Whistler's Access Awareness Day, Saturday June 5, 2010

June 3, 2010 ... Can you imagine what a truly accessible community looks like? Did ramps and curb cuts come to mind? What about levered door handles, lower counters, trail surfaces, picnic areas, signage and taxi services? To raise awareness about accessibility and inclusivity, Whistler Council recently proclaimed Saturday June 5 as Access Awareness Day.

The 13th annual province-wide Access Awareness Day 2010 calls attention to the need for greater accessibility and inclusion for Whistler residents with a disability. The theme of Access Awareness Day 2010 is "Go All Inclusive," raising awareness of what an ideal accessible community looks like, with practical recommendations on how to get there.

Almost 2,000 permanent residents in Whistler have a disability, according to estimates determined by the Social Planning and Research Council of B.C. (SPARC B.C.) The figure is based on 2006 census results, which indicate that 21 per cent, or about one in five B.C. residents report having a health or activity limitation.

Whistler's goal is to lead the way toward accessibility and inclusivity by becoming the world's premier destination for athletes and visitors with disabilities. The Resort Municipality of Whistler (RMOW) recognizes the heightened responsibility is has to continue providing people from around the world - from all ranges of ability - with an opportunity to have a seamless experience in Whistler based not on accessibility but inclusivity.

To achieve those goals, the RMOW's Measuring Up program plays a major role. Whistler was selected as a pilot community in the provincial government's Measuring Up program, an initiative of 2010 Legacies Now, which provides funding and resources to help B.C. communities assess and improve how accessible and inclusive they are for people with disabilities and for the whole community.

Sarah Tipler, RMOW Measuring Up Coordinator, was hired to implement accessibility actions recommended by Whistler2020 task forces and support the Measuring Up community assessment process. Along with the Measuring Up Select Committee of Council, Tipler's mandate is to improve Whistler's accessibility and inclusion.

"Active participation involves both accessibility by addressing barriers, and inclusion through welcoming and enabling participation. As the name suggests, Measuring Up provides means by which communities may evaluate their progress in enabling people with disabilities to enjoy active participation," Tipler said.

Whistler's Accessibility Project, which focuses on upgrades to signage, way finding information and physical change, is just one example of several programs and community features that are helping to make the community accessible to all.

Whistler's journey toward accessibility is also community driven. Whistler Community Services Society recently hired Melissa Deller as Whistler's new senior's coordinator. The position means that WCSS will offer support to all age groups in town.
The Resort Municipality of Whistler (RMOW) is launching an Official Community Plan update, providing opportunities for residents to participate in important discussions about issues such as accessibility and inclusivity. To get involved, email your ideas and comments to ocp@whistler2010.com. To learn more about the RMOW's accessibility initiatives, visit whistler2010.com.

About the Resort Municipality of Whistler
The Resort Municipality of Whistler (RMOW) is Whistler's local government led by an elected council and administered by an executive team and staff on behalf of 10,000 residents and two million annual visitors. The RMOW manages municipal planning and development, park and Village operations, sports facilities and recreation, public utilities and environmental services, bylaws and enforcement, fire rescue, fiscal planning and financial services, legislative services, human resources, communications and the administration of the Whistler2020 Comprehensive Sustainability Plan and Whistler's Official Community Plan.
Whistler's vision is to be the premier mountain resort community as it moves toward sustainability. Whistler was the proud Host Mountain Resort for the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games.