| News
Constantly taking 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 “Ouvrons le dialogue” (Open the Dialogue). This 28th edition highlights the importance of collective action to promote the social participation of people with disabilities and their families.
In order to promote accessibility to citizens and employees, the City is pleased to be able to count on the presence of an Accessibility Committee, which will encourage better understanding of the reality of people living with disabilities, and, as a result, target its actions to improve universal accessibility in the city, in our actions and our projects.
To raise employee awareness and encourage them to adopt more inclusive practices, self-training videos have been made available, and a training on “Welcoming people with functional limitations” has been presented by the AlterGo organization. Additionally, another training is planned for employees working in day camps, concerning accompaniment in inclusive day camps.
To facilitate access to Council meetings, whether as a live broadcast or recording, they are nowclosed-captioning. In addition, assistive listening devices are available for people who have difficulty hearing well in the Council Chamber.
Recently, the City has integrated an accessibility settings tool on the website that allows people to adjust the site according to their accessibility profile.
Remember that the City is a partner organization of the Companion Leisure Card (CAL) for all its programs and activities. Offered year round, this free pass allows the accompanying person to participate free of charge in activities in which the person with a disability takes part.
The library, for its part, has created five bilingual activity kits for people living with cognitive disorders. The kits are all different and allow people with cognitive disabilities and those accompanying them to take part in stimulating activities.
In addition, to enable everyone to enjoys the summer, three adapted tables have been installed in as many parks and green spaces. A reminder that the Tony-Proudfoot Park offers an inclusive play area for 5 to 12 years old, and docks of the Baie-de-Valois Nautical Centre are accessible to people with reduced mobility. For reservations, call 514-630-1256.
At the Aquatic Centre, Pointe-Claire residents can continue to enjoy free recreational swimming on weekends by presenting their MULTI card. Residents over 60 years of age can enjoy free swimming Monday to Sunday. Accessible elevators to assist entry and exit are available at all three pools. Check the City’s website for facilities schedules.
The Olive-Urquhart Sports Centre, which opened in May 2022, is a fully inclusive building. Its facilities include accessible washrooms, a pool and accessible cardiovascular machines.
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 this booklet 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 by clicking here (French only).
Source: City of Pointe-Claire
Information: 514-630-1200, communications@pointe-claire.ca