Check out the latest in smart devices for people with visual impairment. The following smartwatch, called “Dot,” uses active dots to allow people who are blind or visually impaired to read texts, emails and even books with braille. The following article from Mail Online explains this great new technology in more detail.
Mail Online: Now THAT’S a smart watch
Check out the amazing new prototype created by Swiss mechanical engineering students that could someday break down barriers for people across the world.
In this episode of our popular OT-V series we are discussing community accessibility. The following video discusses the important things to consider when someone with a mobility impairment arrives to a home or building to realize that they may need help to enter.
The following items to consider will help to ensure a safer and easier entrance.
• Understand the type of device you are using and its abilities and limitations
• Understand your own physical abilities
• Identify and assess the help you have available
• Seek out all available entrances and entrance types to select which one best suits your mobility aid or device
• Assess the size of the door you need to enter and what you will encounter upon entry
Watch the video to learn more about accessibility and the solutions available.
Julie Entwistle, MBA, BHSc (OT), BSc (Health / Gerontology)
Have you ever been in that uncomfortable place of wondering what to say to someone with a disability? That cognitive and emotional process of wanting to offer support, but not wanting to offend? Or worrying about offending by offering support? Or worrying about offending by not offering support? It can be a conundrum.
I recently left a client meeting and one of the other providers was a wheelchair user. As we ventured to the parking lot we stopped at her car. As we were finishing our conversation she proceeded to engage in the process of transferring into her vehicle. Not wanting to provide help without her request or permission, and not really knowing if she needed it in the first place, I simply said “I know you do this all the time but if you need a hand please let me know”. I figured it was the best way for me to acknowledge that I could help if she needed or wanted it, but that I didn’t want to assume she could not be independent.
I have had many clients tell me about situations in the community where people have made comments, or engaged in actions that are blatantly disrespectful. I had one client enter Walmart in his wheelchair and the “Greeter” put a sticker on him saying “I am special”. He was livid. Or, at a recent course we watched a video of a client with quadriplegia trying a community outing for the first time since his injury. As he struggled to manage his wallet and bank card the cashier was visibly annoyed. Granted she was young, but clearly had no patience for this man that was struggling and her actions were clearly not going to make him feel any better. On top of being compassionless, she didn’t offer him any assistance either.
Ontario has made some great strides in the domain of customer service. Not only are commercial buildings to be accessible to people with mobility impairments, but now employers are responsible for training their staff on how to appropriately and effectively provide service to people of all abilities. This is a great step in the direction of helping all people know how to manage service situations that require compassion, patience and understanding. We have previously blogged about the Accessibility Legislature in Ontario and you can find that information here: “Accessibility In Ontario.”
So, have you ever wondered how to navigate those waters? Have you ever used the words “confined to a wheelchair” or “wheelchair bound”? Do you understand the difference between handicap and disability? Do you know how use of words like “cripple, invalid and retard” have changed over time to now be generally unacceptable ways to reference someone with a disability? For people in wheelchairs, the wheelchair actually allows them freedom of movement. It returns to them a level of function they lost when their legs stopped working. For many of them, the ability to be independently mobile is not “confining” and does not make them “bound”. It is now proper practice to put the “person” before the “disability” and to describe their situation as you would their hair color. For example, “Julie has brown hair” has the same application as “Julie uses a wheelchair”. How could I be offended by such a statement of fact? I recently came across the following resource called “Watch Your Language” and find this is an excellent tool to help people that may not have regular contact or training speaking to or about people with disabilities to understand the nuances of language surrounding this topic.
But I think the most important thing to remember here is that not all disability is visible. It is never good practice to speak negatively, disrespectfully or rudely about anyone. Doing so just reflects poorly on you. Remember that everyone has a story and the one you might make in your head about that person or their situation may not be accurate. As Stephen Covey always said “talk about people like they are present”. In the current movie Cinderella, I love the advice she gets from her dying mother: “have courage and be kind”. Words to live by.
Julie Entwistle, MBA, BHSc (OT), BSc (Health / Gerontology)
Ontario is the first in the world to enact the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disability Act (AODA) – a law requiring businesses to provide accessibility standards for people living with a disability. This is a multi-year plan that requires all public, private and not-for-profit businesses to make their organizations accessible for everyone by 2025.
