UPDATE May 26, 2023:
The national AccessAbility week event on May 31 has been cancelled due to unforeseen circumstances.
ORIGINAL May 23, 2023:
Prince George, B.C. – During national AccessAbility week, Prince George City Councillors and staff will get first-hand experience of what it’s like to live with a disability in Prince George. On Wednesday, May 31st , members of the City’s Advisory Committee on Accessibility and Inclusion will take several Council members and City staff on a tour of the downtown area with a mentor who has lived experience navigating the city with a disability.
“Participants will learn that being disabled does not equal being powerless. Access issues aren’t limited to those with disabilities, they also affect seniors, parents with young children, and people that need mobility devices, either for the short or long term,” said committee chair, Kia Johnsen. “Thank you to MEDIchair North BC for providing the equipment including power and manual wheelchairs for Council to try at the event.”
Councillors will take turns using assistive devices to understand the daily activities of people with disabilities and gain a new perspective on creating and maintaining a barrier-free community. Staff from the planning and development and roads operations divisions will also attend to enhance their understanding of accessibility in the city.
About national AccessAbility Week
National AccessAbility Week takes place annually, starting on the last Sunday of May. It’s an opportunity to celebrate the valuable contributions and leadership of Canadians with disabilities; highlight the work of people, organizations and communities that are removing barriers; and reflect on ongoing efforts to become a better, more accessible, more inclusive Canada.
- National AccessAbility Week – Rick Hansen Foundation
- National AccessAbility Week – Government of Canada
-30-
Media contact:
Julie Rogers, communications manager
Phone: 778-349-1386
Email: media@princegeorge.ca