CAN Successes - Citizens for Accessible Neighbourhoods

CAN Successes:

CAN receives feedback from community members through meetings, response to our newsletter, feedback from our website, and from people around town, or word of mouth. The feedback that we are receiving is extremely positive and people are glad to know that a group has been organized to look to the future and work to create all-inclusive communities.

2009

CAN Has Expanded to Become a Metro Vancouver Organization

Recently CAN was asked to consider growing beyond the two communities of Maple Ridge and Pitt Meadows to encompass the entire Lower Mainland. CAN is pleased to announce that we are now a Lower Mainland organization. We will be adding new listings and information to reflect our growth, and we look forward to being able to assist people throughout the region.

CAN Advocates for Need of Improvements to the New Transit Hub in Maple Ridge Which Left Out Accessibility for the Blind and Visually Impaired

CAN was contacted by residents with visual impairments regarding the new bus loop. There are some big safety problems with the new bus loop for the visually impaired and blind community and they needed to be immediately addressed. Citizens for Accessible Neighbourhoods was disappointed to see these accessibility "musts" absent as we were consulted during the planning stages and we mentioned the needs of the blind and visually impaired residents. CAN contacted the engineering department with our concerns.

The new bus stop did not have the yellow warning strip on the edge of the bus platform or the tactile warning strip on the curb cuts. Both the strip and the tactile are necessary to indicate a change in grade or a drop. We also noticed that a brand new curb cut does not line up properly with an old curb cut which would prove difficult for users with visual impairments. The other issue was that the intersection of Edge and McIntosh is a three way but does not have a three way stop which makes it difficult for pedestrians, especially those with visual impairments.

Upon following up with the engineering department we were assured that the accessibility issues would be addressed.

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CAN Representative Assists SuperHost in Reviewing the Existing Customer with Disabilities Workshop

In April SuperHost reviewed their current Customer with Disabilities Workshop. CAN was invited to be present to offer feedback on the current workshop to advise how SuperHost could update their content.

Working with BC Disability Sports to Bring New Sports to the BC Disability Games

Members of Citizens for Accessible Neighbourhoods have been working with BC Disability Sports to add new sports and athletes to the 2009 Maple Ridge - Pitt Meadows BC Disability Games.

CAN is often contacted by people looking for adaptive sports as well as people who run adaptive sports programs. We are using this contact information to help increase the exposure of adaptive sports during the 2009 Games.

We have recently spoken with Toni Triplett who co-ordinates Wheelchair Ballroom Dancing in Tsawwassen. She is interested in organizing Wheelchair Dancing in communities throughout the Lower Mainland and she sees the BC Disability Games as a great opportunity to introduce Wheelchair Dancing to people who have never heard of, or seen, it. Toni and some of her students did a demonstration at the 2009 BC Disability Games.

Citizens for Accessible Neighbourhoods is proud to be a Partner Member of BC Disability Sports and we look forward to our continued work with them.

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New Listing on Transportation Page: Comprehensive List of Full Service Gas Stations Across British Columbia

The BC Paraplegic Association has compiled a comprehensive listing of full service gas stations across British Columbia to assist people with disabilities.

To get a PDF listing of all full service BC gas stations by city or a PDF listing by gas company visit the BC Paraplegic Association website at: www.bcpara.org

View all full service BC gas stations on Google Maps >> click here

CAN Represented at Metro Vancouver’s Regional Growth Strategy Forum

Members of Citizens for Accessible Neighbourhoods were invited to attend a forum on Metro Vancouver’s Regional Growth Strategy to offer their input into the draft.

The Metro Vancouver’s Regional Growth Strategy is "a long term framework for the future development of our region. It is a shared commitment by Metro Vancouver and member municipalities to work together to achieve regional goals. The integration of land use and transportation strategies is a central component of the strategy and key to how the region grows and changes in the future."

The public consultation of the The Metro Vancouver’s Regional Growth Strategy draft began on April 15, 2009 and ended in May, 2009. There were several public events across Metro Vancouver and members of CAN attended several. To see the power point presentation from the forums click here.

For more information about the Regional Growth Strategy click here.

CAN Assisted TransLink in Creating Activities at the Head Office for Access Awareness Day

The Access Transit Secretariat held TransLink’s first ever Access Awareness Day. Heather McCain, the executive Director of CAN, was asked to contribute to the event. Heather created a Disability Awareness Quiz on Attitudinal and Physical Accessibility. The quiz was distributed to employees and was done by more employees than originally expected. CAN was proud to have helped with TransLink’s first ever Access Awareness Day.

For more information regarding the quiz contact CAN at (604) 437 7331 or info@canbc.org

The following article appeared in the Access Transit External Stakeholder Newsletter July 2009:

TransLink’s First Access Awareness Day A Success!

On June 5th, the Access Transit Secretariat hosted TransLink’s first ever Access Awareness Day. With help from the Social Planning and Research Council of British Columbia (SPARC) and members of the Access Transit Users’ Advisory Committee, the Access Transit Secretariat was able to celebrate an engaging and insightful day around accessibility issues for TransLink staff.

Employees were provided with the opportunity to spend a portion of their day in a wheelchair, which many found to be a eye opening experience. "Carrying things was difficult. Doors with no automatic buttons were a big challenge. I have a new sense of the obstacles people with disabilities face every day in a built environment that is not inclusive" says one employee.

In addition, several thought-provoking posters were placed throughout the floors, providing insight into various disabilities, environmental and perceptional barriers people with disabilities encounter. A quiz on attitudinal barriers, developed by the Access Transit Users’ Advisory Committee’s Vice Chair, Heather McCain, was also distributed to all employees and received positive feedback.

The activities from TransLink’s inaugural Access Awareness Day met the objectives of raising awareness on disability issues and successfully expanding the accessibility lens within TransLink.

