Canadian Paraplegic Association (Alberta)

 

Chair-Leaders...It’s All About Accessibility!

With the month of May being Spinal Cord Injury Awareness Month, it would only seem second nature to hold an event which would pay tribute to the occasion. On Friday, May 14, 2010, the Canadian Paraplegic Association (Alberta) did just that as they unveiled a new awareness campaign in Edmonton, Alberta, titled Chair-Leaders. 

This unique event focused primarily on the issue surrounding accessibility and mobility for persons with spinal cord injuries and other disabilities. Developed in Nova Scotia, Chair-Leaders has already established itself as a fun and effective awareness effort. This special event had community leaders wheeling through their work day, allowing them to gain first hand insight into what those in the disability community face on a day to day basis. Participants overcame everyday challenges such as opening doors, getting on and off elevators, maneuvering in tight spaces, working their way through crowds, public dining and making accommodations for transportation. While one might expect overcoming the physical barriers to be a great challenge, one of the most difficult challenges of the day was maintaining mental composure. 

As a whole, society has made great strides working towards building a more accessible future for persons with mobility issues. This said, there is always room for improvement, further ensuring that people with spinal cord injuries and other disabilities are able to fully participate in all aspects of life.

Although the Chair-Leaders event is intended to be an eye-opener for participants, it also aims to raise funds during the campaign.  These funds will be used to help the Canadian Paraplegic Association (Alberta) in continuing to provide services to individuals who struggle with mobility issues in our communities. 

Thank you to all of our participants and supporters who helped to make May 14, 2010 a great success.

If you would like further information regarding the CHAIR LEADERS event, please call Zachary Weeks of the Canadian Paraplegic Association (Alberta) at 780-718-3188 or through our main number  780-424-6312 or via email at zachary.weeks@cpa-ab.org.