Haldimand County recognizes National AccessAbility Week from May 28 to June 3

Haldimand County recognizes National AccessAbility Week from May 28 to June 3

HALDIMAND COUNTY, ON –  National AccessAbility Week (May 28 – June 3) is a time to honour the valuable contributions of Canadians with disabilities and highlight the importance of identifying, removing and preventing barriers to inclusion and accessibility.

Haldimand County recognized the week by hosting an internal AccessAbility Awareness Challenge on May 29. Haldimand County members of Council and employees were invited to participate in a variety of challenges to simulate different types of barriers that residents may experience, including a wheelchair tight space transfer, a low vision walk, a schizophrenia simulation, dexterity challenges, and more.

After taking part in the low vision walk challenge, Mayor Bentley shared, ” We have a responsibility to create an inclusive environment where everyone, regardless of ability, can navigate our streets, access our services, and participate in our community. Together, we will continue to strive to make our communities more inclusive, making Haldimand County a more accessible county for all residents to live, work and play.”

One way that Haldimand County prioritizes accessibility is through the inclusion of the Accessibility Advisory Committee. This committee provides practical knowledge on a wide-range of accessibility and disability concerns including: physical, visual, hearing impairment, intellectual, mental health, senior’s issues and communication. The committee meets regularly to review and make accessibility recommendations on municipal capital projects and County services.

“Accessibility is not just about making things accessible; it’s about empowering individuals and fostering inclusion,” stated Brian Grice, Haldimand County’s Accessibility Coordinator. “When we prioritize accessibility, we unlock the doors to a world where everyone can participate, contribute, and thrive. Today’s event was a great opportunity to show, at a very basic level, some of the barriers that members of our own community struggle with on a daily basis. Haldimand County is committed towards eliminating barriers and helping our community to become a place for all.”

To learn more about Haldimand County’s commitment to Accessibility, visit www.HaldimandCounty.ca/Accessibility/.

Pictured: Health and Safety Representative Josh Borsellino provides guidance to Mayor Bentley as she completes a low vision walk.