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CAN Members Volunteer for the 2009 Maple Ridge-Pitt Meadows BC Disability Games

Citizen’s for Accessible Neighbourhoods Executive Director was asked to volunteer as the Chair of Athletes with a Disability for the 2009 Maple Ridge-Pitt Meadows BC Disability Games. Heather's role was to assess accessibility issues at all venues, ensure that images, messages, and media include athletes with a disability and appropriate language, determine requirements for interpreters, provide disability awareness sessions for all volunteers, and act as a resource for any questions regarding the needs of athletes with a disability.

CAN members offered feedback to Heather regarding issues that arose during the planning of the games and during the games themselves. The 2009 Maple Ridge-Pitt Meadows BC Disability Games was indeed a team effort and we would like to take this opportunity to thank all those who assisted us in putting on an extremely well run set of games.

Joanne and Dan Olson, founding members of CAN, were volunteers in the photography department of the 2009 Maple Ridge-Pitt Meadows BC Disability Games. Joanne was in charge of organizing the volunteers for photography and ensuring that all photographs were uploaded to the games website in a quick manner thus enabling the athletes to access photos of themselves and fellow competitors and allowing them to keep memories, in the form of photographs, of their athletic experience at the BCDG. Joanne, Dan, the photographers, and the website volunteers were an enormous help to the games and played a very important role in making sure the memories of the games live on.

CAN ED Teaches Disability Awareness Training for the Various Directorates of the 2009 Maple Ridge-Pitt Meadows BC Disability Games

Citizens for Accessible Neighbourhoods Executive Director created a Disability Awareness Quiz for the Directors and Chairs of the 2009 Maple Ridge-Pitt Meadows BC Disability Games. This quiz is available to anyone interested in taking it. If you would like to try the quiz contact us at (604) 437 7331 or info@canbc.org

In addition to the quiz, Heather attended volunteer meetings and taught 10 Tips on Interacting with People with Disabilities and Proper/Improper Terms. This information is available to anyone interested. The disability awareness sessions were well attended and were effective. Many of the volunteers spoke of experiences during the games, with the athletes, in which what was taught was used. Those who applied the training to the games experience came away with a more comfortable, at ease, experience and passed on the lessons to other people within their life.

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BC Disability Games Society Videotapes CAN’s Disability Awareness Training for Use at Future Games (BC Winter, Summer, Northern, Disability, and Seniors’ Games)

BC Disability Games Society received positive feedback regarding the Disability Awareness Training that was given to the Directors, Chairs, and volunteers at the 2009 Maple Ridge-Pitt Meadows BC Disability Games. The ED of BCDGS asked that the training be videotaped so that it could be used at future BC Disability Games as well as other Games under the BC Games Society; these include the BC Seniors’ Games, the BC Northern Games, the BC Summer Games, and the BC Winter Games. CAN was thrilled to participate in this project to ensure that volunteers receive this Disability Awareness Training.

The video will be posted on the BC Disability Games Society website. When the video is posted we will supply a link to the video on CAN’s website.

CAN ED and SPARC Representative Interviewed on The Early Edition with Rick Cluff on CBC Radio to Discuss the SPARC’s Access Awareness Day Dialogue Regarding Employing People with Disabilities in the Tourism Sector

CAN was proud to partake in an interview on The Early Edition with Rick Cluff on CBC Radio with Emese Szucs, Manager of Accessibility Programs at SPARC BC to discuss SPARC’s June 6, 2009, Access Awareness Day Dialogue.

To listen to the interview click here

CAN ED Speaker at SPARC’s Access Awareness Day Dialogue Regarding Employing People with Disabilities in the Tourism Sector

CAN ED's, Heather McCain, spoke of her experience and that of the members of CAN in finding employment while being a person with a disability.

SPARC’s dialogue brought together employers, employment agencies, people with disabilities, and disability advocates. The dialogue asked “ Is there a shortage of opportunities in tourism, or a shortage of applicants with disabilities?” and "What does it mean to have an accessible tourist destination that is welcoming and inclusive?" SPARC picked three top reasons why it makes sense to employ people with disabilities in the tourism sector: 1) People with disabilities are fully capable of doing jobs that meet their skill level. 2) People with disabilities may be able to give you a fresh perspective that helps you deliver better business to a bigger clientele. 3) Hiring people with disabilities can be part of your workforce diversity strategy, which ultimately fosters inclusive and positive attitudes that make you a desirable place to work, and a desirable destination to visit.

The dialogue was well attended and the discussion challenged people to consider the perspectives of people with disabilities who are trying to find employment amidst well entrenched, but untrue, myths about people with disabilities as employees.

For more information about SPARC BC’s access awareness day go to their website.

To read about the dialogue click to download the PDF Report-Conversation is the Key Dialogue

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CAN Members Attend 2010 10-Year Transportation & Financial Plan Public Consultations in Vancouver and Maple Ridge

Several CAN members attended the 2010 10-Year Transportation & Financial Plan Public Consultations that were held in Vancouver and Maple Ridge in June of 2009.

A power point presentation was shown to participants and then the participants were asked to do a three part activity at the tables where they sat. The first step was to go mark what the participants’ priorities were within the transit system. The choices for priorities were Customer Service (which includes accessibility), Transit Services, Regional Cycling, Roads and Bridges, and Rapid Transit. The participants were asked to apply the investment points, on the cards used for the activity, per priority and total those points. The second step was to decide how to pay for the priorities they had chosen. The choices for existing revenue sources were Transit Fare Revenue, Fuel Tax, Parking Sales Tax Rate, Transportation Improvement Fee, and Property Tax. Each choice had variables to choose from and the participants were asked to total the values for the total existing revenue source points. The third step was to look at new revenue sources and prioritize transportation investments. New revenue sources included Carbon Tax, Road User Fee, Property Transfer Tax, Goods Movement Fee, and Other (where participants could make their own suggestions such as tolling or a lottery, etc.). The point of this three step activity was to show that the priorities that each city in Metro Vancouver had was of a higher value than available revenue sources.

