While much of the world celebrated International Human Rights Day on Saturday, some of Montreal’s disabled said much more remains to be done.
Laurent Morisette, a Montrealer confined to a wheelchair, said just getting around the city can be a challenge, especially during the winter months.
“It’s difficult because sometimes the sidewalks are not cleaned properly,” he said.
Morisette pointed to several businesses on Laurier St. that he simply cannot get into as they are not wheelchair accessible.
“You cannot be as spontaneous as everyone else,” he said.
While the federal government is looking into legislation that would improve the rights of people with disabilities, Morisette said there is a misconception over just what the word “accessibility” means.
“Accessibility is being able to select shopping articles in the store,” he said. “It’s being able to access changing rooms, you know, to try clothes on. It’s being able to pay for yourself, by yourself, for things that you buy.”
He said he is encouraged at the prospect of new laws, pointing out ways that legislation can help the disabled.
“Tax incentives, any incentives that can make every part of society realize that accessibility would serve everyone,” he said.
On the private end, there are some new initiatives in Montreal aimed at helping the disabled. The StopGap Foundation offers free ramps to businesses that are not yet wheelchair accessible. The ramps are built by volunteers and funded by donations. Thus far, 20 local businesses are equipped with them, with more to come.
“When they get to the door, they can just ask for help and they’ll bring the ramp out so they can get into the establishment,” said StopGap volunteer Chris Kennedy. “Then the ramp can be put away for future use.”
