Accessibility committee supports plan for wristbands to communicate disabilities at Storybook Gardens

A plan to make wristbands available for kids with disabilities at Storybook Gardens is getting some traction at city hall in London, Ont.

The goal is to make the park more accessible by communicating to staff members whether a child might need more patience or help on rides or during activities.

“We know that many disabilities are invisible so if a parent chooses to indicate that their child may need extra support, they could get that wristband,” said Ward 10 councillor Virginia Ridley.

The idea was presented at Tuesday night’s Community and Protective Services meeting, where councillors agreed to have staff work with the Accessibility Advisory Committee on a plan to implement it.

But Ridley wasn’t on board right away.

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“I had to verify… that this would be an opt-in. It is an added benefit to parents; it is not a requirement and should not be a requirement at all.”

Ridley was also curious about where the idea originated. Michael Cairns, a member of the advisory committee, said Storybook Gardens approached them asking for advice after a parent inquired about whether wristbands were available.

“They wanted our feedback, our input,” he said.

“We really liked it and thought it was a great idea, and wanted to draw more attention towards it.”

Ridley said staff will report back to the committee on how the program might be implemented. She hopes it’ll include signage around the park to communicate that wristbands are available.

“Realistically, (parents and kids) shouldn’t even be asked. It should be something they ask for,” she emphasized.