Local group comments on what improvements can be made during National AccessAbility Week
Work continues to make everyday life more accessible for those with disabilities across Waterloo region, and the need for that is especially highlighted on National AccessAbility Week in Canada.
The non-profit group, KW AccessAbility in Kitchener, supports adults with physical disabilities and advocates for accessibility improvements in Waterloo region.
Edward Faruzel, the executive director at KW AccessAbility, said while there have been improvements over the years, there are still hurdles that require more attention.
“Transportation is getting better all the time. There seem to be a lot more door openers and ramps, so all the basics are being looked after,” said Faruzel.
Faruzel said employment for people with disabilities could be improved locally.
“People are afraid of the unknown, and they think if they hire somebody with a disability that they're not going to be as productive or it's going to cost a lot of money to accommodate them when most of the time, that's not the case,” he said.
Faruzel hopes more doors can be opened and emphasized the importance of speaking up for those with disabilities.
“And make sure that people know that we're out there and we'd like to contribute to society and be a part of society still,” Faruzel said.
CITY OF WATERLOO RESPONDS
Amy Ross, the accessibility advocate for the City Of Waterloo, said they’re trying to help.
“We are, as a municipality, looking at an opportunity to work with organizations like KW habilitation for a supported employment program,” Ross said.
Ross admitted progress is in its infancy when it comes to addressing accessibility challenges outlined under the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA).
“The five real AODA standards, they don't cover all aspects of life, and what is there - it doesn't set the bar high enough,” Ross said.
Accessible housing is another key issue Ross said requires renewed focus.
“If you had one unit per floor that was dedicated as a barrier-free space, that's an amazing advancement,” Ross said.
CITY OF WATERLOO RESPONDS
The City of Kitchener pointed to its new accessibility plan, which they said builds on the previous plan by focusing on how to think and plan accessibility first.
“Since there are no new accessibility legislation requirements, this new plan emphasizes how the new plan will go beyond accessibility legislation requirements,” a spokesperson for the City of Kitchener said in part in an emailed statement.
Kitchener staff said they are also part of in-person site visits with agency experts and persons with lived experiences to hear about any barriers and to implement changes where needed.
The City of Kitchener welcomed new members of its Grand River Accessibility Advisory Committee, bringing its membership to 15 people.
Kitchener is also offering a free webinar series on National AccessAbility Week that aims to focus on how businesses can be more inclusive and how to approach accessibility from a hiring, accommodations, and customer service and city design perspective.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
NDP motion regarding Palestinian statehood passes after major Liberal alterations
A motion from the federal New Democrats initially calling on Canada to recognize the 'State of Palestine' passed amid widespread acrimony on Monday, after the Liberals drastically altered its wording to see the government simply work towards that aim as part of a two-state solution.
'He didn't want to die': Family of Calgary man killed in standoff speaks out
Family of a Calgary man killed after a 30-hour standoff with police last week are speaking out, sharing details of the tense and heart-wrenching experience.
Toronto family doctor who called patient's body 'perfect' suspended for 3 months: tribunal
A family doctor in Toronto has been suspended for three months after a disciplinary tribunal found that he failed to follow proper protocols while examining a patient's breasts and made inappropriate comments about her body.
Ohio mom who left toddler alone 10 days when she went on vacation pleads guilty to aggravated murder
An Ohio mother whose 16-month-old daughter died after being left home alone in a playpen for 10 days last summer while she went on vacation was sentenced Monday to life in prison with no chance of parole.
Retired teacher pleads guilty to paying for sex with 15-year-old in Collingwood, Ont.
In a Barrie courtroom on Monday, a retired high school teacher from the Niagara Region pleaded guilty to sexual touching and obtaining sexual services from a 15-year-old boy in Collingwood in 2021.
Hertz CEO out following electric car 'horror show'
The company, which announced in January it was selling 20,000 of the electric vehicles in its fleet, or about a third of the EVs it owned, is now replacing the CEO who helped build up that fleet, giving it the company’s fifth boss in just four years.
5 charged in Calgary kidnappings that targeted women
Calgary police have charged five men in a pair of kidnappings last year that targeted innocent victims.
Demand soars for solar eclipse glasses in Canada. Are they worth buying?
The demand for total solar eclipse glasses used to safely view the rare celestial event has been ramping up as sellers, along with astronomy and eye-care experts in Canada, warn that viewing the eclipse with the naked eye is dangerous.
Canadian commander of volunteer fighter group dies in Ukraine
A Canadian-born commander of the so-called Norman Brigade, a volunteer fighting group in Ukraine, has died.