Ridges on reworked sidewalk block access to wheelchair ramp just weeks after its installation
When wheelchair-user Noah Siletta couldn't get into Wolfgang Social Club, they asked owner David Brown to install a ramp.
The request was fulfilled; soon, a wheelchair ramp allowed easy access to the tattoo parlour's entrance.
But a few weeks later, Ontario St. underwent construction. A two-centimetre ridge was established along the sidewalk, rendering the ramp inaccessible to those who need it.
"When I came in I realized there was a barrier," says Siletta.
Parlour owner David Brown was frustrated by the development.
"They didn't do it properly so it's still not even. The city should make sure it's always accessible," he says.
A NEED FOR CHANGE
Luca "Lazylegz" Patuelli is a disabled dancer, choreographer and motivational speaker.
He says he sees incomplete attempts at accessibility every day.
"The world in general is still inaccessible for people with disabilities. [That] doesn't mean that there aren't efforts being made," he says.
Patuelli cites one Montreal sports complex as an example, which is supposed to be accessible to all.
"In order to get out, I was locked in between the elevator and the exit door, there was no way I could physically exit the building myself," he explains.
Both Patuelli and Siletta want to get their message out.
"We've got the elections coming and I think right now, more than ever, it's the time for people with disabilities to have their voices heard when it comes to politics and policy," says Patuelli, who says accessibility should be universal and designed by people who live with disabilities.
Rabia Khedr, national director of the advocacy group Disability Without Poverty, says politicians need to make and keep promises to Canada's disabled population.
"These leaders need to take into account the fact that 6 million Canadians have a disability and are the largest minority group," she says.
She says any able-bodied person can acquire a disability at some point in their life.
"Every able-bodied Canadian should care about what our future looks like for people with disabilities."
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
'A step forward': New screening criteria for sperm donors takes effect
Canadians looking to grow their families with the assistance of sperm or egg donations should soon have more options for donors as the federal health agency does away with longstanding restrictions criticized as discriminatory.
Ontario Provincial Police arrest 64 suspects in child sexual exploitation investigation
Ontario Provincial Police say 64 suspects are facing a combined 348 charges in connection with a series of child sexual exploitation investigations that spanned the province.
U.S. presidential candidate RFK Jr. had a brain worm, has recovered, campaign says
Independent U.S. presidential candidate Robert F. Kennedy Jr. had a parasite in his head more than a decade ago, but has fully recovered, his campaign said, after the New York Times reported about the ailment.
Police handcuff man trying to enter Drake's Toronto mansion
Toronto police say a man was taken into custody outside Drake's Bridle Path mansion Wednesday afternoon after he tried to gain access to the residence.
What is whooping cough and should Canadians be concerned as Europe declares outbreak?
There is currently a whooping cough epidemic in Europe, with 10 times as many cases compared to the previous two years. While an outbreak has not been declared nationwide in Canada, whooping cough is regularly detected in the country.
Pfizer agrees to settle more than 10K lawsuits over Zantac cancer risk: Bloomberg News
Pfizer has agreed to settle more than 10,000 lawsuits about cancer risks related to the now discontinued heartburn drug Zantac, Bloomberg News reported on Wednesday, citing people familiar with the deal.
Steve Albini, legendary producer for Nirvana, the Pixies and an alternative rock pioneer, dies at 61
Steve Albini, an alternative rock pioneer and legendary producer who shaped the musical landscape through his work with Nirvana, the Pixies, PJ Harvey and more, has died. He was 61.
Case against ex-Mountie charged with helping China can go ahead in Quebec, judge says
A Quebec court judge has ruled that the case against a former RCMP officer charged with helping China conduct foreign interference can go ahead in the province.
Ippei Mizuhara, ex-interpreter for baseball star Shohei Ohtani, will plead guilty in betting case
The former interpreter for Los Angeles Dodgers star Shohei Ohtani has agreed to plead guilty to bank and tax fraud in a sports betting case in which prosecutors allege he stole nearly US$17 million from the Japanese baseball player to pay off debts, federal prosecutors said Wednesday.