Edmonton Celebrates Contributions to Inclusion and Accessibility

September 23, 2009

Whether it’s recreation programs, walkability or universal design in architecture, Edmonton is a more inclusive city than it was 20 years ago and the Advisory Board on Services for Persons with Disabilities has played an important role. The Board is celebrating its 20th anniversary.

“The Advisory Board has played a vital role in making Edmonton a more accessible City,” said Mayor Stephen Mandel. “With their help, we are building an inclusive community where everyone has the opportunity to participate and contribute.”

The Board advises City Council and municipal departments on issues that people with disabilities face and trains and educates City staff and target audiences to encourage inclusion.

Over the past 20 years the City, often on the advice of the Board, has established initiatives that greatly enhance the quality of life for people with disabilities:

  • Recreation programs for people of all levels of ability.
  • Free access to City recreation facilities for people living with disabilities and on limited incomes.
  • Subsidized transit passes for AISH (Assured Income for the Severely Handicapped) recipients living in Edmonton.
  • Free customized ETS travel training program for seniors, persons with disabilities, and agencies that work with persons with mobility challenges.
  • Free travel tools for ETS customers with mobility difficulties designed to be used by the customer waiting to board the bus.
  • Onboard computers in DATS vehicles which allow operators to receive updated trip information from customers.
  • Forty-five accessible taxi licences.
  • Two accessible homes included in the First-Time Homebuyers Program.

Earlier this year, the Advisory Board hosted Jason Dunkerley at training sessions for fitness professionals and City staff. Dunkerley is a paralympic athlete with a visual impairment who is coordinator of the All Abilities Welcome initiative with the Active Living Alliance for Canadians with a Disability.

During his visit, Dunkerley noted that the City leads the country with its commitment to accessible playgrounds. Edmonton is the first Canadian city to establish policy to make sure all new and retrofitted playspaces are accessible.

“Our city is a better place because of the contributions of people with disabilities,” said Louise Miller, the Advisory Board’s first Chair. “When we integrate people with disabilities in every aspect of political, social, economic and cultural life, we weave a more rich and vibrant social fabric.”

Over the next year, the Advisory Board will continue to work with City departments and community organizations to encourage inclusion of people with disabilities. With ongoing support from City Council and administration, the City strives for excellence when it comes to accessibility.

The City of Edmonton invites citizens who want to make a difference by offering their voice and decision-making skills to serve as board members on agencies, boards and commissions for the 2010 term. The deadline to apply is 4:30pm, Wednesday September 30, 2009.

For more information:

Diana O’Donoghue

Community Services

Title Coordinator, Advisory Board on Services for Persons with Disabilities
Telephone

780-496-5822
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