Making Hantsport an inclusive community.

We are lucky in Hantsport that many events are held in our local Fire Hall. The Hall offers exercise classes, dinners, meetings, craft shows and dances. I can easily access the top level using my wheelchair. This allows me to participate in Zumba classes.

The biggest concern with the Fire Hall are the two levels to the building. Often events are held in the lower part in which you need to go down several steps. This creates a huge obstacle for someone like me who is unable to use steps.

In order to be able to take part in events being held in the lower part of the Hall I need to get dressed and go outside and enter. This creates problems. Certain seasons the ground near the entrance is problematic. In the winter it is almost impossible due to the hard crusty snow.  In the spring it is muddy and my wheelchair sinks into the ground. If I go through the bottom entrance and I need to use the washroom I must once again get dressed and repeat the entire outdoor process.

Some people may ask why I can not stay on the upper level. To them I say, “I like to be included in everything that is offered without limitations just like everyone else”. 

A partial fix would be installing a proper ramp outside the lower level to easily enter.

  

The best solution to this problem is simply to install a ramp from the upper to the lower level. It can be removed when not being used for an event. The ramp would serve as multi purpose not only for wheelchairs but for seniors and others with mobility issues.

This is a very progressive way of including everyone and creating universal access. It will go a long way to show Hantsport as an inclusive community.  

Thank you

Alison McQueen   

This column is one of a series which is also posted as the page: Allie speaks up.