What do you think of when you hear the word ‘accessibility’? In today’s parlance, we immediately ascribe the term to persons with special or particular needs that require ease of access. Designated parking spaces, barrier free curbs and barrier free business establishments; barrier free public spaces — accessible washrooms!
In recent weeks the big issue on the minds of of individuals with disability, particularly those of voting age is how easily they may exercise their right to vote, to participate in the process that for so many is so easily done; go to the polling station, meet n greet friends and acquaintances, or even a few relatives.
Sadly, voting turnout is not as large as it should be and that is a real concern particularly in this province where decisions made affect a growing segment of the population — the aging baby boomers, and the aging baby boomers who happens to live with disability. An even greater problem is that many persons with disability may not vote because the locations are not accessible. All is not lost, though. There are ways around the impediments, the roadblocks. If you have difficulty getting out and about just call your local polling station and they will arrange to have someone go to you, so you may vote in the comfort of your own home. Or, if you are able to move about, but with difficulty, someone will come to your home and drive you to the polling station, assist you to get where you need to be and wait til you’re finished the process to bring you back home again. I’ve experienced and enjoyed the benefits of both processes. They do work!
It’s important for voters with special needs to review the information provided by Elections Canada to determine if your polling station is accessible, not only architecturally from the outside, but on the inside as well; then there’s accessibility issues that may affect those who are deaf or visually impaired. There’s still time to make a few calls to ensure that YOUR vote gets counted. You DO matter. The returning officers are tasked with ensuring that your experience is safe and unencumbered and you are treated in a dignified manner. It is imperative that we all exercise the right to vote. Arm chair criticizing politicians and their platforms is rather pointless if we don’t vote — if we don’t have our say, our opinion expressed as to who is the best to lead us to a stronger and better future. Persons with disability who are legal voting age have that right as well. Equally important is for persons with disability to get out and vote to make a statement. Make a statement to young people, not yet of age, who may live with disability, that THEY matter, too. That when their turn comes, they NEED to contribute their vote to the process that affects them and the community where they live and work.
We’ve all read and heard the stories about people who had to be carried, wheelchair and all, down and back up flights of stairs in order to join a group of friends for a meal or to go to a particular concert, or to participate in any number of things that the uprightly mobile, or those without significant impediment to freedom of movement don’t have to think about. At least not yet!
Some persons with mobility disorders have even negotiated stairs on the seat of their pants. I know you’ve watched them, though you tried to look away. What was going through your mind as you watched that lady in the blue pant suit being carried in her chair? What did you think when you saw the guy in dress pants and suit jacket, lowering himself to sit on the top step, cane in one hand, so that he could get down the steps the only way that was safe for him? So much of daily living we take for granted.
To persons with disability, no matter the type and degree, I say — if you are eligible to vote, DO it! If you need help, ASK! To those who have family members or friends who have difficulty getting about, do YOUR part and help them. Wouldn’t you want the same assistance in the circumstance? Yes, you would!
We’ve all griped about the state of things here in New Brunswick, and across the country. Not lost on us is the turbulence swirling in Ottawa. Now’s our opportunity to make a difference, make a change. Be counted. Now’s our chance to matter!
Don’t let apathy bog you down any longer, Get out there and vote. After all this is YOUR province. YOUR country!
Carla MacInnis Rockwell is a freelance writer and disability rights advocate living outside Fredericton, NB with her aging Australian silky terrier and a rambunctious Maltese. She can be reached via email at carmacrockwell@xplornet.ca
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