The feedback from CAN members regarding these meetings were that the game was effective, and surprisingly fun, and made them realize that we want a lot out of our transit system and we must find some way to fund all our priorities. The game also made it clear that people do not have the same priorities and that it is hard to figure out a consensus (even at a table of ten people) on where the available funding should be used. This game was an interactive way to understand the pressure that TransLink is under to find revenue sources to fund existing and future projects. Not all of the CAN members agreed on the outcome of the game but they were unanimous in their praise of the game in making them better understand the funding situation.

CAN members are committed to sharing their input with TransLink during public consultations and will continue to update people about their participating through updates on this website.

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CAN Informs TransLink About Website Glitches and TransLink Quickly Fixes the Issues

CAN was contacted by several members who experienced difficulties using the Customer Service Communication Report form on TransLink’s website. This form is used by transit users who want to report a commendation, complaint, suggestion, or incident. The link for this form is here

The complaints that CAN received were that the form timed out which meant that when people typed up their form and hit send they were told that they had timed out and that their report was not sent in. This, understandably, frustrated users who felt that this was a sign that TransLink did not actually want to hear the feedback of the users. The choice, when this happened, was to complete the form again (not knowing if it would time out again) or to not report the commendation, complaint, suggestion, or incident. Another issue was that in the space where people were to give the incident details there is a maximum 2000 character limit but nothing to count down the characters. Some people typed up their incident details and afterwards were told that they had gone over the limit and had to retype it with less characters.

The ED of CAN brought this to the attention of the Access Transit Users’ Advisory Committee, of which she is Vice-Chair and within a week both issues had been responded to and remedied. We are happy to say that the website now notifies people of the 40 minutes time limit and there is a countdown of the characters for the incident detail section so that users know how many characters they have used. CAN is pleased by the immediate action taken by TransLink.

If you have any concerns regarding this or other TransLink issues please contact us at (604) 437 7331 or info@canbc.org

The following article regarding this issue appeared in the July 2009 Access Transit External Stakeholder Newsletter:

TransLink’s Customer Service Strategy

TransLink is currently developing a customer service strategy including, (its subsidiaries and contractors), to increase customer satisfaction. The strategy will address the changing customer environment as well as realize significant benefits to both customers and TransLink.

John Beaudoin, TransLink’s Manager of Customer Service & Marketing, presented the draft strategy to members of the Access Transit Users’ Advisory Committee (UAC) on June 11th, 2009. Based on UAC feedback, the following changes were implemented (within 48 hours):

The time limit to complete the online complaint and commendation form was increased from 30 to 40 minutes.
A disclaimer was placed at the beginning of the online complaint and commendation form letting people know the total time they have to complete the form. It is important to note that the 40 minute time limit is not additive. This means that every time a customer moves to a new application: Trip Planner, Next Bus or the complaint and commendation form, the "clock" resets and they get 40 more minutes to complete their session.
A JavaScript character counter on the Incident Details field was installed on the web complaint form. This tool will notify users when they are nearing the maximum 2000 characters.

The new Customer Service Strategy is anticipated to be implemented in the fall of 2009.
The online customer complaint form can be viewed here

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CAN is Receiving Listings for Our New Adaptive Sport and Recreation Page (Currently We Have Over 100 listings)

Citizens for Accessible Neighbourhoods is proud to have over 100 listings for our B.C. Adaptive Sports and Recreation Page. For people who want to find out about sports or recreation we will be listing them alphabetically, by sport, and by location.

We were pleasantly surprised by the number of listings and are glad to have such support from organizations and individuals. Adaptive sports are on the rise and we are proud to showcase the efforts of individuals and organizations across B.C. by listing their programs on our new page. We have listings as diverse as basketball, gardening, soccer, music, kayaking, and the Special Olympics.

The page should be up in the fall.

CAN Continues with Community Outreach and Answering Questions from People Contacting Us Via Our Website

CAN is proud at the amount of community outreach we have been involved with in the first half of 2009. To reflect our growth to a Metro Vancouver organization we have been contacting organizations throughout the area to let them know of the services and advocacy that we offer. We have bee pleased to received queries from several organizations as to how we can help them.

CAN is also pleased to continue to help people who contact us through our website. We are glad that our cyber presence is felt throughout B.C. and we are always proud to help people with questions regarding Universal Accessibility, advocacy issues, adaptive sport and recreation, and anything else that people with disabilities (or their support people) have questions about. If you have any questions please don’t hesitate to contact us at (604) 437-7331 or at info@canbc.org

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CAN Continues Efforts to Improve Our Website to Make Access to Information Easier and More Accessible

We have appreciated the favourable comments regarding the format of our website from visitors and members. We continue to listen to your suggestions and comments in an effort to improve our website. We are currently working on an upgrade to our website that will alter the format and create a more user-friendly site.

Updated Word of Mouth Library Information to Reflect Our Growth Into a Metro Vancouver Organization

Previously, when we were a Pitt Meadows-Maple Ridge organization, we listed information specifically for the two areas we served, however, now that we are a Metro Vancouver organization we are committed to reflecting our growth by ensuring the information on our website covers the entire Metro Vancouver area. Previously we listed the home service information for the Fraser Valley Regional Library. We have now added the home service information for patrons of the Burnaby, Coquitlam, North Vancouver, Richmond, Surrey, Vancouver, and West Vancouver libraries.

Please let us know if we have missed a library that offers home services or services for people with disabilities.

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New Listing to Word of Mouth Page

The Red Book Online is the most complete online guide to community, social and government agencies and services across the Metro Vancouver. We have added the link to the online version of Red Book to our Word of Mouth Page.

