Through an event this Friday in Memorial Park Brighton hopes to increase awareness about the importance of accessibility in the community.
Among the goals of the event is to offer a more intimate glimpse into what it’s like to navigate the local community with a disability, explains Coun. Jeff Wheeldon, who also serves on Brighton’s accessibility advisory committee.
The committee put together the “AccessAbility Awareness Day” event, which is set for this Friday, just before National AccessAbility Week – which is May 26 to June 1 – wraps up.
National AccessAbility Week is meant to serve as opportunity to promote accessibility and inclusion, and it’s also about recognizing the invaluable contributions made by Canadians with disabilities.
In Brighton, interactive activities running 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. this Friday also aim to ultimately shine a light on the significance of inclusivity and an accessible community.
Through the interactive experiences, the hope is participants will leave with a better understanding of the importance of auditory cues (as one example) – or challenges associated with mobility restrictions, after say navigating downtown in a wheelchair, explains the committee.
Participants who test out mobility aids or the “simulators” will be sent on errands, too – they’ll go to a local shop for some gum, or to get their mail at the post office, notes Wheeldon.
“My knowledge as an able-bodied person only goes so far, and so this is a chance for members of council especially – but also, for any member of the public, to come by and get a much more intimate understanding of what it means to have a disability and be part of the Brighton community,” says Wheeldon.
What’s more, with hopes of improving understanding around accessibility gaps in the Brighton area, the committee is spearheading a survey. Residents’ input will help identify areas of improvement in municipal services and infrastructure – all responses will be kept confidential, says the municipality.
(Written by: Sarah Hyatt)
