Fort Simpson (Mar 03/06) - Strong misconceptions about disabilities still exist in communities like Fort Simpson because of the lack of accessible buildings, according to the executive director of the NWT Council for Persons with Disabilities.

Because people with physical disabilities often can't get out, there is a perception that there are no disabled people, said Cecily Hewitt.

This leads to a cycle where people don't bother to put in ramps and automatic doors, further limiting the access for physically disabled people, she said.

There is also a myth that someone with a disability can't do anything, said Hewitt.

Dispelling these myths and teaching people about disabilities and the challenges of living with them was the goal of the Strengthening Caring Bonds workshop held here on Feb. 27.

Sixteen people attended the workshop, which was organized by Rita Cazon, the president of the Fort Simpson Council for People with Disabilities.

Cazon said she wanted to raise awareness about disabilities and the programs that are available.

"We are people just like everyone else. Just because we have a disability doesn't mean we don't exist," said Cazon, who spoke about the challenges of having limited mobility.

She emphasized that co-operation between various community and territorial organizations is needed.

"It takes a community to work together to help people with disabilities," she said.

Margaret Green from the Canadian Hard of Hearing Association and Norma Jarvis from the Canadian National Institute for the Blind also made presentations at the workshop.

Lynn Wharton, manager for the Stanley Isaiah Supportive Living Home, agrees that Fort Simpson requires a lot of work on access for the physically disabled.

The community, however, is very accepting of people with intellectual disabilities. Employers have provided lots of co-operation for job placements, said Wharton.

"I find employers in this community very open and very welcoming," Wharton said.