Up to Date Information About HandyDart's New Provider

TransLink has distributed a customer information letter to the 28,000 registered HandyDART users which outlines the improvements that will begin to be phased in for HandyDART throughout the Metro Vancouver region from late November 2008 to early January 2009.

Please click here to read the letter.

TransLink has also released a rack-card with a service delivery update for HandyDART users.

Please click here to read the rack card.

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2008

SPARC BC and CAN Presentation to Pitt Meadows Council
(check out SPARC BC’s Access is Everyone’s Business! Campaign)

SPARC BC’s Access is Everyone’s Business! Campaign

In partnership with the Better Business Bureau of Lower Mainland, Better Business Bureau of Vancouver Island, TransLink, BC Transit, The Union of BC Municipalities, Shoppers Home HealthCare and VanCity ABLED program, SPARC BC brings you a province wide campaign focused on empowering businesses with knowledge about accessibility.

The objective of the campaign is to inform business owners of simple things they can do to improve the experience of their customers with disabilities, and which will also improve overall customer experience. People with disabilities represent approximately 20% percent of the consumer market. And the numbers are growing as our population ages. We've heard from our membership that accessible businesses are important. For more information regarding the campaign and accessibility visit www.sparc.bc.ca/access_awareness_day

The Maple Ridge - Pitt Meadows Representative (from CAN) Made Vice Chair of TransLink's Access Transit Users' Advisory Committee

Citizens for Accessible Neighbourhoods has a representative on the new Access Transit Users' Advisory Committee. This representative of Maple Ridge and Pitt Meadows has been appointed Vice Chair of the committee.

The role of the Access Transit Users' Advisory Committee is to assist TransLink to ensure implementation of the Access Transit Plan and provide ongoing advice on all plans, programs and other initiatives that TransLink funds.

Advise TransLink on matters which will enhance accessibility
Act as TransLink's organizational conscience on accessibility issues
Assist TransLink in setting priorities on accessibility issues
Provide comment on TransLink policies and strategy

The Access Transit Users' Advisory Committee may form special purpose working groups to provide policy advice on specific accessibility matters and projects.

Potential working groups:

Operational
Communications / community outreach
Planning & Policy
Committee recruitment

The representative for Citizens for Accessible Neighbourhoods and Maple Ridge - Pitt Meadows will keep CAN members up to date on this committee as well as on TransLink policy and updates through our website and newsletter.

Report on Powell River BC Disability Games completed and sent to Maple Ridge

A representative of Citizens for Accessible Neighbourhoods attended the 2007 BC Disability Games in Powell River. In January CAN was asked to write a report for Maple Ridge regarding the games in Powell River. The report was completed and included an overview of the event as well as feedback highlighting various aspects of the games including specific sporting events, accommodation, venues, and special events. We included suggestions and recommendations for the 2009 Maple Ridge/Pitt Meadows BC Disability Games. For a copy of the report please contact us at info@canbc.org or (604) 437-7331.

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Improved Format on CAN's Website for Ease of Use

Thanks to the feedback from users of our web site we have improved the format of our pages, and of our newsletter, for ease of use. We were contacted by a user who has vision loss and relies on a screen reader, which is a computer program that reads the screen to the user. He mentioned that he enjoyed the web site but that he had to go through the entire page to find the specific subject or listing he was looking for. He suggested that we add headings to the top of our pages so that people could easily access specific listings. We also received a request for headings from another regular user who thought that being able to click the exact listing she wanted would be helpful as she would be able to quickly scan the headings, without scrolling all the way to the bottom of the page, to see what information was on the page.

We received a third suggestion for headings from a member, this time suggesting headings for our newsletter. She mentioned that she enjoyed the newsletter but that when it first arrived she didn't always have time to read the entire newsletter. She stated that headings would allow her to see what topics were covered in the newsletter, and she could decide, during that reading, what was most important to her and where it was located.

CAN founder Heather McCain appointed to the position of Disability Advisor for the Ridge-Meadows Transit Riders' Advisory Committee

A meeting was help in April in Maple Ridge with Mayor Robson, council members, staff from TransLink and Coast Mountain Bus Company, bus drivers, and transit users. The purpose of the meeting was to come to an understanding about the issues of transit users and to find a solution to the many communication difficulties. Mayor Robson has been receiving a large number of e-mails regarding transportation frustrations and called the meeting to encourage communication between all groups. The meeting was well run and the issues and frustrations were discussed as were suggestions on how to improve the situation and how to improve communication. One issue that was mentioned by transit users was that they have contacted TransLink with their concerns but did not receive any responses. Mayor Robson suggested that people cc their e-mails to him so that he is aware of the issues and then he will personally encourage TransLink to reply.

After the meeting Mayor Robson created TRAC, the Transit Riders Advisory Committee. TRAC is an organization working cooperatively towards better transportation by fostering communication between the riders, drivers and management.

Mayor Robson states "The way I hope TRAC works is that any and all of our transit users have a direct line to the operations and customer service departments of our transit system which coming through the Mayor's office will hopefully gain more attention to the users concerns and suggestions. When appropriate, e-mails will be shared with everyone who is one the TRAC email list."

In addition to creating TRAC Mayor Robson has appointed CAN founder Heather McCain to the position of Disability Advisor.

If you wish to be added to the TRAC e-mail list please e-mail Mayor Robson at GRobson_TRAC@mapleridge.ca and you will become part of the TRAC dialogue. If you have frustrations or problems with system or suggestions about how to improve service please send an e-mail to TRAC so that TRAC can share your input and get a response.

CAN is encouraged by the creation of TRAC and we ask all CAN members to share your experiences, suggestions, and problems with TRAC so that dialogue is continued and so that we can work to create a transit system that works for all users.

