County celebrates Accessibility Week with flag raising

A flag raising was held Monday at the Essex County Civic Centre to celebrate National Accessibility Week, which runs May 31-June 6.

Accessibility is everyone’s responsibility.

That was the message that Dennis Sanson, chair of the Essex County Accessibility Advisory Committee (ECAAC) brought Monday morning at a special ceremony held in Essex.

At the county administration building, Sanson, the committee, members of the public, county staff and local mayors and deputy-mayors raised the flag to officially kick off National Accessibility Week which is from May 31 to June 6.

“It represents more than awareness. It represents action,” Sanson said just before the flag went up at the west entrance of the building.

Following the official part of the event, he led everyone in a walk around the building which has gone through some major transformations in the past year. At the recent county council meeting, members of the ECASC told council about new sensors and WAVE door openers in the building.

Several municipalities across the county are celebrating Accessibility Week and the Town of Amherstburg held a flag-raising ceremony at the Libro Centre Wednesday morning. More information on that will be in next week’s River Town Times.

Many of those who were in Essex Monday morning, including Warden Hilda MacDonald, wore red in recognition of Canada Red Shirt Day which brings awareness to those with accessibility challenges.

“This is an opportunity to celebrate the accomplishments and leadership of people with disabilities,” said MacDonald.

MacDonald said that 1-in-4 people live with some form of disability and that it is important to strive for a stronger, more accessible Canada.

“We have made progress in the past few years but there is a lot more work to do.”

Another event, and perhaps the biggest for the ECAAC is the annual Fun For All Festival. In the past it has been held at the Libro Centre in Amherstburg and on Sept. 11, is scheduled to take place at the Gosfield Communications Centre Ridgeview Park in Cottam.

“This special event is aimed at showcasing accessibility through demonstrations, products, services and by engaging with the local community,” Sanson at the recent county council meeting.

Anyone wishing more information on the Essex County Accessibility Advisory Committee including joining the committee in the future can contact accessbility@countyofessex.ca. 

County celebrates Accessibility Week with flag raising

By Fred Groves