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Mainland Community Services Society (MCSS) organized the Creating Inclusive Community Dialogue event on June 2, 2023, as one of the major activities in raising awareness around issues of diverse and intersecting forms of discrimination against people with disability(ies). After an enlightening dialogue highlighting the importance of creating inclusive communities, the onus is on each one of us to move the conversation forward while acting! From possibilities to practice is the watchword, hence, MCSS’s launch of the social media campaign ItStartsWithMe!

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ItStartsWithMe is part of our commitment and dedication to spreading awareness not just during the National Accessibility Week Celebrations but beyond. ItStartsWithMe campaign aims to widen the conversations on removing or preventing barriers to disability equity and accessibility in Canada through educational posts, and posts celebrating these achievements. This campaign aims to remind us to reflect, especially when in positions of authority, that can contribute to making accessibility aforethought. 

 

ItStartsWithMe represents a truth that we can all be responsible for positively contributing to making accessibility issues a norm rather than an afterthought. It is to prompt action in awakening a sense of responsibility in the minds of people. Also, many disabilities are invisible, and this campaign will bring visibility to issues that often go unseen.  How do we hope to do that? First, Education. Education precedes awareness but also should follow awareness - like a positive feedback loop.