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Transportation Page

Citizens for Accessible Neighbourhoods has come to be known for our commitment and work towards improving accessible transportation in Maple Ridge and Pitt Meadows. CAN is also involved in the Access Transit Users Advisory Committee which helps promote, encourage, and implement accessible transit in the Lower Mainland. CAN is contacted on a weekly basis regarding questions about transportation so we decided to dedicate a page on our web site to the information that we have regarding accessible transit.

The new Transportation page is split into two categories: Programs and Information. Under the listing of Programs we have information about Bus Passes, Taxi Savers, BC Ferries, Fuel Tax Refund Programs, and Auto Insurance Discounts. Under the Information listing we have Coast Mountain Bus Company's policy regarding paid taxis for bus users with mobility devices who encounter malfunctioning ramps and TransLink's Access Transit Stakeholder Update. We will be adding the latest TransLink News Release regarding Automated Announcements in buses (details under ongoing projects) within the next month.

CAN continues to strive to improve our web site and organize the site in an easy-to-use way. We believe that the creation of a Transportation page will increase the ease of use for CAN members and other visitors to our site. As always we appreciate your feedback, you can e-mail us at info@canbc.org or phone us at (604) 437-7331.

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2007

CAN Participates in '2040 Planning for People Transportation 2040 Dialogue'
Citizens for Accessible Neighbourhoods was part of the ‘2040 Planning for People Transportation 2040 Dialogue: A Dialogue to Shape the Future of Transportation’. CAN had a representative who attended meetings, dialogues, and forums to help develop TransLink's 30 year transportation strategy. We worked to:

Identify the opportunities and challenges
Envision the potential issues
Craft strategies to address future transportation needs

CAN, among other organizations such as SPARC and Community Living, are part of a network that TransLink contacts when they need community based organizations to represent social interests. Our representative found the discussions very interesting and vast. The transportation network is amazingly complex. We were proud to offer our opinions on how to ensure that those with mobility difficulties are included in all future plans.

CAN Holds A Working Meeting with Coast Mountain Bus Company, Translink, and Staff from Maple Ridge/Pitt Meadows
On November 20th Citizens for Accessible Neighbourhoods held a working meeting with Coast Mountain Bus Company (CMBC), TransLink, council members from Pitt Meadows and Maple Ridge, and members of the Engineering Department in both Maple Ridge and Pitt Meadows. At this meeting we discussed the accessibility of the bus routes and bus stops in Maple Ridge and Pitt Meadows, specifically the shuttle bus routes. CMBC asked CAN to create a list of bus stops which would be reviewed and considered to be made accessible. This list was created with the feedback from our members and we appreciated your help in letting us know what stops need to be made accessible.

This meeting was a great step forward for all present as it allowed all groups to meet each other and to understand the positions and perspectives of the various departments. CAN was proud to have a representative at the meeting. The Maple Ridge Engineering Department announced that they would work on a five year plan to improve the accessibility of our transit system. CAN would like to thank everyone who took time out of their very busy schedule to meet together so that we have a clear overview of who is involved, what their responsibilities are, and how we can work together to improve the system.

At the meeting CAN offered many examples of bus stops that should be marked as accessible. The bus stop at the top of our list was the one in front of Ridge Meadows Hospital on Laity Street. CAN is excited to announce that Coast Mountain Bus Company responded to our suggestion and has now labeled the stop in front of the Ridge Meadows Hospital as accessible. This is an example of CAN’s diligence, patience, and hard work paying off.

CAN Participated in a Focus Group on the Maple Ridge Town Centre Area Parking Strategy
In addition to being a part of the Spirit Square stakeholder’s group CAN participated in a Focus Group Workshop for Maple Ridge Town Centre Area Parking Strategy. This group created a concept plan for parking that will be presented to council.

CAN Becomes a Partner Member of BC Disability Sports
Citizens for Accessible Neighbourhoods is pleased to have been asked to join BC Disability Sports as a Partner Member. BC Disability Sports is a leading non-profit organization promoting awareness of sport and recreation of British Columbians with disabilities. In partnership with the BC Games Society and host communities, BC Disability Sports manages the BC Disability Games, a multi-disability/multi-sport event that promotes and encourages physical activity and achievement. Other services and programs include Strength of Ability, Paralympic Pride and the BC Olympic/Paralympic Youth Leadership Academy. BC Disability Sports also serves as a central resource and referral centre in British Columbia. For more information go to www.disabilitysport.org

Citizens for Accessible Neighbourhoods is honoured to have been asked to become a Partner Member of BC Disability Sports and we have gladly accepted.

Maple Ridge and Pitt Meadows is hosting the 2009 BC Disability Games and Citizens for Accessible Neighbourhoods looks forward to participating in an event that provides opportunities for persons with a disability to compete in an organized sport, recreation and cultural event that promotes personal excellence, physical fitness, and community pride.

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CAN Gets Clarification and Copy of Coast Mountain Bus Company’s Malfunctioning Ramps’ Policy
Citizens for Accessible Neighbourhoods has received a copy of the Coast Mountain Bus Company's Policy Regarding Getting a Paid Taxi for the Customers When the Ramp is Malfunctioning.

CAN Consults with Groups Regarding Accessibility Inquiries
Citizens for Accessible Neighbourhoods has people from across the world visiting our web site. We have often had requests from groups or individuals who want more information on Accessibility Designs and Standards. We are proud that our organization has such a web presence. We have been able to help people from the Sunshine Coast, the Interior, Vancouver Island, Ontario, Calgary, Oregon, Seattle, and Japan, to name a few.

Questions vary from asking what the design standards in the respective cities are to questions about what Universal Design is and where to get more information. We had the pleasure of meeting with a professor from the University of Nagoya in Japan who came to Vancouver to discuss Universal Design and how the Lower Mainland is working to improve the standards.

We have enjoyed educating people about accessibility and we are excited by the level of interest our web site, our organization, and our goals receive.

