Accessibility – is it good enough?

Administration has been asked to create a Terms of Reference and rationale for the creation of an Advisory Committee on Accessibility. For the past two years I have been suggesting that the public be engaged in a more meaningful way to improve both commercial and public environments for those in our community who struggle with mobility challenges.

For those who are fortunate enough not to suffer impediments such as loss of hearing, vision and mobility – it is sometimes not obvious that there are issues. We have handicap washrooms and parking stalls. Look at those great ramps and lack of step down curbs! Aren’t we good?

No – actually we are not! We simply follow Alberta Building Codes. That is not enough. A significant number of our population have debilitating diseases that affect the quality of life of themselves and their families. They are not the only ones who require improved accessibility. Strathcona County has a diverse mix of age groups. Young families utilize carriages and strollers. In 2007 Strathcona County residents 65 and older accounted for 13% of the population.  In a short 20 years that will increase to 25% of the total population.

Communities throughout North America have much to do in accepting universal design to improve accessibility. Only when we put the emphasis on excellence in creating a more accessible environment will we increase the opportunity for individuals to maintain an independent lifestyle, contribute to their community and promote inclusiveness.

One of the most effective ways to work toward higher standards of accessibility in Strathcona County is to put together an Advisory Committee of people who either experience mobility challenges themselves or work with people and families who face these difficulties. When we start listening to them we will learn that many ‘handicap’ washrooms have a too narrow entrance or heavy door, parking stalls often do not allow room enough for side loading power lifts, ladies clothing stores have changing rooms that are too small to fit a chair or support person in, very few have a bolted down solid bench to assist in leverage to actually try on these clothes. Many major stores in urban Sherwood Park have aisles too crowded with product to allow a chair through! 

There is progress in several areas. Municipal transit policy now states that every bus purchased must be low rise to accommodate chairs and walkers. Our new state of the art library will have most shelves low enough to be accessible to chairs, wider aisles and more technology to assist visual and auditory challenged residents.

A huge step forward to improving the quality of life of our families will occur in September when Council considers the benefits of creating a public Advisory Committee with the focus of improved accessibility.