The town of Amherstburg installed a plaque in the library lobby crediting others with my accomplishment.

The town remained silent during the ten years I requested equal access to the library, as documented in the Ontario Human Rights Commission’s Investigative Report.

Throughout the decade, the town pursued funding for other projects like a marina and arena, despite accessibility being the number one priority stipulated in the government grants.

Then-Mayor Tony DiBartolomeo said publicly if someone filed a human rights complaint they would be forced to do it.

I filed a human rights complaint and the town was forced to take the action it should have taken more than a decade earlier.

An elevator was installed and accessible parking spaces were designated.

The Ontario Human Rights Commission highlighted some significant cases in its 2004 Annual Report, including:

Linda Saxon v. Corporation of Town of Amherstburg (Settlement, H.R.T.O.)

A settlement was reached between the Commission, the complainant and the respondent Town. The complainant made an initial complaint, on the basis of disability, because she was unable to access the Town’s library, which could only be entered via a number of stairs. The library has been renovated since the complainant filed her complaint. The Town has created a lobby at ground level with an elevator and automated doors. It also attempted to make modifications to a washroom to make it accessible. The Commission’s barrier-free design expert reviewed the renovations and found some remaining barriers, but approved of the elevator itself. The Town has agreed to implement a number of the Commission’s expert’s recommendations to improve accessibility at the Town library, namely:

•  install handrails on either side of a ramp of a specified thickness;
•  make level the threshold at an entrance;
•  request the County Library to create an accessible after-hours book depository;
•  install lever hardware on a door to the accessible washroom;
•  remove a vanity unit to provide sufficient clearance in the accessible washroom;
•  relocate the light switch, side grab bar, mirror, and paper dispenser in the accessible washroom; and,
•  replace push buttons with push plates of a larger diameter that are easier to manipulate.As part of the settlement, the respondent has also agreed to retain a qualified consultant to provide a mandatory training session for the members of the town council on the accommodation of individuals with disabilities.