Here are some examples of requests from people:
• A contractor from Grand Prairie, Alberta who is doing a project in Dawson Creek and needed to know about universal design, specifically for a footbridge. He was having troubles finding information about pathway accessibility when he came across our web site and phoned us. We had the proper document to give him (from the ADA) and e-mailed him immediately. He thanked us for the help and asked for any other documents we have pertaining to universal design as he may need it in the future. We appreciate contractors like Mr. Anderson who continued to dig to get the answers to make sure that his finished project is accessible for all.

• A researcher who has been hired by the City of Abbotsford and Spirit BC to develop a tool that could be used to improve accessibility for residents of Abbotsford. She is working on two projects: an evaluation of the transportation services, and choosing a a central location in Abbotsford to evaluate for accessibility. The evaluation of the central location was done by physically walking the route and observing the side walks, traffic lights, bus stops, curb cuts, signage, etc., and reporting back with recommendations for improvements. CAN was able to supply her with a document that we created for Maple Ridge which lists important accessibility issues for the downtown core. She was very thankful and said that if gave them direction and helped them understand the issues. Ms. Urquhart also requested permission to reference the universal design information on CAN’s web site in her report. We, of course, gave her permission and were glad to do so.

• A student from SFU who was doing a report on SFU dorm housing. The student searched the internet for information on accessibility and came upon our web site. They were very pleased with the input we were able to provide them and we were glad to help promote education and understanding about accessibility.

• An organization located on the Sunshine Coast contacted us to ask about creating an accessible trail. They were looking for guidelines on the internet when they came upon our web site. We helped the Sunshine Coast organization by leading them to documents with guidelines. They appreciated our help and we were glad to help any organization that considers accessibility an important goal to meet.

• A reporter in Ontario contacted us because she was wanting to do a story about Power Soccer. She saw the listing for Power Soccer on our site and has interviewed one of the Maple Ridge players for Kids on Wheels, a magazine for children who use wheelchairs.

• A professor from Nagoya University contacted CAN to ask about what was being done in the Lower Mainland to prepare the Paralympics. We were able to meet with the professor when she visited Vancouver in September. We demonstrated what a person with a mobility impairment or disability deals with and why accessibility is so important. She has kept in touch and hopes to have another meeting with us when she returns in December.

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CAN Works with TransLink to Improve the 701 Route
CAN was proud that Translink listened to the concerns of the residents, and our organization, and that they are working to make sure more new buses are used on the 701 route so that there less of a chance of the ramp not operating. We also appreciate that they supplied us with a copy of their taxi policy regarding passengers who are stranded because of a malfunctioning ramp. This policy is available on our web site and it is suggested that transit users with mobility devices print the policy and carry it with them in case a driver says they are not aware of the policy. Translink has notified all drivers of the policy. Please help make people aware of the policy as there is now no excuse for a transit user to be left behind.

In addition to the promise of new buses and the policy regarding taxis as back-up in case of a malfunctioning ramp, Translink has increased the frequency of the 701. In 2008 the 701 will begin to run every fifteen minutes. We applaud this improvement. Another exciting improvement to come in 2008 is the new Maple Ridge Town Centre Transit Exchange. The current Transit Exchange near Haney Place Mall is besieged with barriers to people with various disabilities. Citizens for Accessible Neighbourhoods consulted with Translink and Aplin Martin Consulting to help design a barrier free transit hub. We are excited to see our hard work jump off the page and become a user friendly transit area in 2008. We are excited by these improvements by Translink and by their continuing to involve CAN in the planning process. We appreciate them taking the concerns of our members to heart and working with us to improve the service.

Translink has shown great strides in working to improve the accessibility of the 701 and we truly appreciate it.

Maple Ridge Municipal Staff Asks CAN for Accessibility Guideline Information
Citizens for Accessible Neighbourhoods received a call from the municipality of Maple Ridge. A new wooden bridge is being constructed in Maple Ridge park and we were contacted to answer some questions regarding the accessibility of wooden slats, and the allowed width of the gaps on the bridge. We were also able to suggest that slip resistance cover be used to prevent falls. We truly appreciated the municipal staff contacting us before a project was done to confer regarding accessibility guidelines. We have forwarded a document to the municipal employees that comes from the American Disability Association. This document is quite detailed (it is over 40 pages) and specific regarding outdoor accessibility guidelines. It is unfortunate that Canada does not have written guidelines so for now we will continue to pass on the ADA approved document. The municipal employees thanked us for the document and followed up with some questions regarding the material within the document. We are proud to know that our organization is contacted and that the employees treat our ideas and suggestions with respect and appreciation. This is a true sign that our continued efforts to ensure improved accessibility is working.

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Community Feedback
CAN receives feedback from community members through monthly meetings, response to monthly newsletter, feedback from our website, and from people around town, or word of mouth. The feedback that we are receiving is extremely positive and people are glad to know that a group has been organized to look to the future and work to create all-inclusive communities.

2006

CAN Participates in 2006 UN World Urban Forum
Founder/President Heather McCain participated in a project advisory committee which advised on the creation of an event for the 2006 UN World Urban Forum called "Accessible Urban Design: A Facilitated Discussion on Inclusive Communities".

The event was a success. The room was filled beyond capacity with people from around the world interested in making communities more accessible. The three topics discussed were Transportation and Infrastructure, Housing and Independent Living, and Participation. There were many comments about the need for people to realize that productive people are being trapped by their environment. Participants from India, Germany, Sweden, USA, Singapore, Hungary, and across Canada all stressed the need for current "standards" to be improved. It was an event that allowed people from different parts of the world to see how their communities were accessible, what needs to be worked on, and what has or hasn't worked for people in other communities. The event started a dialogue that SPARC BC, the organizers of the event, hopes will continue and create positive change. For more information about SPARC BC go to www.sparc.bc.ca

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CAN’s Founder, Heather McCain, is Interviewed on CBC Radio 690
Heather was interviewed on CBC Radio Thursday, June 22nd, and spoke of the need for universal access. Heather emphasized the need for implementing the policies already in place and expanding on the already created minimum standards. Heather also spoke about the need for people to realize that accessibility, or "universal accessibility" is about more than just the user group of those with wheelchairs.

