The executive director for the NWT Council for Disabled Persons is about to launch a new ticketing scheme aimed at making businesses and architects more aware of their failings.

"I get tired of listing all of the buildings and all of the problems there are and saying to people that things need to be changed," said Bardak.

In the next week, tickets that list general design problems will be printed up and the council will be on patrol. But not just looking for violators.

"Some do good and some try really hard, but just don't quite make it," said Bardak. She added that those businesses and buildings that have made progress towards better accessibility will be recognized, too.

Bardak said some of the more common design flaws include:

• stairs that don't have contrasting edges, which are easier to use and more safe for the visually impaired
• entrances that are too narrow or otherwise inaccessible for those in wheelchairs
• washrooms that are impractical for disabled persons
• pay phones that are hard to reach for someone in a wheelchair or don't have volume control for those with hearing impairment.

"In some cases, these problems are quite easy to correct. Some of our people might even be able to, in some places, obtain employment because they can come up with solutions and work on solving the design flaws," said Bardak.

The program will continue through the summer and, if it's successful, may be expanded to other communities in the North.

"It's not that a lot of people are out to make life difficult for others," said Bardak.

"Sometimes these things are just overlooked and some people aren't always aware of others' needs."