THUNDER BAY – Special to NNL – During the summer months in Thunder Bay, there are many different types of celebrations and festivals. From the Canada Day celebration to the Blues Festival, there is always something happening. These events draw large crowds and it is important that they provide access to everyone, including persons with disabilities.
Persons United for Self Help in Northwestern Ontario calls on Thunder Bay’s event planners to make sure their events are accessible to all. This includes the need for handicap accessible washrooms.
PUSH Northwest would like to encourage event planners to have accessible portable toilets at their events. It is also imperative to have accurate postings of accessible washrooms to distinguish which ones are accessible and where they are located.
With the AODA customer’s service standard being law, festival organizers would do well to consider the needs of people with disabilities during the planning stages of their events.
Having an event where all of the guests are comfortable and their needs are met should be a requirement for every event planner. With no handicap accessible washrooms, the needs of the people attending your event are not met and they are less likely to attend your next event. Handicap accessible portable toilets are a necessity not just a consideration.
Kristi Hudec
PUSH NORTHWEST