Did you know that a lack of accessibility toward people with disabilities can equal discrimination? Furthermore, this type of discrimination happens all over the world on a daily basis. Canada is no exception to this accessibility-related discrimination.

“Once a world leader in accessibility, Canadian access levels fall below other developed countries.”

This is a quote from a 2007 article posted on the Council of Canadians with Disabilities’ website. What prompted this claim? The lack of accessibility in Canada’s transportation system.

The article named some surprising instances having to do with lack of transportation accessibility. Some of these instances include:

– A woman who used a guide dog was unable to travel due to the fact that “the carrier wanted a certificate showing her dog was trained by an accredited school.”

– “A deaf/blind woman was required to travel with an attendant. The right to self determination established years ago is lost.”

– Ticket dispensers for boarding passes at airports have not been disability accessible.

– “Wheelchair users in Gander, NFLD must drive to St. John’s to take planes large enough to transport their wheelchairs.”

Would you call the lack of transportation accessibility in these instances discrimination? Many people would. It seems that there has been a significant amount of these types of happenings within Canada’s Transportation Agency.

What are the main complaints people with disabilities have consistently given the Canadian Transportation Agency?

Canadians with disabilities have reportedly submitted the following complaints to the CTA:

– The transportation staff is not sufficiently trained

– Disability equipment becomes damaged in travel

– There are too many blocks to mobility

– There are “systemic barriers”

– People with disabilities encounter discrimination

Obviously, the transportation system not being fully accessible to individuals with disabilities is a major problem.

Is discrimination through a lack of accessibility a problem exclusive to the transportation system of Canada?

More than likely, insufficient accessibility is evident in other arenas. The good news is, there are organizations fighting this type of discrimination.

The Council of Canadians with Disabilities is an organization dedicated to erasing accessibility-related discrimination.

The Council of Canadians with Disabilities has been very active in the fight against unaccessible transportation in Canada. The counsel is doing much to benefit Canada’s disability community. Visit the CCD’s website at http://www.ccdonline.ca/en/.

We understand that a lack of accessibility can cause people with disabilities to feel shut off from the world. This type of discrimination has to end. With the help of organizations like the Council of Canadians with Disabilities, eventually it will.

Sources:

http://www.ccdonline.ca/en/transportation/air/statement-061407

http://www.ccdonline.ca/en/about/

*Please note: All research for this article is compiled from direct and third party sources. Mention of programs, organizations and companies does not imply support of The National Benefit Authority.  Pictures are for creative purposes only; they are not intended to sell or promote products for the NBA and belong to the accredited individual, organization or company.

Let’s Talk About It

Have you had experiences with accessibility-related discrimination? If so, what was your reaction?

Do you think people understand that a lack of accessibility can be interpreted as discrimination?