The RMWB contributes to making the region welcoming and inclusive, improving the quality of life by striving for a community where everyone can navigate their surroundings with dignity and ease.
What are accessible spaces?
Accessible spaces embrace and promote participation of all people. It means looking at our physical and social infrastructure to bring equal access to all people living, working, playing and visiting in the region.
Why is accessibility important?
| It’s inclusive and gives equal access to all. |
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58% of RMWB survey respondents identify as having a physical disability. As part of the RMWB Commitment to Equity and Inclusion, the municipality consulted with residents to better understand the prevalence of disabilities across demographics and the types of barriers being experienced. The RMWB What We Heard About Accessibility 2022 report found that 58% of survey participants reported having a physical disability. It is important to acknowledge that residents also indicated facing mental, cognitive and sensory disabilities.
22% of the Canadian population represents persons with disabilities. Canada’s Disability Inclusion Action Plan reports that in 2017, 1 in 5 people in Canada aged 15 years and over – or about 6.2 million people – had at least one disability. There are different types of disabilities, and they can range from mild to very severe.
15% of the world identifies as having a disability. The World Report on Disability 2011 states that an estimated 1.1 billion people identify as having some form of disability. This represents the world’s largest minority, and the only minority group that any of us can become a member of at any time. |
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It removes barriers, and it’s the right thing to do. |
| Accessibility is about eliminating barriers so that everyone can fully participate in society. The goal of the Accessible Canada Act is to achieve a barrier-free Canada by 2040. A barrier is anything that hinders the full and equal participation of a person in Canadian life. Barriers can be physical, architectural, technological, informational, or attitudinal.
The foundations of accessibility are attached to social and economic stability, independence, and dignity. Accessibility grants people everyone maximum participation in our society. |
| It benefits everyone. |
| Accessibility is better for society, businesses and everyone.
Great societies become even greater when there is equal access, full engagement, and capacity to reach full potential. When accessibility is not prioritized, people are excluded from participation and that leads to lost potential for individuals, families, businesses, communities, and our economy.
According to Accenture (US, 2018), companies that supported and championed people with disabilities performed better than others – driving profits and investments higher. Revenues were 28% higher, net income 200% higher and profit margins 30% higher. It is estimated that 50% of Canadian adults have or have experienced a permanent or temporary disability or know someone who has. |
Accessibility Checklists
These checklists allow residents, private businesses and RMWB staff to identify key areas where accessibility can be improved to meet all community needs. They were designed with minimal measurements to be user-friendly for people who are not familiar with conducting audits.
As a user-friendly tool, they do not seek to duplicate the level of detail included in the national standard, CSA B651. Users should reference the latest version of CSA B651 for the most current accessibility measurements.
These checklists present high-level accessibility standards that go beyond the minimum included in the Alberta Building Code, and were developed as part of the Accessibility Audits Project.
Beginning in April 2023, the primary purpose of this project was to physically review municipal and other properties across the region to identify building deficiencies. Work also included reviewing municipal plans and policies that directly intersect with accessibility, as part of the background.
Related Programs and Resources
For youth
Resources
- Access Now Map
- Access Now Programs
- Alberta's Advocate for Persons with Disabilities
- Accessibility Services Canada
- Canadian Human Rights Commission
- RHF Accessibility Certification Tip Sheet
- Universal Design Recommendations for Accessible Reception/Service Areas
- Universal Design Recommendations for Accessible Elevators
- Universal Design Recommendations for Accessible Ramps
- Universal Design Recommendations for Accessible Entrance and Automated Doors