Afterthoughts - A Film on Accessibility

The City of St. John's is posting the media release below by request of the Mayor's Advisory Committee on the Status of Persons with Disabilities.

The Coalition of Persons with Disabilities is pleased to release “Afterthoughts-a film on Accessibility.  This film documents an array of issues associated with accessing many public buildings and parking lots.  This production was created following a two month examination of building accessibility within the St. John’s region.  Similar issues were reported by several members of COD-NL throughout Newfoundland and Labrador.   

Michelle Murdoch, President of COD-NL says “Accessibility is a very important part of the inclusion of people with disabilities. An accessible barrier free environment is the first step towards fulfilling the right of people with disabilities to participate in all areas of community life”.  

Earlier this year, the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador released the provincial Strategy for the Inclusion of Persons with Disabilities fin Newfoundland and Labrador – Access, Inclusion, Equality which Premier Kathy Dunderdale said “was a landmark in our efforts to achieve full inclusion and considered it to be one of the most important and transformative initiatives we have undertaken”   Strategic Direction # 3 of the Strategy is Accessibility for All in the Build Environment (P.36) 

COD-NL strongly encourages our government to strengthen the Building Accessibility Act by modernizing and enhancing provincial building standards to improve accessibility for all Newfoundlanders and Labradorians, regardless of their physical abilities.  These changes represent genuine progress in ensuring equal access for everyone.

Copies of the film Afterthoughts are available at COD-NL office or a link to the film can be found on You Tube at Part 1 www.youtube.com/watch?v=kZ99XZ_q4a4 & part 2 http://youtu.be/P9R_i2iaenQ  In lieu of payments for the video, a donation to COD-NL is suggested. 

Operating at the provincial and local levels, COD-NL is a systemic advocacy organization concerned with all persons with disabilities, promoting their rights and raising public awareness of their needs. COD-NL is proactive in working to improve legislation and services at all government levels and networking with national and regional groups to support independence and foster positive self-concept of its members.

Media Contact:
Kelly White 
Executive Director, COD-NL
PHone (709) 722-7011
E-mail: kwhite@codnl.ca
www.codnl.ca