Not everyone has access

For the vast majority of people, accessibility is not much of a concern.

But for those with mobility challenges, gaining access to buildings and even moving down the sidewalk can be a challenge.

Debbie Moore and her daughter, Katie, are all too familiar with those challenges and a few simple changes could make things a lot easier for people with physical challenges.

Katie recently had to start using a wheelchair and it was a real eye opener as to the challenges people with mobility limitations face.

So, Katie launched a website where people can point out areas that are prohibitive for people with challenges.

At okanaganaccessibility.ca, people can get information on what buildings are wheelchair friendly, what ones need better access and what areas of town need to be improved for the safety of those using wheelchairs.

“Not many people understand – and are in our shoes – what's going on,” said Katie, adding those with mobility issues are the best ones to talk to about such issues.

Debbie said finding solutions to many of the issues really isn't that difficult.

“It really just takes trying to understand what the challenges are that someone with a mobility impairment faces,” said Debbie.

Simple things like automatic doors can make a world of difference to someone in a wheelchair.

“Let's start having those conversations now in the community and identify those areas,” she said.

Debbie said the new downtown library is an good example of an all access building, but even it has one flaw: there is no on-street handicapped parking.

“The new library is a fantastic example of how thing should be done, it's a ramp entry and it does have some handicapped parking underneath, but you cannot get a wheelchair van down there,” she said, but quickly added the library gets a “gold star” for its accessibility.

Debbie said she is hopeful the new city council will address some of the issues around sidewalks, especially at the intersection of 32nd Street and 32nd Avenue where the lowered part of the sidewalk where it meets the street do not line up with the crosswalk so those in wheelchairs have to briefly go into the traffic lane to cross the street.

Access to public washrooms and some access changes at the pool are also on the list she would like council to address.