The Government of Ontario Legislative Assembly designated that public sector organizations, and large organizations must establish, implement and document a multi-year accessibility plan that outlines their strategy to prevent and remove barriers to meet these standards. Plans are to be maintained every five years, posted on the business’ website, and modified to be specific to each individual upon request. Timelines and details for the following policy implementation will depend on the type and size of business.
Do you know if your business is accessible? Are you complaint to the legislation? Here is some helpful information and resources to help you find out.
5 Areas of Accessibility Standards
1. Customer Service – this refers to the services provided to disabled persons, beyond just the specifics of the building itself. It also includes training of staff to be able to communicate with people who are using assistive devices, service animals, and support personnel.
2. Employment – this involves including employee accessibility needs in human resource practices. It covers the need to notify employees and new applicants of work accommodations, and outlines the requirement of developing a written process specific to each individual requiring accommodation. Lastly, also includes an individualized emergency response plan if deemed necessary, return to work processes, performance management, career development and redeployment parameters. Private or non-profit organizations must comply by 2016.
3. Information and Communications – this refers to employers providing accessible feedback options, educational and training resources and materials, along with how the employer is making internal communication accessible (i.e. electronic, Braille, audio formats, large print, text transcripts, note taking, captioning, augmentative or alternative communication devices, sign language and repetition or clarification of information). Refer here for further information.
4. Transportation – The standard applies to conventional services such as the Toronto Transit Commission (TTC) or specialized transportation such as DARTS in Hamilton, certain ferries, public school buses, or hospitals, colleges, universities that provide services such as shuttles. Electronic pre-boarding and on-board announcement requirements must be in place by January 1, 2017.
5. Design of Public Spaces – The Accessibility Standards for the Built Environment focus on removing barriers in two areas: buildings and public spaces. As of January 1, 2015 new construction and renovations will be required to abide by accessibility requirements. This includes recreation trails and access routes, outdoor public eating areas, outdoor play spaces/parks, outdoor paths of travel (sidewalks, ramps, rest areas, and pedestrian signals), parking, service counters, fixed queuing lines and waiting areas, and the maintenance and restoration of public spaces. Specific measurements for development are listed in the policy guidelines.
Steps for Compliance
1. Determine what you have to do with use of this helpful wizard – This survey provides you with:
2. Assess your level of accessibility – Does your company have barriers? Barriers are obstacles that make it difficult, even impossible, for people with disabilities to take part in society to do occupations such as working, shopping, attending appointments or taking public transit. Service Ontario provides a great description of barriers to accessibility.
3. Develop accessibility policies and a plan – Statement of commitment: All public organizations and private and not-for-profit organizations with 50+ employees are required to develop an available statement of commitment explaining their vision and goals.
4. Train your staff on accessibility standards – Training employees and volunteers about this law (Public sector organization of 1-49 employees AND private or non-profit organizations of 50+ employees by 2015, or private and non-profit organizations of 1-49 employees by 2016).
5. Put it in writing – You can combine your statement of commitment, policies and plan in one document or in a way that best suits your organization. It’s also up to you to determine the level of detail in your accessibility policies and plan. It will likely depend on your accessibility goals and when you hope to achieve them. Check out this useful template with timelines.
6. Let people know – Report your progress online and let customers know how to find your plan. Consider using your website or other circulations or media to notify others about your compliance.
Lastly, consider Occupational Therapy. As the profession that deals exclusively with helping people with disabilities to manage safely and independently at home, work, school or in the community, we have a plethora of knowledge about issues of accessibility. Consult with an Occupational Therapist for creative and compliant solutions to this legislation, or to assist with staff training.
For more helpful tips on workplace health and wellness please refer to our Healthy Workplace page.
Resources:
The free accessibility compliance wizard and detailed information: http://www.mcss.gov.on.ca/en/mcss/programs/accessibility/.
The succinct schedule of compliancy dates: http://www.cfib-fcei.ca/cfib-documents/br1035.pdf.
Are you heading away this March Break? Leaving from Toronto Airport? Do you have a disability or need special assistance? Consider the following helpful tips and contact information to make sure your adventure goes smoothly:
Planning Ahead
Plan your trip in advance with these helpful travel links:
Parking
From the Car to the Plane
Airport Customer Assistance Program (ACAP) @ Toronto Pearson:
Services:
Storage of Mobility Device While Boarding:
Need More Information?
Or call:
For more travel tips and information please refer to our Travelling with a Disability post for more on accessible travel.
Have a wonderful vacation!