Edmonton launches initiative to help those living with disabilities

Edmonton – An Edmonton initiative is aiming at helping residents living with disabilities to more easily navigate around the city.

‘Measuring Up Edmonton’ was launched Friday. The new program educates local businesses about how to be more inclusive to people with a range abilities.

The program has developed a plan to help local businesses improve their surroundings by making them accessible by all.

“The City of Edmonton has always made a valid point of ensuring that we’re as accessible as possible, but as we all know, there’s always room to improve, so the ‘Measuring Up’ program/toolkit is just one step further to ensuring that it’s done properly,” explains Zachary Weeks, Canadian Paraplegic Association.

The Measuring Up Toolkit:

• Provides a self-assessment guide and resources to help you or your organization become more accessible and inclusive

• Identifies deficiencies and improvements needed

• Makes your home, community, business or organization more inclusive and accessible

“It walks you through step-by-step. It’s very easy to follow along,” explains Weeks.

Weeks says the common misconception is that accessibility is going to be expensive for a business.

“It can be as simple putting in a power door opener or a little ramp over a ledge, just to allow people to get in the door.”

Follow @slavkornik