Accessible ramp program offered to Oshawa businesses during AccessAbility Awareness Week
Published May 23, 2024 at 10:06 am
The City of Oshawa has partnered with StopGap Foundation to offer a 2024 ramp pilot project to remove single step entrance barriers to ten businesses in Oshawa, part of National AccessAbility Awareness Week celebrations.
“Oshawa’s collaboration with the Stop Gap Foundation for 10 free ramps really is something to celebrate this spring,” said Rosemary McConkey, Oshawa Council’s representative on the Oshawa Accessible Advisory Committee, adding that the committee is “excited” by the number of businesses embracing the program to make entry into their shops more accessible. “Consider how many positive outcomes there are for the city becoming more barrier-free.”
National Accessibility Awareness Week (May 26-June 1) highlights the work of people, organizations and communities that are removing barriers and reflects on the ongoing efforts to become a better, more accessible and more inclusive Canada.
Oshawa Mayor Dan Carter congratulated the Oshawa Accessibility Advisory Committee on their dedication to raising awareness and making recommendations to improve accessibility in the community, with a goal of a barrier-free community to improve the quality of life for people of all abilities.
“The city is committed to identifying, removing and preventing accessibility barriers in our community,” Carter said. “We continue to make great strides by implementing actions outlined in our 20223- 2027 Accessibility Plan, enabling everyone to enjoy all that Oshawa has to offer.”
The accessibility plan identifies key priorities for the removal and prevention of barriers in customer service, information and communication, employment, design of public space and the built environment.
The advisory committee’s flag will be flying at City Hall next week to honour its contributions and residents are encouraged to participate in a special council meeting next Tuesday where accessibility, diversion and inclusion will be on the agenda, as well as supporting Easter Seals Canada’s Red Shirt Day next Wednesday.
Councillor Derek Giberson, who chairs the Corporate and Finance Services Committee, said StopGap, with each ramp costing between $305 and $460, is an example of some of the “innovative ways” the City is bringing accessibility options to local businesses.
