Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAboutHuron Expositor, 2016-09-28, Page 88 Huron Expositor • Wednesday, September 28, 2016 One woman's reflections on accessibility in Clinton Justine Alkema Postmedia Network After experiencing a seri- ous stroke four years ago and living with a disability ever since, Pam Stevenson has a new outlook on her sur- roundings. In learning to adjust to a new way of life, she has become keenly aware of something she had previously taken for granted — accessibility. After her stroke, Steven- son started walking with a cane. However she was too unsteady, so she eventually switched to a walker. "It was difficult with a cane, but it's nothing compared to what it's been like for me now," she commented. Stevenson said she finds a number of places in Clinton to be particularly inaccessi- ble. Some of that is due to old infrastructure, which she commented is in many ways a huge asset to the town. But there are downfalls. Things that may seem insignificant to some are huge obstacles for her to live day-to-day life. "And I have no intention of staying home," she laughed. Stevenson recently attended a Central Huron council meet- ing, and she asked council when the elevator would be fixed in town hall. It has been broken for quite sometime, and it's those kinds of things that make mobility difficult for her. One huge difficultly for Stevenson is heavy doors. She said there are a number of those around. Sometimes she can knock on doors, but it's a pain to do all the time, especially if the clerks are busy with customers. She What if one company could r\ solve all your business needs? - r 4021 ifs --Ili er said some doors have push buttons, but often times they don't work. "I couldn't believe this, but I could not get into Ser- vice Ontario in Clinton. My husband dropped me off to go do something else, and I could not open that door," she said. "I'm pretty inde- pendent, but I'm also a sen- ior citizen. I'm only 66. What it must be like for my neighbours who are over 80 years old." "I think we have a respon- sibility as a community for people to get in and out of IN(REASEDSALES ' stores, though I cannot expect every small business to have a good door. But surely [public buildings] should be accessible to anyone." Stevenson made sure to say that she was not mad. She said she loves to shop in Clinton and to support the small businesses here. Although she lives just out- side of Bayfield, she comes to Clinton often, to see her doctor and her grandchildren who live here in town. In her words, her intention is to give people a reminder. A reminder that not everyone is fully capable. "There's a sizable number of us. I wasn't aware until I was in the boat, but I was astounded at the number of people who couldn't open doors." She is also interested in hearing other people's expe- riences with this issue, and if there is a committee or group she can get involved with that is promoting accessibility. Her number is 519 482 7812 if anyone wishes to contact her about the issue. Iv rp] POSTMEDIA We can connect all the pieces in more ways than ever before. For more information, visit postmedia.com/advertise if it's Ioca , it's here FROM FURROWS TO THE FRONTLINES � THE 161ST BATTALION J.E.H. MacDonald Canada and the Call, 1914 Colour lithograph on wove paper, . National Gallery of Canada, Ottawa Gift of Mr. and Mrs. J.A. Machado, Ottawa, 1936 Photo © NGC Poppy Art Installatii 1 September 22 to November 3 Goderich Cenotaph, Courthouse Park Square An installation of ceramic poppies made by community volunteers. Each of the 550 ceramic poppies, represents a life lost from Huron County in the First World War. I Thursdays at 7:00 PM Huron County Museum, 110 North Street, Goderich Sept. 29 - Norm Christie Oct. 27 - Andy Robertshaw Oct. 13 - David Yates Nov. 10 - Jim Rutledge WW1/ Para I Saturday, October 8 at 2:00 PM Goderich (see website for parade route) Parade follows the footsteps of the final march of the 161st Battalion around Goderich Square and down East Street to the former train station. I Saturday, October 8 at 5:30 PM Royal Canadian Legion Branch 109, 56 Kingston Street, Goderich Honouring the families of the 161st Battalion. Menu based on the original farewell dinner served on Thanksgiving weekend in 1916. Displays and period musical entertainment. Tickets: $35 each on sale September 16. Blyth Festival Box Office 519-523-9300 or 1-877-862-5984. I Sunday, October 30 at 10:30 AM Trivitt Anglican Memorial Church, 264 Main Street S., Exeter A service of remembrance that follows the original service held in 1920 when the 161st Battalion Colours were deposited at Trivitt Church. facebook.com/161battalion/ huroncountymuseum. ca FULL EVENT DETAILS AVAILABLE AT: HURONCOUNTYMUSEUM.CA