Fort Simpson (May 20/05) - It wasn't the most dignified way for Rita Cazon to make her entrance into village council chambers.

Cazon, who represents the Deh Cho on the NWT Council for Persons with Disabilities, painstakingly went down a flight of stairs on her buttocks, using her cane to support her.

Rita Cazon, Deh Cho representative for the NWT Council of Persons with Disabilities, slowly and carefully negotiates the stairs leading to Fort Simpson's village council chambers.

She suffers from osteoarthritis - an agonizing condition that inflames her joints - and fibromyalgia, which is associated with chronic pain and fatigue.

Village council is planning to install a ramp to the municipal office, but Cazon noted that it will only make the main floor accessible. Council chambers will still be downstairs. She said the building should have an elevator or a chair lift. Alternatively, village council should move its meetings to the more accessible Visitor Information Centre, she suggested.

In her presentation to council on Monday, Cazon said, "Fort Simpson is in dire need for an upkeep for the disabled in this community."

She then introduced Janice McClelland, a contractor who has been conducting disability surveys in Fort Simpson and is helping to establish a local committee on disability issues. A public meeting has been scheduled for May 25 at the recreation centre. The committee will lobby on behalf of those with physical, mental and learning disabilities, Cazon added.

So far, McClelland said she has identified local buildings that are difficult to access; transportation needs for the disabled people, which includes many seniors; and snow removal. She pointed out that responsibility also falls on business owners, not just the municipality.

Cazon said, "It's not going to happen overnight, we know that."

Fort Smith has had a group advocating for the disabled for 10 years and they have made much progress with ramps and automatic doors, according to McClelland. The community even won an award for its accessibility, she said.

She added that having the main street paved in Fort Simpson was a step in the right direction.

Coun. Norm Prevost said the municipality may be able to access funding to help renovate buildings in the community. He applauded the idea of a permanent local committee.

"I think we need a group here all the time reminding council that these things need to be done," he said.