Empowering People of All Abilities: Community Organizations You Can Support

This year, National AccessAbility Week is from May 31st to June 6th. Here in Markham Public Library, we place a strong emphasis on building an inclusive society where people of all abilities can participate fully and equally. Last year, we wrote a blog focusing on the different accessibility-friendly collections and initiatives available at our branches, feel free to give it a read here. 

This year, we want to shine our light on community organizations that are doing exceptional work to remove barriers for people who face accessibility challenges. Below are organizations that accept non-monetary donations, which are then passed forward to those who may need them. 

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Old Phone Corporate Donation

Have company smartphones that are no longer in use? Consider donating them to CNIB’s Phone It Forward program. This initiative accepts retired corporate smart devices, refurbishes them, and equips them with accessible apps that support navigation, communication, and daily living for people who are blind or have low vision. Your organization’s unused technology can directly empower Canadians who rely on accessible tools to stay connected and independent. For more information on how to get started, visit CNIB Phone It Forward webpage.

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Donate medical equipment!

Want to give your medical or mobility equipment a second life? You can donate crutches, canes, bed rails, wheelchairs, and more by creating an account on the Possibilities Project Plus platform. People in need of equipment can then connect with you directly on the platform. Visit their website for a full list of accepted items.

Alternatively, York Region collects used eyeglasses for donation through partnerships with Goodwill of Greater Toronto and the Maple Lions Club. Please visit the York Region website for more details.

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Help Through Law

Are you a lawyer who wants to help make your community more fair and accessible? Consider joining ARCH’s private bar referral roster. ARCH Disability Law Centre is a specialized legal clinic that focuses on disability rights. ARCH has been offering free legal advice to people with disabilities in Ontario since 1979. By joining their referral roster, you can help support the rights and inclusion of people with disabilities who need legal help outside of disability law. It is important to note that ARCH strongly encourages lawyers to provide initial consultations at no charge. For more information on how to join their referral roster, please visit the ARCH website.