Dear Editor,
We invite the people of Perth County to celebrate with us this National Accessibility Week, taking place May 25 to May 31.
What are we celebrating? Well, those extraordinary organizations and people who foster accessibility throughout our county. For example, the Alzheimer Society of Huron-Perth, which helps persons with dementia to live without barriers. Or the former chair of our Joint Accessibility Advisory committee Dennis Manarey, who for over 15 years worked tirelessly to guide businesses and property owners on making our built environments more accessibility for persons of all disabilities.
“How do I celebrate?” you might ask yourself. It takes as little as a few minutes to remember those people helping to make an accessible county. They are your friends, they are your neighbours, they are your family. They might even be you. Remember them this week especially and perhaps drop them a note of thanks. It’s that simple. And then think of one small way you can make the places around you more accessible. If you are looking for ideas, just look to the many amazing organizations that support and advocate for individuals with disabilities.
One of those groups is your Perth County Joint Accessibility Advisory Committee (JAAC), of which I am chair. Our members come from across the county, representing all of the lower tiers, and bring a wealth of knowledge and experience on accessibility issues. We invite you to reach out to us with any questions, comments or concerns with regards to accessibility.
You can contact the committee through the county by phone at 519-271-0531, via email at info@perthcounty.ca or by mail at 1 Huron St, Stratford, Ontario, N5A 5S4. Please note in your communication that it is in regards to the JAAC.
As you move about the county during National Accessibility Week, take a few minutes to think about the places we work, live, and visit and ask yourself how could we promote accessibility for everyone.
Happy National Accessibility Week!
Mike Doan, Perth County
