree word "pîtoteyihtam" defines those with autism as those who think differently. Additionally, Saskatoon Blind Hockey's continued growth showcased the empowering impact of inclusive sports.
Alberta
In Alberta, while the government faced criticism for granting and then quickly cutting funding for disability advocacy groups, important stories emerged, such as children with disabilities receiving mobility vehicles. Accessibility in Edmonton parks was examined, with concerns raised about winter access in Victoria Park, while Rundle Park offered a more accessible alternative. A Calgary cleaning company made strides in employing deaf people, aiming to counter underemployment in the deaf community. Vecova, a disabilities charity, expanded its reach with a new facility in Airdrie, while the National accessArts Centre and the City of Calgary clashed over the relocation of the arts organization.
British Columbia
Reports from British Columbia brought to light issues affecting residents with disabilities including a story that revealed a difficult choice for people with disabilities: marry and risk losing benefits, or remain single to retain financial support. Accessibility advocates criticized White Rock for not taking their concerns seriously, citing numerous accessibility issues, particularly along the waterfront. On a national level, a disability advocacy group gave Canada a failing grade for its handling of disability poverty. There were also positive developments. A new trail in Qualicum improved accessibility for people who are blind, and a North Vancouver man led a "blind-led" walk to highlight accessibility challenges, prompting discussions with the mayor about improving pedestrian safety.
The North
Our journalists in Canada's North brought to light a mix of challenges and progress related to accessibility and disability topics. Residents of Yellowknife voiced concerns about the city's hostility towards people with disabilities, further emphasizing the need for accessibility legislation in the N.W.T., a call that has been made by the human rights commissioner. In contrast, White Rock, B.C., unveiled a new accessibility mat on its pier, demonstrating a commitment to improving access for people with mobility issues. Iqaluit took a step forward with new accessibility and safety rules for cabs, including mandatory accessible vehicles and stricter driver vetting. Nunavut also saw the introduction of elder mobility vans in five communities. Finally, stories emerged from Sanirajak, Nunavut, where Tyrone Apak, a deaf man, shared his journey of becoming the first deaf person in his community to earn a driver's licence.
In celebrating National AccessAbility Week 2025, CBC reaffirms its ongoing commitment to accessibility and the authentic representation of disability experiences across all its platforms. The past year's highlights, from groundbreaking accessible content and vital news coverage, to the launch of Disability Life, demonstrate a dedication to fostering a more inclusive Canada. While celebrating the progress made, CBC remains focused on amplifying diverse voices and continuing to break down barriers, ensuring that the stories and perspectives of people with disabilities are included in the Canadian narrative, not just during this dedicated week.