The Accessibility Advisory Committee (AAC) in Williams Lake plans to create an educational video to raise awareness about accessibility in the city.
An application for $500 to the SparcBC AccessAbility Week funding program to cover the cost of creating the video has been submitted.
Accessibility Week is May 28 to June 3, 2023 this year.
During the regular meeting Tuesday, May 2, council approved declaring Accessibility Week in Williams Lake.
A resident of Williams Lake for nine years, Katie Crews is the newest member of the committee.
Her membership was approved in February 2023.
Crews said she was encouraged by city councillor Jazmyn Lyons to consider joining.
“When she explained what it was, I was interested in the idea of doing something, even something small, to give back to the community,” Crews said.
Due to ME/CFS, fibromyalgia and some other complications, she has been losing more and more mobility over the years and uses a power wheelchair when out and about.
“It was tough having to give up work, so this gives me the chance to get out once a month and contribute to the community again.”
As an ambulatory wheelchair user, Crews knows how challenging it can be just to independently get into and around town.
She doesn’t drive so she needs to use the bus service and sidewalks to get around.
“I am also a mom to two neurodivergent children who struggle with accessibility but in different ways such as sensory overload and anxiety. So, I guess I am hoping to bring some of my experiences and insight to the committee.”
As for Williams Lake, Crews thinks it is pretty accessible but there is always room for improvement.
She hopes with public education about accessibility and the committed efforts of the AAC things will improve.
“It’s an honour to be able to serve the community this way,” she said.
Committee chair Maureen Straza said they are happy to have Crews on the committee and look forward to working with her to make Williams Lake more accessible and inclusive.
READ MORE: Williams Lake Curling Club recognized with accessibility award
READ MORE: City of Williams Lake awards Community Living Association with accessibility award of merit
monica.lamb-yorski@wltribune.com
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