By: Tommy Leung
In April, city officials visited CNIB Westminster to learn about the barriers faced by residents who are blind or low vision. In attendance were City councillors Jaimie McEvoy and Tasha Henderson, transportation manager Mike Anderson, and Vic Leach from The Walkers’ caucus, an advocacy group for pedestrians.
We took the group on a walk around the community, showing them how someone living with sight loss navigates crowded sidewalks, crosses busy intersections, and identifies important landmarks. As a guide dog handler, I pointed out the numerous barriers I encountered while walking through New Westminster. I highlighted how the city can help to address and remove these barriers to access and inclusion.
Accessible Pedestrian Signals (APS) drew much attention. City officials were able to experience the often-confusing difference in APS functioning from one intersection to another, such as the presence or absence of locator tones and the sometimes inconsistent placement of APS from one intersection to the next.
Attendees were very engaged throughout the walk, asking questions about the experiences of people who are blind or low vision and acknowledging that removing barriers is important for the safety and independence of citizens.
For more information about accessible built environments, visit Clearing Our Path.