New Festival Champions Accessibility and Inclusion Amid Rising Anti-DEI Agenda

TORONTO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Today, AccessNow – Canada's go-to resource for accessibility information – is proud to announce the latest addition to Toronto’s summer festival lineup: AccessFest, a first-of-its-kind festival celebrating accessibility and inclusion. AccessFest marks the organization’s 10^th anniversary, highlighting a decade of advancing accessibility across the country.

Organized with support from the City of Toronto, AccessFest is free, open to all and built for everyone. Taking place on May 31 at David Pecaut Square in Toronto, the festival features barrier-free activities, live music, comedy and panel discussions. The day-long schedule of activities will be hosted by Spencer West – acclaimed motivational speaker, content creator and disability advocate.

"AccessFest is a declaration that accessibility cannot be an afterthought – it’s a fundamental right,” said Maayan Ziv, Founder and CEO of AccessNow. "At a time when commitments to inclusion have been threatened, we’re creating a space where access is celebrated and non-negotiable."

From ASL workshops to chair yoga and visits with therapy dogs, the fully accessible festival features an unfiltered, interactive and inclusive lineup of performances and conversations, led by top disabled Canadian musicians, comedians, creators and advocates. This includes:

• Courtney Gilmour – JUNO nominated comedian and Canada’s Got Talent finalist.
• Martin Deschamps – acclaimed rock artist and advocate for disability rights.
• Mattmac – blind Oji-Cree rapper redefining the Canadian hip hop scene and winner of CBC Searchlight.
• Matt Maxey – ASL performer at Kendrick Lamar’s 2025 Super Bowl Halftime Show and founder of Deafinitely Dope, offering ASL workshops focused on breaking barriers and connecting cultures through sign language and hip hop.
• Stephanie Cadieux – Canada’s Chief Accessibility Officer.
• Taylor Lindsay-Noel – disability rights activist, entrepreneur and content creator.

“At its core, AccessFest is a reflection of our community’s values,” said Pat Tobin, General Manager, Economic Development and Culture, City of Toronto. “We are proud to collaborate on an initiative that strengthens the incredible arts and culture scene of our city while reinforcing a simple truth: everyone belongs. This is a step toward a more accessible future for all.”

Powered by a coalition of Government, Community Partners, and Sponsors – including The Daniels Corporation and Motion – the festival unites those committed to a barrier-free future.

“Our partners and sponsors aren’t just making this possible, they’re helping us flip the script on those dismantling progress,” said Ziv. “Together, we’re putting accessibility at the heart of our culture, communities and conversations.”

AccessFest is taking place on Saturday May 31, 2025, at David Pecaut Square in downtown Toronto (215 King St W, Toronto, ON M5V 3G2) from 9:00 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. ET. The iconic CN Tower will be lit with blue lights in celebration of AccessFest.

Learn more at AccessFest.ca and be part of a festival that’s helping to build a more accessible future.

About AccessNow

AccessNow is a go-to resource for accessibility information. Through the AccessNow App and a growing suite of tools, events, and experiences, we help people discover, share, and engage with the accessibility of places and spaces around them. Our work spans technology, public programming, and community-driven data to identify barriers and drive change. We partner with cities, businesses, and organizations to build more inclusive environments and shift culture through education and action. Powered by lived experience, AccessNow is redefining what accessibility looks like across industries, communities, and everyday life. Learn more at www.accessnow.com.

About the City of Toronto

Toronto is home to more than three million people whose diversity and experiences make this great city Canada’s leading economic engine and one of the world’s most diverse and livable cities. As the fourth largest city in North America, Toronto is a global leader in technology, finance, film, music, culture, innovation and climate action and consistently places at the top of international rankings due to investments championed by its government, residents and businesses. For more information visit www.toronto.ca or follow us on X at x.com/cityoftoronto, on Instagram at www.instagram.com/cityofto or on Facebook at www.facebook.com/cityofto.