From November 6 to 12, we challenge you to walk ONLY 1,000 steps a day to help recognize the barriers faced by millions of Canadians who have a mobility disability.
Imagine a daily limit of 1,000 steps or less to get to work, the grocery store, a doctor’s appointment, or a social event – how would this impact your life?
1 in 5 Canadians–and 1 in 3 Indigenous people–identify as having a disability. Mobility-specific disabilities range from being almost fully able-bodied, to partial mobility, to being immobile without the use of mobility aids.
Often, health and wellness advocates define a healthy person as someone who walks 10,000 steps a day–meanwhile, municipalities continue to overlook accessibility rights within their jurisdictions.
The inaugural 1,000 Step Challenge will help to raise awareness for the issues faced by those with mobility disabilities by drawing our attention to the accessibility of our daily routines.
Get involved:
Join the challenge
Sign up at 1000StepChallenge.ca. For one week, challenge yourself to complete your daily activities in only 1,000 steps, and consider the obstacles you face. Use the step log to track your daily step count.
Make a pledge
For those who are financially able–pledge to donate 1 cent for every step over 1,000 to a local non-profit that supports people with disabilities.
A monetary donation is one way to support initiatives working towards accessibility and inclusion. You can also offer support through volunteer work and advocacy.
Track your progress
Review your step count each day and see how you can cut steps down without compromising your standard of living. Can you? If not, how come?
Start a conversation
Share your reflections with your friends, family, and coworkers to start a conversation about how our communities could be more accessible and inclusive of people with mobility challenges. Share your story with us for a chance to win prizes!
Contact your local Member of Parliament/Member of Legislative Assembly to let them know that supporting accessibility and inclusion is important to you.
Sign up for the 1,000 Step Challenge newsletter and follow us on social media (Instagram and Facebook) to learn more about the accessibility issues that so many face, and steps you can take to address them.
