2025年5月25日，由北极星特殊需求儿童运动家园（NorthStar Special Needs Society）主办，加拿大联邦政府资金支持、York University约克大学亚洲商业与管理项目（ABMP）协办的全国无障碍宣传周（National AccessAbility Week, NAAW）开幕式在万锦特鲁多高中（Pierre Elliott Trudeau HS）隆重举行。
本次开幕式主题为“踏出黑暗，走向光明（Emerging from the Shadows）”，聚焦亚裔加拿大人社区中残障群体的包容与赋权。约克区区域议员何胡景（Alan Ho）、李国贤（Joe Li），约克区教育局（YRDSB）教育委员Ed Law、约克区教育局主席Ron Lynn、约克大学健康政策与管理学院教授Farah Ahmed、荷兰布鲁尔维尤儿童康复医院高级政策顾问Jeffrey Man、多伦多病童基金会（SickKids Foundation）Jessica Zhang等政府代表，教育、医疗、艺术、社会服务等多个领域的专家，学生、家长及媒体代表200余人出席。
嘉宾们在开幕式上先后致辞强调“理解、包容、共建无障碍社会”，高度评价NAAW宣传周对提升公众意识、倡导社会公平和促进政策对话的积极意义，并呼吁更多公共资源支持残障人群的教育与发展。
开幕式期间还举办了主题公益画展“踏出黑暗，走向光明”，由公益组织ARTIYI INITIATIVE携手今可艺术教育（GinkGo ArtEdu），与Lydia画音乐工作室精心选送学生作品参与策展，部分作品来自残障儿童，部分来自非残障儿童，体现出跨越差异、共绘希望的美好愿景。
展览的艺术作品内容真挚动人，充满童真的创意与对世界的想象，表达了儿童对“无障碍世界”的理解与期待，引发观众强烈共鸣。
开幕式的另一亮点是专题研讨会《亚裔加拿大残障群体的教育与融合学习》，由皇后大学（Queen’s University）和多伦多大学讲师、残障研究学者Elaine Cagulada博士主持，特邀约克大学Farah Ahmed博士、多伦多大学Fiona Ning Cheuk、教育政策博士生Lisa M. Fernandes、多伦多大学公共卫生博士生、家长Aparna Menon、多伦多都会大学早教研究员Thanh Thanh等专家作为研讨嘉宾，从自身专业与生活经验出发，围绕文化响应式教学、自闭症神经多样性、无语言自闭儿童沟通策略、早教融合机制以及残障与族裔身份交汇等议题展开深入探讨，为推动教育系统更具包容性提供了可行建议。
一周系列活动丰富多彩，欢迎公众参与
本次NAAW宣传周活动时间为5月25日至5月31日，开幕式之后，还将陆续推出涵盖线上专题讲座、线下文体体验活动、社区交流、市民倡导行动等多个板块的精彩内容，旨在：
- 增进公众对残障经验的理解
- 打破刻板印象与偏见
- 赋能家庭与照护者
- 分享融合教育和社会服务的最佳实践
欢迎公众浏览活动详情并踊跃参与：Website: naaw.nsns.ca
特别感谢
本次活动得以顺利举办，离不开多家机构的大力支持。在此特别鸣谢以下协办与支持单位（排名不分先后）：
- York University – Asian Business and Management Program (ABMP)
- NewStart Nexus
- Joyarts Studio
- ARTIYI INITIATIVE
- GinkGo ArtEdu今可艺术教育
- Lydia画音乐工作室
- Canada Cultural Industry Development Association 加拿大文化产业发展协会
- 福建四方子科技发展有限公司
- Share Love Society 爱分你公益设计服务组织
关于NorthStar Special Needs Society
NorthStar Special Needs Society（NSNS）是一个由自闭症儿童家长发起的加拿大注册非营利机构，致力于通过运动、艺术与教育支持有特殊需要的儿童及其家庭，打造包容、公平、多元的成长环境。
如需进一步采访与报道请联系：Email: naaw@nsns.ca
English version：
“Emerging from the Shadows” — National AccessAbility Week Opening Ceremony and Art Exhibition Successfully Held
Organized by NorthStar Special Needs Society in collaboration with York University
Toronto, May 25, 2025 — The Opening Ceremony of the National AccessAbility Week (NAAW), themed “Emerging from the Shadows,” was successfully held today at Pierre Elliott Trudeau High School in Markham. The event was organized by NorthStar Special Needs Society (NSNS) with funding support from the Government of Canada, and in collaboration with York University – Asian Business and Management Program (ABMP). The program centers around inclusion and empowerment for Asian Canadians with disabilities.
