Continuing to take steps to increase inclusivity

The City of Pointe-Claire would like to highlight the Semaine québécoise des personnes handicapées (Quebec Disabled Persons Week), from June 1 to 7, under the theme “When we only see the difference, we lose sight of the potential.” This 29^th edition aims to raise public awareness about the importance of recognizing the potential of people with disabilities in all areas of society.

With this in mind, the City continues its commitment to improving universal accessibility and promoting the social and professional inclusion of people with disabilities. Thanks to the work of the Accessibility Committee, concrete measures have been implemented to meet the needs of the community:

• Inclusive training: Self-training modules and specialized training sessions, notably on welcoming people with functional limitations, have been offered to staff. A new training program is also planned for day camp counselors, in collaboration with AlterGo and Kiddo Active.
• Digital accessibility: The City’s new website has been redesigned with enhanced accessibility in mind, to facilitate access to information for everyone.
• Accessibility of municipal services: City council meetings are captioned, and hearing assistance devices are available in the council chamber for people with hearing difficulties.
• Inclusive facilities: Tony-Proudfoot Park is a model of inclusive design, offering a safe and adapted playground for children aged 5 to 12 living with disabilities. The park features adapted tables, level and soft surfaces to ease movement, sensory equipment, visual communication panels, and rest areas, allowing everyone to play, learn, and thrive fully without barriers.
  
  Additionally, the Olive-Urquhart Sports Centre was designed according to universal accessibility principles. Its facilities include accessible restrooms, pool elevators, and adapted cardiovascular equipment, providing an inclusive and welcoming sports environment for all.
• Support for recreation: As a partner of the Companion Leisure Card (CAL) program, the City allows a companion to participate free of charge in all activities offered to the person they accompany.
• Cultural and educational initiatives: Bilingual activity kits for people living with cognitive disorders are available at the library. 

To mark this week, activity booklets on friendship and inclusion will be distributed at the Aquatic Centre, at the Sports Centre, as well as the Stewart Hall Cultural Centre. Parents and children can use these booklets to become aware of the importance and benefits of inclusion for everyone. 
For more information on the Semaine québécoise des personnes handicapées, visit the website of the Office des personnes handicapées du Québec (French only). 

Source: City of Pointe-Claire
Information: 514-630-1200, communications@pointe-claire.ca