Aurora, First Municipality to Sign Dear Everybody Agreement to Support Disability Inclusion

The Town of Aurora is the first municipality to sign a commitment supporting an initiative from Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital to demonstrate the Town’s commitment to being champions of inclusivity.

At the Council meeting last night, Mayor Mrakas brought forward a motion pledging the Town’s commitment to supporting people with disabilities and creating an inclusive space for everyone.

“I am extremely proud that Aurora is the first municipality to take this step forward and sign the Dear Everybody Agreement. This commitment emphasizes the importance of dissolving biases and barriers against individuals with disabilities in our community,” said Mayor Tom Mrakas. “Our partnership with Holland Bloorview is a testament to creating an inclusive and welcoming community for all individuals, irrespective of abilities so that every resident feels welcome in our Town.”

The motion also directs all Town Departments to explore ways to implement the principles outlined in the Dear Everybody Agreement, specifically focusing on authentic representation in marketing, product/service development, inclusive hiring practices, and ensuring accessibility in municipal spaces, events, and offices.

“As a long-time resident of Aurora and a current Accessibility Advisory Committee member for this term, I am thrilled for Aurora to take this step and make this commitment to continuing to create an inclusive community for all. I am seeing positive changes with respect to our parks and recreation planning and continuing to better understand the needs of our disabled residents. As a lead for working with partners to advance their disability inclusion objectives in the workplace, I am excited for this partnership between Holland Bloorview Foundation and the Town of Aurora. Thank you Mayor Mrakas for making this motion and committing to disability inclusion,” says Alison Hughes, Manager, Partnerships at Holland Bloorview Foundation.

Holland Bloorview’s anti stigma efforts aim to eliminate bias against people with disability in school, work and community.

For more information about how Holland Bloorview supports kids and youth with disability, including in Aurora, please visit hollandbloorview.ca