Grand Bay-Westfield – In recognition of Disability Awareness Week (DAW), WorkSafeNB will host a Walk and Roll Challenge at its rehabilitation centre, 3700 Westfield Rd., in Grand Bay-Westfield at 9:45 a.m. on Friday, June 5 (rain date: June 8).
The public is invited to join WorkSafeNB staff members and clients in an attempt to walk one kilometre as a person with a disability. Wheelchairs, blindfolds, canes and crutches will be offered for participants who wish to participate in the challenge.
“Workers with disabilities face many barriers,” said Gerard Adams, president and CEO of WorkSafeNB. “We hope this event will encourage New Brunswickers to be mindful of these challenges. It’s about ability, not disability. With minor accommodation, people with disabilities can and do have successful careers and healthy, fulfilling lifestyles.”
This year marks the 28th consecutive annual Disability Awareness Week in New Brunswick. Activities for Disability Awareness Week are co-ordinated at the provincial level by the Premier’s Council on the Status of Disabled Persons supported by a provincial executive committee. The council takes a leading role in promoting access across the province.
“We’re pleased to support WorkSafeNB in this event. Each Walk and Roll challenges participants to rethink their own views and actions. It encourages New Brunswickers to ask the question, how can I help?,” said Christyne Allain, executive director of the Premier’s Council on the Status of Disabled Persons and co-chairperon of DAW. “We hope all residents in the region will make an effort to participate in this important awareness event.”
To register for the challenge, please call 632-2223 or email by June 2.
For details, visit WorkSafeNB or the Premier's Council on the Status of Disabled Persons.
The Premier's Council on the Status of Disabled Persons is a body for consultation, study and information sharing, which was created to advise the provincial government on matters relating to the status of persons with disabilities. The council reports directly to the Premier of the Province.
WorkSafeNB is committed to promoting healthy and safe workplaces for New Brunswick’s workers and employers. While its priority is preventing workplace injuries and occupational disease, WorkSafeNB provide comprehensive rehabilitation services and fair compensation benefits when these do occur. It also provides accommodation support for workers who are disabled as the result of a workplace injury.