Events

Access Awareness Week Nova Scotia

The Partnership for Access Awareness Nova Scotia (PAANS) committee host flagship events and encourage communities to participate in Access Awareness Week Nova Scotia 2026. With resources, toolkits, and a platform for event listing, communities can do their part in raising awareness on accessibility and disability inclusion.

Access To Success

Date: May 26, 2026 | Time: 1:00 – 4:00 PM | Location: Casino Nova Scotia, (1983 Upper Water St, Halifax, NS)

About the Event

This event is all about possibility, opportunity, and independence through entrepreneurship. Whether you are just starting out or already building something of your own, this is a space to learn, connect, and feel supported. Join us for an afternoon of powerful conversations, networking, community building, and entrepreneurship.

Hear real stories and insights from a curated panel of entrepreneurs, and be inspired by keynote speaker Tia Upshaw — entrepreneur, author, and advocate for Black women in business. Through her work, Tia has built multiple successful businesses while empowering women, breaking barriers, and creating opportunities for economic growth within the Black community.

The event will also feature a local entrepreneur marketplace, where small business owners and entrepreneurs from the community will be showcasing and selling their products and services. Whether you are looking to support local businesses, promote your own work, make connections, or simply be surrounded by inspiring people, this event is designed to bring the community together.

Hosted by entrepreneur Otni Chinenere, with music by Universal Soul and DJ IV.

Proclamation Ceremony and the Mel Hebb Hourglass Action Awards Presentation

Date: June 1, 2026 | Time: 9:00 – 11:00 AM | Location: Prescott Group (5505 Clyde St., Halifax, NS B3J 0M2)

About the Event

Kicking off Access Awareness Week Nova Scotia with proclamation and remarks for the week from the Halifax Regional Municipality and Government of Nova Scotia to showcase the importance of access awareness. After the proclamation will be the presentation of the Mel Hebb Hourglass Action Awards to celebrate the community leaders who have taken action toward increasing accessibility and improving the lives for people with disabilities.

Information about Prescott Group Location

Parking: In the Parking Garage entrance on Birmingham St (one way, enter from Spring Garden Rd), parking is $2 an hour. You pay at the gate when exiting the parking garage.

Halifax Transit: Closest stops are Spring Garden Rd, Dresden Row (Bus 1, 8, 9A, 9B, 10A, 10B, 10C, 123, 127, 182, 183, 185, 186, 192, 194, 196) and Morris St, Birmingham St (Bus 90, 135, 136, 137, 138, 158, 159, 161, 165, 168A, 168B)

Location: Corner of Clyde St. and Birmingham St.. Near Central Public Library, Dal Sexton Campus, and Park Lane Mall.

Accessibility: ASL Interpreters and CART will be available. A hearing loop is available at Prescott Group. Please note that your hearing device has to have the T-coil activated in order to utilize the loop.

Agenda

Times subjected to change

9:00 – 9:10 AM: Opening and Land Acknowledgement
9:10 – 9:35 AM: Proclamations and Remarks from Halifax Regional Municipality and Government of Nova Scotia
9:35 – 10:00 AM: Presentation from Prescott Group
10:00 – 10:45 AM: Mel Hebb Hourglass Action Awards Presentation

Scholarship Luncheon

Date: June 5, 2026 | Time: 12:00 – 2:00 PM | Location: Atlantica Hotel, (1980 Robie St. at Quinpool, Halifax)

About the Event

Celebrate the accomplishments students with disabilities joining our luncheon. This luncheon will be for the 2026 recipients of the scholarships for students with disabilities administered by the PAANS committee and presented by our sponsors.

Registration is open until May 27th at 12 PM or until all spots are filled.

Accessibility: ASL Interpreters and CART will be available.

Agenda

Times subjected to change

11:30 AM: Check-in
12:00 – 12:30 PM: Welcome and Remarks
12:30 – 1:00 PM: Lunch
1:00 – 2:00 PM: Scholarship Presentations