A New Chapter for AccessNow in Disability Culture
Yesterday, we celebrated something extraordinary; our very first AccessFest.
As I sit with the moments, the energy, and the stories shared, I’m still soaking it all in. What we experienced together wasn’t just a one-day event. It was a spark. A movement. A glimpse into what’s possible when we lead with inclusion and build spaces that welcome everyone in.
AccessFest was born out of a bold idea: that accessibility deserves the spotlight. Not as a footnote or an afterthought, but as the very core of how we gather, create, and connect. We set out to reimagine what a public festival could be if it centered disability culture, celebrated diverse voices, and prioritized equity, not just in theory, or in words, but in practice.
And that’s exactly what we did.
Access in Action
From chair yoga to Unfiltered AF panel talks, from ASL-performed hip hop to sensory-friendly art installations, AccessFest brought something different to Toronto: a festival where everyone could show up as they are and feel like they belong. It was vibrant, joyful, messy, moving, and above all, it was real.
We built this festival on the belief that accessibility is not just a checklist, it’s a mindset. It’s a strategy for connection. It’s about dignity, creativity, freedom, and joy , for everyone. When you start from that place, the possibilities are endless.
So much Gratitude
None of this would have been possible without an incredible community of supporters and champions:
- To the City of Toronto, thank you for for believing in the vision and stepping in as a founding partner and help us create something bold, necessary, and public-facing right in the heart of downtown.
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To our performers, panelists, and artists: thank you for sharing your talent and truth with the world. You brought depth, joy, and perspective to every conversation, installation, and interaction. Your voices helped redefine what a public festival can be when creativity meets purpose.
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To every sponsor and partner, your investment and belief helped us build more than an event, you helped spark a movement. Whether you supported access services, co-hosted experiences, or amplified our message, your contributions made a real, lasting impact.
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To our amazing volunteers: you were the heartbeat of AccessFest. From early morning setup to closing moments, your energy, generosity, and commitment made every guest feel welcome and supported. You brought care into every detail and helped us create a festival grounded in inclusion and connection. Thank you.
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And to my AccessNow team: thank you for dreaming big, sweating the details, and holding the line on what matters. You brought this vision to life with creativity, resilience, and purpose. I couldn’t be prouder to build alongside you.
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Finally, thanks to you, our community. You showed up with your brilliance, your lived experience, your energy, and your advocacy. You danced, you questioned, you created, you connected. You made AccessFest come alive. You are the reason we’re here.
This was only the beginning.
Year one is officially in the books. And we’re just getting started.
Stay tuned—we’ve got big plans, and this spark? It’s only going to grow.
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Maayan Ziv
Founder & CEO, AccessNow
