Accessibility committee meets with residents during National AccessAbility Week in Stratford

Members of the City of Stratford’s accessibility advisory committee (AAC) gathered downtown on June 4 during National AccessAbility Week to speak with residents about accessibility challenges and initiatives in the city. The committee works to advise city council on identifying, removing and preventing barriers for people with disabilities.

On June 4, during National AccessAbility Week, the City of Stratford’s accessibility advisory committee (AAC) was available to meet with and answer questions from residents interested in learning more about accessibility throughout the city.

The AAC recommends and advises city council on matters that improve opportunities for persons with disabilities and support the identification, removal and prevention of barriers to full participation in the community.

Bonnie Henderson, a Stratford city councillor and member of the accessibility committee, was available to chat and said disabilities can affect anyone at any time. She noted that some disabilities may go unnoticed, making an accessible city vital to the overall health of a community.

“At any point in your life, you could trip and fall or develop arthritis or even have a family member affected by a disability,” she said. “There are all kinds of disabilities and it’s not just someone in a wheelchair, so it’s so important for people to think, when they’re building or renovating, to keep this in mind and be sure to consider accessibility because 10 to 15 per cent of the population has a disability of some kind.”

Henderson said everyone can advocate for those with disabilities by speaking up if they see something that may be an obstacle for someone.

“If you’re out and about and you notice something, like a step or narrow doorway, it never hurts to talk to the business to let them know,” she said. “I went to Greenwood Court the other day and met with someone who is having trouble getting into some stores and restaurants downtown because her wheelchair is 32 inches wide. I went and measured my doorway at home, and it’s only 33 inches, so it makes you think about how inaccessible places are for some people.”

Although Stratford has come a long way and many downtown restaurants and businesses have renovated to improve accessibility, Coun. Jo-Dee Burbach said there is still work to be done.

“We have a big challenge because of the older buildings in downtown Stratford,” she said. “It would be great if everywhere were accessible, and seeing it through that lens and continuing to advocate and build with accessibility in mind can help reduce barriers so everyone has an equal chance of accessibility.”

On June 30 at 1 p.m., the disability pride flag will be raised at city hall. All are welcome to attend.