Waterloo Region’s roundabouts are formidable barriers for the thousands of local residents who are blind or visually impaired. Opinion
Waterloo Region Record|
Gord Cummer, seen with his spouse Joanne, has about five per cent vision in one eye, and goes for walks everyday in his Waterloo neighbourhood, but says he won’t go anywhere near roundabouts, because they’re simply too difficult for a blind person to navigate.
Under the Design of Public Spaces Standard of the AODA, cities and other organizations building or redeveloping beach access routes must make those routes accessible to visitors with disabilities. Beach access routes are paths allowing people of all abilities to walk to beaches. The beach itself is not part of the route. The route may start at a parking lot, sidewalk, trail, or convenient landmark such as a bench or fountain.
The right kind of infrastructure can keep older adults healthier and happier longer and cities and towns are starting to make it a priority Published on Jan 30, 2019
by Diane Peters
For older adults dealing with mobility or other health issues, getting around can be a challenge in any weather.
In the depths of winter, most of us struggle to walk on snowy sidewalks, stay warm while waiting for the bus, and keep our footing on steep stairs.
Under the Design of Public Spaces Standard of the AODA, cities and other organizations building or reconstructing exterior paths of travel, such as sidewalks and walkways, must make those paths accessible to travellers with disabilities. Rules for accessible exterior paths of travel apply to private organizations with 50 or more workers and all public sector organizations.
This week is White Cane Week!
White Cane Week, celebrated across Canada in the first full week of February every year, raises awareness about how blind people travel and make a difference in their communities. In 2019, White Cane Week takes place from Sunday, February 3rd to Saturday, February 9th.