The opening event featured keynote speeches, an inclusive art exhibition, a panel discussion, and community engagement activities, drawing participation from professionals across education, healthcare, arts, and social services, alongside parents and the general public.
Dignitaries Deliver Remarks: “Understanding, Inclusion, and a Barrier-Free Society”
The ceremony was honored by the presence of leaders from education, government, and public service, including:
- Ed Law, Trustee, York Region District School Board (YRDSB)
- Ron Lynn, Chair of the Board, YRDSB
- Allan Ho, Regional Councillor, York Region
- Dr. Farah Ahmed, Full Professor, School of Health Policy and Management, York University
- Jeffrey Man, Senior Policy Advisor, Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital
- Jessica Zhang, SickKids Foundation
Their speeches emphasized the importance of public awareness, equitable education, and the need for systemic support for people with disabilities. Many highlighted the significance of NAAW as a platform for promoting policy dialogue, inclusion, and social change.
Art Exhibition: Art as a Voice
The ceremony featured the themed community Art Exhibition: “Emerging from the Shadows.” Curated in collaboration with ARTIYI INITIATIVE, GinkGo ArtEdu, and Lydia Art & Music Studio, the exhibition showcased outstanding children artwork. The collection includes works by children with and without disabilities, collectively expressing a shared vision of an inclusive society where people with disabilities are not objects of sympathy, but full rights holders—supported by robust systems that ensure equal access, meaningful opportunities, and the freedom to achieve their fullest potential.
Panel Discussion: Inclusive Education for Asian Canadians with Disabilities
A key highlight of the event was the panel discussion titled “Education and Inclusive Learning for Asian Canadians with Disabilities”, moderated by Elaine Cagulada, a scholar and educator at Queen’s University and the University of Toronto, whose research explores disability, deafness, race, and systemic barriers.
Panelists included:
- Dr. Farah Ahmed, professor, York University
- Fiona Ning Cheuk, PhD Candidate, University of Toronto
- Lisa M. Fernandes, Educator and PhD Student in Educational Leadership & Policy
- Aparna Menon, Parent Advocate and PhD Candidate in Public Health, University of Toronto
- Thanh Thanh, Researcher, Inclusive Early Childhood Service System (IECSS), Toronto Metropolitan University
The discussion explored culturally responsive teaching practices, neurodiversity, communication approaches for non-verbal autistic students, and the intersection of disability and ethnicity. Panelists offered practical recommendations for creating inclusive, affirming educational environments.
A Full Week of Programming – All Are Welcome!
This Opening Ceremony marks the launch of National AccessAbility Week programming running from 25 to 31 May , featuring a rich lineup of:
- Webinars
- Cultural and recreational events
- Community dialogues
- Advocacy initiatives
These events aim to:
- Increase awareness and understanding of disability experiences
- Reduce stigma and discrimination
- Empower families and caregivers
- Share best practices with service providers and educators
For full program details and event registration, visit: https://naaw.nsns.ca/#event
The public is warmly invited to attend and participate throughout the week.
Special Thanks
The successful delivery of this event would not have been possible without the generous support and collaboration of many organizations. Our heartfelt thanks to:
- York University – Asian Business and Management Program (ABMP)
- NewStart Nexus
- Joyarts Studio
- ARTIYI INITIATIVE
- GinkGo ArtEdu
- Lydia Art & Music Studio
- Canada Cultural Industry Development Association
- Fujian Sifangzi Technology Development Co., Ltd.
- Share Love Society
About NorthStar Special Needs Society (NSNS)
NorthStar Special Needs Society is a registered Canadian non-profit organization founded by parents of children with autism. NSNS is dedicated to creating inclusive, equitable, and supportive environments for children with special needs and their families through sports, arts, and education.
For media inquiries or interviews, contact: naaw@nsns.ca
Website: www.nsns.ca
