By: Dana Smith
Positive advocacy means advocating for changes that, no matter how big or small, can have a major impact on building inclusive communities and public spaces. Winnipeg’s Canadian Football League team, the Blue Bombers, have demonstrated the power of positive advocacy to make the sport more accessible and inclusive for fans who have low vision.
We initially reached out to the team about improving the brightness and contrast of the stadium steps at Princess Auto Stadium, which were plain concrete without contrasting edges, making it extremely difficult for someone with low vision to differentiate the edge of each step. 
My conversation with the manager of Fan Services was met with understanding, respect, and enthusiasm. That’s where the changes began quickly. What really amazed me was accessibility was already on their minds. It turns out they had the same idea CNIB did — great minds think alike!
The team responded by painting across the front edge of each step in a high-contrast colour, going with one of their team colours – gold. The high-contrast gold paint looks amazing and will make it easier and safer for all Blue Bombers fans to enjoy live games.
With a small change, the Blue Bombers made a big impact on many. While this change is geared to support stadium-goers with low vision, it benefits everyone who loves attending Princess Auto Stadium and cheering on our home team.
This initiative is only one aspect of their accessibility upgrades to facilities. Still, this change will make it a bit easier to navigate the large stadium and enjoy the experience of being in a large group of fans cheering on our home team, feeling connected to the community.
This is positive advocacy in action – or, in other words, a bright, golden step in the right direction.
If you represent an organization that wants to make its building more accessible, visit CNIB Access Labs Inclusive Built Environment Services page for more information.