Highlights of 2025 offered by county's accessibility advisory committee

Keep accessible parking spaces clear of snow and ice.

That is one of several tips being offered by the Essex County Accessibility Advisory Committee (ECAAC) during the winter inclement weather.

Members of the committee made a presentation to county council Dec. 17 which included a video highlighting several ways to assist with accessibility. Included was slowing down when moving, shoveling and salting walkways, good lighting, and keeping handrails free of ice.

Dennis Sanson, chair of the ECAAC said that the past year has been a very successful one and acknowledged the ongoing collaboration with the county and several agencies and organizations.

“The ECAAC with the support of the county, has had a busy and successful 2025,” said Sanson.

In his summary of activities, Sanson pointed to the ongoing work in accessibility for all, inclusion and raising awareness in the community.

“This team really cares about accessibility,” said Kingsville Deputy Mayor Kim DeYong, the county’s representative on the committee.

As part of the committee’s multi-year plan that extends to 2027, there have been ongoing improvements to the county’s administration building in Essex.

“Since our last update in the spring, the committee has been collaborating with the county to improve accessibility to the county’s facilities.”

These have included a lift installed at the north entrance of the building and electronic hands-free automatic door openers.

According to ECAAC Vice-chair Debbie Alexander, 2025 saw a great deal of collaboration with Essex-Windsor EMS and the Essex Region Conservation Authority.

“ERCA and our committee have a long-standing history of collaboration,” said Alexander.

Another huge highlight from this past year was the second annual Outdoor Fest-for-All which was held in September at the Libro Centre in Amherstburg.

Essex Mayor Sherry Bondy praised the staff in Amherstburg and said, “it’s the most free and fun-filled thing to do in the county.”

Also, the committee’s Facebook page had 125,000 views in 2025, which is an increase of 40 percent.

Looking ahead, the committee has ambitious plans over the next couple of years which includes people with disabilities being part of any future County of Essex diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives or committees.

By Fred Groves