CBC Radio 690 was intrigued by Heather's statements and expressed interest in having her back again to speak at a later date. The interview raised awareness about accessibility and advertised the presence of Citizens for Accessible Neighbourhoods.

CAN Receives Funding for Adaptive Sports Program
CAN has secured funding for both adaptive sports: Power Soccer and Adaptive Boccia. Power Soccer is soccer played by those who use power wheelchairs. Adaptive Boccia is for people with disabilities, limited grip or mobility, and which is played indoors on a gym floor with lighter, easier to grip, Boccia balls. For more information visit our Adaptive Sports page.

CAN would like to thank the Fraternal Order of Eagles and the Rick Hansen Foundation for putting on the annual Rick Hansen Wheels in Motion Event. Each year half of the money raised from the event is brought back to the community for "quality of life" projects. This year the adaptive sports program was approved as the recipient of the funds raised during last year’s event.

We look forward to the 2009 BC Disability Games which will be held in Maple Ridge and Pitt Meadows, in which both of these sports are played.

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CAN Works with ACT Staff and Lowers Special Needs Seating Price
The Art Centre Theatre in Maple Ridge raised the prices of the special needs seating when they created a pricing tier system. CAN discussed the issue with the ACT and explained that since those in the special needs seating are unable to choose where they sit in the theatre this practice was unfair. Being responsive to the CAN’s concerns, and those of their patrons, the remedied this as soon as it was brought to their attention and apologized for the situation. It was an oversight, and the proper information has been added in their computer system. Now if there are two prices then those in the special needs seating will pay the lower price. If there are three prices those in the special needs seating will pay the middle price.

TransLink Asks for CAN's Suggestions Regarding the New Transit Exchange/Bus Loop (to be built in 2008)
Translink is building a new transit exchange (bus loop) in Maple Ridge. They held an open house on September 14th to gather feedback from community members about the proposed plans. Citizens for Accessible Neighbourhoods communicated the need for accessibility. We wrote several e-mails to Shirley Samujh, the Community Relations Coordinator. She was quick with her responses to our concerns and assured us that Translink would take our concerns into account when creating the final plans.

Translink held a second open house on November 17th at Haney Place Mall. This open house showed the plans for the new transit exchange and had several handouts. One of the handouts listed what Translink had learned during the first open house. Two of the items listed concern accessibility and show that Translink took our comments seriously, and plan to implement our suggestions. The two items are:

"Safety and Security: The proposed bus loop will improve overall road and transit operational safety by eliminating the need to cross the street for bus to bus transfer. The improved lighting and installation of a public telephone will improve security."

"Wheelchair Access: Wheelchair letdowns to and from the transit exchange will be improved. The sidewalk surface will improve rider comfort for wheelchair users."

We are pleased to see that Translink has listened to CAN’s concerns and has realized their importance. The elimination of the need to cross the street is very important for safety, and is especially important for people who are blind or who have visual impairments. For those with visual impairments crossing the street can be dangerous and the elimination of the need to cross the street creates a safer, and more comfortable, environment.

We were very pleased to see that they have committed to improving the letdowns (curb cuts) which are important for transit users with strollers, wheelchairs, walkers, scooters, carts, and other mobility devices. The addition of information concerning the sidewalk surface is also very important and we appreciate their listening to our suggestions.

The projected completion date for the new transit exchange is 2008. We will continue to offer our feedback throughout their implementation process.

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Publicity About CAN’s Concerns Gets TransLink's Attention
There was an article written in The Maple Ridge/Pitt Meadows Times concerning the communication between Translink and their customers. This article contained quotes from CAN president Heather McCain. The Vancouver Sun created a smaller version of this article and placed it in the community section of their paper. The appearance of this article in the Vancouver Sun elicited a response from Hansel Wang of Translink. Hansel Wang’s title is ‘Engineer Program Manager, Transportation Engineering, Road and Infrastructure Planning’. Mr. Wang was most keen to help CAN in anyway possible. The various concerns of CAN and it’s members were discussed. Mr. Wang’s assistance helped us to avoid being referred to more voice mails and more departments, and instead pointed us to the direct person to contact concerning the matters of bus stop accessibility.

While speaking to Mr. Wang we learned that Translink is currently creating a new design for the bus stops. We mentioned the need for a more visible decal, preferably a reflective band around the pole at eye-level from the seating area of a bus. He was very responsive to this idea explaining that it was not something they had previously considered because they had not received complaints concerning the small decals in the right hand corner of the top of the bus stop sign. We hope that he not only takes our suggestion into consideration but utilities them when the new bus stop design is finalized later this year.

Report on Shuttle Bus and Bus Stop Accessibility
CAN created a bus stop report to explain the current situation in regards to accessibility of the new shuttle buses. We reviewed various bus stops that should be accessible, such as the stops in front of the hospital, in front of the seniors’ centre, and the bus stops at Maple Meadows which are not currently marked as accessible. While doing the research to create this report it was discovered that CMB has replaced many of the bus stops signs with new signs to indicate that the stops now service shuttle buses. The new bus stop signs do not have the accessible decal in the top right hand corner, even on bus stops that were previously marked as accessible, and which remain accessible. The decal seems to have been overlooked when the new signs went up. This poses a problem as now passengers on the bus, and the drivers, are unable to know for sure which stops are accessible or not. We were not pleased to notice that the decals had been overlooked. This report has been passed on to the Mayor of Maple Ridge, and the Municipal Advisory Committee on Accessibility Issues (MACAI). CAN will work with MACAI to ensure that the concerns of the residents of Maple Ridge and Pitt Meadows are heard by the Coast Mountain Bus Company and Translink.

