As a person with a disability who has had to have my equal rights enforced twice in this community through the provincial complaints system, shame on the Amherstburg Chamber of Commerce and the Verdi Club for holding a debate at the inaccessible Verdi Club when the Libro Centre has automated doors to its entrance, which is a necessity for me.
During this spring’s provincial election campaign, the AODA Alliance sought pledges that no candidate will agree to attend an All Candidates Debate in an inaccessible location. The Alliance reported, “There is simply no excuse for holding an inaccessible All Candidates Debate in Ontario’s 2014 election. The organizers should not have chosen such a location. The candidates should have made sure that the location was accessible before agreeing to take part in the event.”
I am seeking pledges from the local candidates and will post their responses to this blog.
Commentary by Linda Saxon
the burg watch 
I spoke with a representative at the Amherstburg Chamber who explained to me that the Libro Centre was not available for the scheduled nights. I cannot speak to rescheduling as that is the will of the Chamber. After being told that someone would try to keep watch for individuals who need assistance, I suggested using high school students, who could allocate the time as community hours. This would ensure having someone specifically for access and providing an opportunity for high school students to accrue hours while being exposed to the challenges of people with disabilities. Although I do not have a physical disability, I am sensitive to those that do, and that not all disabilities are visible. As a Facilitator for CUPE National, I’ve attended and teach workshops specifically about disabilities in the workplace, as well as many others. Having grown up on Texas Road I have an emotional, as well as a community, attachment to the Verdi Club and would like to help keep events there. I thank you for raising this issue, and in turn, I will also contact the Verdi Club and try to facilitate the installation of accessible entrances for the future.
Sincerely,
Aldo DiCarlo