When immediate response is needed to fix a hazard (i.e. snow removal, sidewalk damage, or tree removal), many cities have emergency lines that you can contact for assistance. For example, if you are in the Halifax Regional Municipality, you can call 3-1-1 to report the issue.
If your municipality doesn’t have an emergency repair line, contact your municipal office or your local city or town hall. Many cities and towns have a person responsible for accessibility who can assist you.
If this is a systemic problem, community organizations, like CNIB, may have advocacy experience with the issue you’re facing and may be able to support you in developing an advocacy plan or helping you work towards a solution with the organization.
For additional options, please review the section of this handbook, titled How can I enforce my rights?
Wayfinding
Wayfinding refers to technological tools that assist partially sighted, blind and Deafblind persons with navigation and orientation. Such tools include:
BlindSquare: a GPS app developed for people with sight loss that describes the environment and announces points of interest and street intersections.
Key 2 Access: a pedestrian mobility app that allows users to wirelessly request crossing at intersections without having to locate the button on the pole. It also allows users to wirelessly open doors and obtain information about indoor spaces.
Access Now: a map application that shares accessibility information for locations based on users’ feedback.
Be My Eyes: a volunteer-based app that connects people with sight loss to sighted volunteers, who can assist with tasks such as checking expiry dates, distinguishing colors, reading instructions or navigating new surroundings.
The American Foundation for the Blind provides an overview of some of the apps that are available to assist consumers with reading items such as product labels and menus.