Local debate on social issues is not accessible for all
Posted May 30, 2014 02:24:41 PM.
This article is more than 5 years old.
The founder of the Waterloo Region Accessibility Watch advocacy group has reached out to 570 News following an incident last night.
Lyn McGinnis says that members of the group wanted to attend an all-candidates meeting on social issues at the Islamic Centre of Cambridge.
He says they called ahead and explained who they were, however, were not able to access the building once they arrived, as two women were in wheelchairs.
“There were accessible parking spots at the location, but when we got out there was absolutely no way to get in. Once we started asking around, everyone started looking very distressed, running around and talking to other people. But the reality was there was no way to do it, there was no way for us to get in.”
The debate was put on by the Social Planning Council of Cambridge and North Dumfries and YWCA Cambridge.
While he does not fault the organizers of the event, he says this this is why raising the issue of accessibility with our members of Parliament is so important.
He adds that candidates should request that debates be held in locations that are accessible to everyone.
