What’s New: Footprints of Accessibility and Inclusion

Municipal governments make a significant contribution to creating accessible and inclusive communities. Every day I see their footprint in a variety of ways. 

In my neighbourhood the municipal government created a multi-use path at the end of my street. This pathway is paved and wide with a dividing line down the middle. It borders the local airport and a picturesque ravine. There are park benches along the way for people to sit or park their wheelchair on an adjacent concrete space to enjoy the view. Many people from all walks of life use the path. There are veterans sitting on the benches watching the planes taking off and landing and  reminiscing about the days when they flew in the war. There are the tekkies strolling along and tracking the planes on their cell phone apps. The local seniors bicycle club drive by in their neon colours respectfully keeping  in their lane so other path users are not inconvenienced. There are parents with strollers pushing the latest little additions to our neighbourhood and lots of people walking their dogs. Recently, I have noticed more and more bird watchers in the ravine patiently observing and listening for their favourite feathered friend. People from the young to the young-at-heart are walking, running, and rolling along. 

As for me, as a person with a disability who uses a motorized wheelchair, this path has become a bit of a sanctuary. On the days when I am discouraged by yet another naysayer who believes an accessible and inclusive community is not possible, I take a break from my work and escape to the path just to be reminded… it is possible. 

For more information on the location and description of this multipurpose path in Oshawa, Ontario, Canada, click here.