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What's happening here?
The Membership Committee at a large co-op wanted
to do a good job of interviewing for their accessible units. Pierre
said "The problem is we need some people on this committee
who know the issues better." Bluma said: "Maybe we could
ask some members with disabilities for help with interviews. Cindy
uses a wheelchair. Brian is blind. Let's ask them." George
wasn't so sure: "I think that's too personal. Don't they have
enough to deal with, just being disabled?"
What is the problem?
The biggest problem for people with disabilities
is the attitudes of others. Wrong ideas about people's abilities
are common. We are still more likely to judge people with disabilities
by what they can't do rather than by what they can do. In the above
story, Pierre and Bluma have a good idea. But George puts Cindy's
and Brian's disabilities first, not their ability to help.
Co-ops have always been in the lead in providing
accessible housing. But we need to do more than provide a few accessible
units. We need to make our co-ops more open to everyone in many
ways. We need to learn a lot more about disabilities. For example,
there are many kinds of disabilities and we can't always see the
disability.
Language is important. Put the person first, not
the disability. Say "a person with a disability" not "the
disabled, the handicapped, the mentally ill." Say a person
"uses a wheelchair" not "is confined to a wheelchair."
A wheelchair is a way of getting around, not a jail cell. Say "person
with a developmental disability" not "retarded."
Only refer to a disability if it is absolutely necessary.
Removing co-op barriers
When we talk about barriers to people with disabilities,
we usually think of access to a building. If your co-op is typical,
there are probably some accessible units - but many more that are
not. Co-op members who use wheelchairs may get in and out of their
own units, but how many co-op neighbours can they visit? At meetings,
background noise is a problem for people who have hearing problems.
For people with breathing problems and allergies, smoking and perfume
make a meeting or party inaccessible.
Unless - or until - we have a disability ourselves,
we may not think about all the barriers. We all need to think about
questions like: What kinds of things do I believe about people with
different kinds of disabilities? How do my ideas affect who I am
friends with, or hire, or work with on a co-op project?
Could a person who uses a wheelchair live in my
apartment? Why not? What if I develop a disability? How does my
neighbour, who is blind, read co-op reports? Do co-op meetings work
for a person with a hearing problem? Do I avoid people who are called
"mentally ill?" Why am I more uncomfortable with illness
of the mind than illness of the body?
Here are some actions you can take to remove
barriers:
Remove environmental
barriers
- with access to the whole co-op
- including ramps to front entrances
- washrooms for people who use wheelchairs
- good lighting, no smoking
Remove communications
barriers
- with large type printing for co-op information
- plain language, clear signs around the co-op
- a TTY on the office phone (telephone device for people with
hearing problems which you can get from your telephone company)
- important information on audio tape and Braille, sign language
interpreters
Remove transportation
barriers
- by holding meetings in locations that are close to public transportation
- beginning and ending meetings on time
- arranging rides
Remove barriers
of attitude
- by putting the person first, not the disability
- by learning about different kinds of abilities
- by finding out how to provide useful services
- by getting over fear and misinformation
What else can
co-ops do to improve access to people with disabilities?
- Use an access checklist (from DAWN Canada) to set goals for
removing all barriers.
- Provide training on disability issues for staff, board and committees,
and at general meetings. Keep brochures and other resources available.
- Reach out to people with disabilities through personal contacts,
your newsletter, at social events and co-op meetings.
- Look at all the barriers to participation by all co-op members.
Ask what is needed.
- Ensure that people with disabilities are on your board and all
co-op committees.
- Help children understand disabilities so they do not learn negative
stereotypes.
Resources
DAWN Canada: DisAbled Women's Network
P.O. Box 22003, Brandon, Manitoba R7A 6Y9
Tel: 204-726-1406 Toll-Free: 1-877-450-9476
Active Living Alliance for Canadians
with a Disability
Tel: 1-800-771-0663
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