Why Accessibility Matters to Me, and What I’ll Champion at City Hall

As we mark National Accessibility Week, I find myself reflecting on the journey that has shaped my understanding of accessibility, not just as a policy issue, but as a fundamental principle of affordability, indicator of quality city services and infrastructure, inclusion and equity.

Though I am an able-bodied person, my experiences serving on Edmonton Transit Service Advisory Board, collaborating with the Accessibility Advisory Committee, and engaging with the DATS Advisory Group have profoundly deepened my awareness.

A simple interaction today drove this point further. On my commute to work (I live near West Edmonton Mall and work in downtown), a wheelchair user boarded the bus, and there was enough room. After three bus stops another wheelchair user came in. Which meant that if another person with a walker or baby stroller comes in, there won't be room for them.

The COVID-19 pandemic further highlighted how quickly any of us can face barriers, whether due to illness, isolation, or shifting city services. As an immigrant adjusting to life in Canada, I’ve also come to appreciate how accessibility intersects with language, culture, and economic security.

These experiences have taught me that accessibility isn’t just about ramps or elevators. It’s about dignity, independence, and the right to participate fully in civic life, ranging from the libraries to swimming pools, bus shelters and how to get information information from the city.

What Edmonton Is Doing Right

In 2019, Edmonton City Council adopted Policy C602: Accessibility for People with Disabilities . This policy commits the City to removing barriers across infrastructure, transportation, technology, communication, and civic engagement. It’s a broad, ambitious framework that aligns with the principles of universal design and the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities.

To implement this, the City launched a Corporate Accessibility Plan (2021–2024) with 70 action items. As of the latest report, 32 actions are complete, 33 are in progress, and 5 have been closed .

The Accessibility Advisory Committee (AAC), established by Bylaw 20671, plays a crucial role in advising Council on facilities, infrastructure, programs, and policies to enhance inclusivity for individuals with disabilities .

Additionally, the City’s Access Design Guide provides detailed standards for City-owned facilities and spaces, exceeding provincial building codes to promote inclusive design from the outset.

Where We Must Go Further

Despite these efforts, challenges remain. Advocates have pointed out that the City needs to improve enforcement of its accessibility policies and increase public awareness .Taproot Edmonton

As a City Councillor, I would advocate for:

• Continue GBA+ Analysis: Despite the concept and the acronym starting from the term Gender, this is actually a way to analyze how a program, facility or process, affects people based on multiple identities they have, such as a wheelchair user who happens to be a senior citizen, a woman, and also on government supports. The city does this already, and need to continue.

• Enhanced Implementation: Ensuring that the Accessibility for People with Disabilities Policy is fully integrated into all City operations, with clear accountability measures,

• Inclusive Public Engagement: Developing strategies to ensure that public consultations are accessible to all, including providing materials in multiple formats and languages.

• Digital Accessibility: Auditing and improving the accessibility of City websites and digital services to meet or exceed WCAG standards. Changes since 2020 are noticeable, especially with city council meetings and videos, and it needs to continue.

• Affordable and Accessible Housing: Promoting the development of housing that meets universal design standards to accommodate residents of all abilities and considers pricing that they can meet.

• Transit Equity: Continuing to improve the accessibility of public transit, including DATS, and ensuring that transit planning considers the needs of all users.

My Commitment

In my campaign, I am committed to building a team and platform that reflects these values. This includes ensuring that our events are accessible, our materials are available in multiple formats and languages, and that we actively seek input from individuals with disabilities.

Accessibility is not a special interest it is a fundamental aspect of a well-functioning, cost-effective and inclusive city. By embedding accessibility into every facet of our municipal policies and practices, we can create a city where everyone has the opportunity to thrive.

For more information on Edmonton’s accessibility policies and initiatives, please refer to the City of Edmonton's Accessibility for People with Disabilities Policy City of Edmonton and the Accessibility Advisory Committee.