CAN Meets with Staff from Maple Ridge to Discuss Accessibility
The president of Citizens for Accessible Neighbourhoods met with Mike Murray, General Manager: Community Development, Parks & Recreation Services, and Maple Ridge’s Mayor Gordy Robson to discuss accessibility issues. Mayor Robson had asked CAN to create a list of ways to make downtown more accessible. During the meeting with Mr. Murray and the mayor we discussed the list that CAN compiled to create a more accessible downtown core. We went through the list and we feel confident that Mr. Murray and Mr. Robson have taken the concerns to heart. It was the mayor who requested the meeting and we are encouraged by his obvious awareness of accessibility issues. The compilation of this list includes issues for those with visual and hearing impairments, mobility devices and strollers, and the comfort of anyone using the downtown area.

The report on the accessibility of shuttle bus stops was taken to a meeting with Mike Murray and Mayor Robson. Mr. Murray and Mr. Robson were not aware of the situation and were interested to learn about it. They outlined ideas and steps which would assure CMB that the municipality of Maple Ridge wants to work with them to insure the most effective, and accessible, service possible.

The meeting went very well and in the end we were pleased with what was said. While no promises were made we know that our concerns have been heard, and this is a very important first step.

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Information Booth at Seniors' Centre
CAN set up an information booth at the Ridge Meadows Seniors’ Centre to educate patrons about Citizens for Accessible Neighbourhoods (CAN). We received great response and support from seniors, as well as suggestions about accessibility issues.

CAN Gets Answers Regarding Confusing Parking Policy at the Ridge Meadows Hospital
Citizens for Accessible Neighbourhoods was able to get a verbal response to a situation that many local citizens were not getting a straight answer about. The Ridge Meadows Hospital has designated handicapped parking spots. The parking lot is a paid parking lot. The confusion surrounding this subject concerned whether those with the SPARC placard have to pay for parking while parked in the designated handicap spots. Some people have been told that those with the SPARC placards do not have to pay for parking anywhere on site. There was a poster in the rehab department of the hospital notifying people that “Persons with disabilities coming to Ridge Meadows Hospital may park anywhere onsite, in any parking stall free of charge. Your approved identification placard must be clearly visible in your vehicle to avoid ticketing.” People were upset that they were not told about the free parking until after they paid for their ticket. We hoped to clarify the matter, and if the parking was indeed free for those with the SPARC placard we hoped that the FHA would post signs at the parking machines to notify people.

After many phone calls to many different departments and people in the Fraser Health Authority, we were able to get an answer concerning the question of whether those with the SPARC placards have to pay for parking at the Ridge Meadows Hospital. Don MacAlistar, the Director of Protection Services for the Fraser Health Authority (FHA), was apprised of the confusion surrounding this situation and looked into it for CAN.

After looking into the situation Don MacAlistar explained that there is no written policy concerning free parking for those with SPARC placards. FHA’s written policy says that every person who parks in a FHA parking lot must pay for the duration of their visit. Mr. MacAlistar said that while there is no policy, written or otherwise, concerning this matter it is understood that "if a person with a disability is unable to purchase tickets their nonpayment will not be enforced". In other words while the FHA expects all visitors to pay for their parking they do understand that some people with disabilities are unable to use the ticket machines. If these people park without a ticket, due to their inability to get a ticket from the machine, their nonpayment will not be penalized. Mr. MacAlistar said that while there is no written policy but there is leniency towards those with disabilities.

While it is nice of the FHA to give us an answer concerning this question it is not an answer that is available in writing, or which is considered a 'policy'. When suggested to Mr. MacAlistar that it is hard to communicate a non-written, non-policy, to those who are confused about the matter he said that the above quote could be used in writing for the purposes of CAN newsletter and web site, but that it would not be available in writing from the FHA.

While this is not the most satisfactory conclusion to this question, it is an answer, and we now have a person to go to if the problem of a ticket occurs. Mr. MacAlistar stated that if anyone who was unable to purchase a ticket due to their disability, and who had the proper SPARC placard, was ticketed that they are to phone him and he will have the ticket reversed. His phone number is (604) 587-3770.

Mr. MacAlistar did apologize for the confusion and the inconsistent messages from the various departments. He assured CAN that the matter would be looked into and that the various departments would be told what the non-written, non-policy is. Please help others with the SPARC placard know what the FHA’s stance is on parking. Since the FHA will not advertise that they are forgiving in parking matters for those with the SPARC placard who are unable to pay due to their disabilities it is up to us to spread the word. If you know of anyone who has a problem with parking, or a ticket please let us know about it.

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CAN's Website Page Listing Support Groups Continues to Grow
CAN has been able to triple the amount of listings for the support group section of the web site within the month of March. We continue to get new listings through word of mouth. People who run the support groups have contacted us to let us know that they appreciate the service. People who are interested in knowing what support groups are available in the two communities have also contacted us to let us know that they appreciate being able to easily access community information.

CAN is Invited to Tour Westview Secondary School to See Accessibility
CAN was invited to have a tour at Westview Secondary School earlier this month as a member had brought concerns of accessibility to the attention of those attending the January meeting. The tour was conducted by a special needs teacher, and the principal introduced herself and expressed her wish to help in anyway possible. After the tour of the school was completed CAN was satisfied with the accessibility of the school. The accessibility concerns previously brought to CAN were more to do with miscommunication than physical barriers. We, at CAN, are quite impressed with the accessibility of Westview and with the various classroom equipment that they supply to students with special needs. We were happy to discover that this issue was was able to be cleared up through proper communication between the various parties.

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