An expanded army of “access assistants” at the Rick Hansen Foundation is set to march across Richmond and the Lower Mainland to assess how buildings and community locations fare when it comes to accommodating disabled people.
Mayor Malcolm Brodie welcomed Michelle Stilwell, Minister of Social Development and Social Innovation, to Richmond City Hall on Monday so she could announce $675,000 in funding for the 14 new, temporary assistant positions.
“Our city here in Richmond has long been proud and a champion for accessibility to benefit people of all abilities. We work very closely with the Richmond Centre for Disability (RCD) to ensure our building standards and practices are forefront in this regard,” said Brodie.
Stilwell’s ministry said the money will mean more disabled people will be able to survey medium and large-sized buildings by applying inclusive design principles for physically disabled people, as well as their own experience.
So, a building with, for instance, no wheelchair ramp is likely to be poorly rated, whereas one with the likes of ramps, elevators, railings, brail and exceptional lighting will be rated positively.
Each new access assistant will do 90 assessments.
The data will be used to identify best practices in inclusive design as part of an accessibility rating and certification program being developed by the provincial government and the foundation, noted the ministry.
The government’s goal is to be the most inclusive province by 2024.
Stilwell, who uses a wheelchair herself, said disabled people still represent a largely “untapped” workforce.
Hansen was unable to attend but released a statement online:
“Identifying and removing barriers is critical to enabling people with disabilities to live to their full potential. By making all the places we live, work and play accessible, we are helping to create more inclusive communities. The Rick Hansen Foundation is proud to be able to contribute to the government’s Accessibility 2024 goals,” said Hansen, a Richmond resident.
The announcement was organized by Stilwell’s ministry, according to the City of Richmond.
Last month RCD members protested Stilwell’s decision to revoke subsidized bus passes for disabled people (by making them optional, and giving monthly cash in lieu), as well as her ministry’s lack of increases to assistance programs.
Correction: RCD was in fact present at the announcement.
