The County of Lennox and Addington is recognizing National Access Awareness Week by highlighting the work of the Accessibility Advisory Committee and its ongoing initiatives to increase accessibility for people with disabilities in our community.  

Established in 1988, this observance is in response to a request from Canadian Paralympic athlete Rick Hansen following his Man in Motion World Tour. Rick leads the charge in removing barriers faced by people with disabilities.

National Access Awareness Week aims to bring together, in a spirit of partnership, people with disabilities, organizations who serve them, business, labour and governments to affect meaningful changes in the daily living of people with disabilities.

Lennox and Addington County’s five-year Accessibility Plan (2018-2022) was developed to encompass inclusiveness and provide accessibility for all. The vision is to provide a place where everyone can enjoy a sense of belonging, can access services and has the opportunity to thrive in any stage of life, barrier free.

Lennox and Addington County’s Joint Accessibility Advisory Committee is a key partner in identifying and recommending the removal of barriers for persons with disabilities. Established in 2003, the Committee serves the County of Lennox and Addington and the four lower tier municipalities. This group is a voice for those living with a disability to ensure that our programs and services are inclusive for all.

As well as providing advice to the municipal Councils regarding services and facilities, the Joint Accessibility Advisory Committee has been instrumental in helping achieve a number of significant improvements.  Recently the Committee has provided input on the multi-year Diggin’ Downtown Napanee project, accessible parking issues in Loyalist Township and municipal facility renovations in the Township of Stone Mills.

“Removing barriers to those with all types of disabilities is key to ensuring that we are creating healthy and inclusive services to the community,” stated Councillor Ric Bresee, Chair of the Accessibility Advisory Committee. “Council is grateful to all our Committee members and is proud of all the accomplishments they make towards removing barriers in Lennox and Addington County.”

 

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For more information, please contact:

Councillor Ric Bresee
Chair, Joint Accessibility Advisory Committee
County of Lennox and Addington
613-354-4883

Tracey McKenzie
County Clerk
County of Lennox and Addington
613-354-4883