Derek Neary
Northern News Services

Fort Simpson (Nov 01/02) - Fort Simpson is not accessible enough for those with physical disabilities, according to Rita Cazon.

Cazon, who suffers from osteo-arthritis, was one of 18 people to attend a meeting convened by the NWT Council of Persons With Disabilities on Friday.

Among the primary challenges within the community are too few access ramps, difficulty accessing existing ramps and too many two-story houses.

"We have one home built for the disabled," Cazon noted.

She added that other mechanisms designed for the disabled, such as the elevator at the Nahendeh Kue building, do not work.

Diane Jamieson, community liaison coordinator for the NWT Council of Persons with Disabilities, suggested that developing local resource people to tackle these issues would be productive.

"You tend to be stronger when you work within your own community," said Jamieson, who added that a positive approach is best.

Aggie Brockman, the Disabilities Council's executive director, spoke of the need for persistence and patience because change takes time. She said she has been "hounding" a Canada Post official to make Fort Simpson's post office accessible.

It may be time for her to contact his boss, or people in Fort Simpson could start a petition, she suggested.

Tom Wilson, a board member with the Disabilities Council and mayor of Fort Simpson, said that if the issue is forced, Canada Post may threaten to privatize postal service.

Jamieson acknowledged that the cost of accessibility is certainly an issue, particularly in buildings that were not designed to accommodate those with disabilities. However, when business owners and civil servants realize that dozens of people are being denied access to service, they often think twice, she said.

Brockman added that changes to aid the physically disabled, such as the village's new side walks with low-cut curbs, often make life easier for others, like people pushing infants in strollers.