Accessibility in the Built Environment
Accessibility in buildings and outdoor spaces means designing them so that everyone can use them comfortably, no matter what kind of disability they might have. This includes thinking about people with physical, sensory, or neurodiverse needs. Municipal recreation departments can do more than just follow the rules set by the province.
Making public spaces accessible can be a challenge. It often involves working with other departments and doing things like accessibility audits or joining advisory committees. However, the recreation department plays a key role in engaging with the community and delivering programs. This means your input is crucial in creating spaces that are not just accessible but also welcoming to everyone. By getting involved and taking initiative, you help ensure that your community’s recreational spaces show a strong commitment to including people of all abilities.
The practices in this section are meant to help you get started on your project. You’ll need to adjust them to fit your local community’s needs. What’s most important is that, as part of your municipality’s recreation department, your efforts play a big role in creating a community that welcomes and supports people with disabilities.