News and event information for Williams Lake, BC - as it happens.

By Michael Toay

According to the World Health Organization, six disabilities people face in life include those of mobility, agility, hearing, seeing, speaking and mental. Last January, the City of Williams Lake formed an Accessibility Advisory Committee (AAC) to study and report on ways to make the community more accessible to all.  Council will receive the AAC's first at their regular meeting on January 8, 2013.

The ACC started with a list of eight strategic goals in January 2012. Among those goals was a review of handicapped parking spaces throughout the community. Last June the Council supported the Accessibility Committee’s recommendation to develop an Accessibility Parking Bylaw for the downtown core. An Accessibility Parking Bylaw will support the development of new spaces and ensure that they are properly planned; this is ongoing.

The ACC also wanted to research how other communities like Kamloops and Prince George were able to obtain wheelchair accessible taxis. They began a dialogue with Town Taxi. Additionally, handyDART services were expanded in October. The service is now available on Saturdays and until 5:30pm.

Three AAC members were actively involved in the End of Day Celebration for Rick Hansen. The committee continues to work with the Foundation to promote building accessibility in Williams Lake. They support an initiative called ‘PLANAT- Accessibility at your fingertips’ which provides detailed venue and consumer information on the accessibility of buildings and public spaces in communities around the world.

The 2012 ACC included people with disabilities, service providers from School District #27 and Interior Health, two seniors’ representatives and two members at large. Part of their mission statement is that an accessible community provides an environment where residents that have mobility, visual and hearing challenges can participate in all activities.

The AAC is committed to moving ahead to make the City more accessible. They will revise their goals and objectives in January 2013.

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