Paralympic medalist and Wasaga Beach native Leanne Taylor to give keynote presentation
Midhurst/May 8, 2025 – The County of Simcoe is celebrating National Accessibility Awareness Week, taking place from Sunday, May 25 to Saturday, May 31, 2025. This year marks the 20th anniversary of the enactment of the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA), which the County will commemorate by hosting an event open to the public at its Administration Centre in Midhurst on Tuesday, May 27, 2025.
Event Details
On Tuesday, May 27, 2025, various local accessibility groups will be present on-site at the Simcoe County Administration Centre to provide information about their services and missions. These groups aim to support individuals with disabilities and promote inclusivity within the community. Those in attendance will have the chance to:
- Interact with representatives from these groups.
- Learn about the services they offer, such as assistive technologies, support programs, and advocacy efforts.
- Discuss accessibility challenges and solutions directly with experts.
Leanne Taylor, a Paralympic medallist from Wasaga Beach, will also deliver a keynote speech. She will share her inspiring journey to the Paralympic Games in Paris and discuss how the County of Simcoe can enhance accessibility for everyone
Taylor was paralyzed from the waist down in a biking accident in 2018. Incredibly, she completed her first paratriathlon just eight months after being injured and began working her way toward being a Paralympian. Over the past six years, Leanne has won multiple medals in races sanctioned by World Triathlon, and most recently won a bronze medal in the PTWC event at the 2024 Summer Paralympics in Paris, becoming the first Canadian woman to win a Paralympic medal in paratriathlon.
When: Tuesday, May 27 from 1:00 – 4:00 p.m. (Keynote: 1:00 – 2:00 p.m.)
Where: Simcoe County Administration Centre, 1110 ON-26, Midhurst, ON L9X 1N6
This event is free to the public. Light refreshments will be provided.
About National AccessAbility Awareness Week
National AccessAbility Awareness Week celebrates Canadians with disabilities, raises awareness for the critical need of accessibility and inclusion in our workplaces and communities, and recognizes the work continually being done to remove barriers.
The County of Simcoe has an Accessibility Advisory Committee whose purpose is to advise County Council on ways to improve opportunities for persons with disabilities with respect to County programs, services and facilities. The Accessibility Advisory Committee provides advice, for Council’s consideration regarding the identification, removal, and prevention of barriers to person with disabilities.
Throughout the week, the County of Simcoe will highlight a number of its initiatives, including the recent approval of a multi-year accessibility plan for 2024-2028.