Manitoba Accessibility Stories

This is our third edition of Manitoba Accessibility Stories (MAS). These stories are contributed by people across the province who want to share their experiences with accessibility, provide tips and advice, highlight areas for improvement and celebrate accessibility compliance.

The following stories were submitted by two clients of Reaching E-Quality Employment Services (REES), Jacquie Wasney and another individual. The stories offer helpful insight into the realities of living with a disability and navigating barriers created by the pandemic.

Living with Blindness during a Pandemic by Jacquie Wasney

Living with blindness during a pandemic presents some interesting challenges, especially when it comes to the basic health measures of physical distancing, mask wearing and hand sanitizing. My white cane helps with physical distancing somewhat, especially when I sweep my path. Nonetheless, some people are not familiar with the purpose of a white cane so I have to be extra careful that I do not get too close to others. For this reason, I am still a little reluctant to use public transit.

The nature of my eye disease, retinitis pigmentosa, means that my peripheral vision is very poor. Masks that have good coverage can limit downward peripheral vision and thus slow mobility especially in unfamiliar surroundings.

I have only walked into two hand-sanitizing stations! Now when I go somewhere new, I 
always begin by asking for help. This removes the stress of not seeing signs, floor arrows and markings, or clear plastic protective shields. People have been very kind, patient, and flexible in helping me access what I need. This has made a world of difference.

Finally, I really like the online meetings and events offered by Reaching E-Quality Employment Services (REES). Additionally, I have been able to attend a conference from Toronto and an annual meeting from the UK. These events would have been out of reach if I had to pay travel costs. It is also nice to participate from a completely familiar setting!

My Experience during COVID-19 Shutdown as a Disabled Person by a client of REES

I have had difficulty with accessing services due to social distancing protocols. For example, social distancing and the allowing fewer people into stores can create long lineups, which are difficult for me and others to stand in for long periods of time. While grocery shopping, some products are hard or impossible to purchase, as they were not often available. As a solution, it would be good of stores and businesses to designate
specific shopping times for people with disabilities and be flexible in the ways they offer services. This way, I would not have to shop at 5 different stores during multiple times in a day to obtain the products or services I need. I have also found that cleaning products and toilet paper are available at office supply stores, which presents a secondary option for me to access.

The closures during the pandemic represented challenges for all people. However, health specialists have been flexible and accommodating in providing help and assistance. There have been positive changes in the way health professionals provide services, including offering online and phone consultations and checkups. I recently experienced some changes in my physical condition that were of great concern to me, and although I was not able to see my neurologist immediately, my family doctor was available by telephone to assist me.

Another concern is the impact of the shutdowns on employees with disabilities and our ability to maintain employment. For example, the COVID-19 shutdown spanned a large portion of my Federal Employment Insurance (E.I.) eligibility. At the same time, business and employers were not actively hiring employees during this period. Currently, my Federal E.I. eligibility has expired and now businesses and employers are beginning to hire. I find myself in a difficult situation, as I would greatly benefit from an extension to my Federal E.I. eligibility.

I am also aware of the importance of maintaining safe and accessible public transit. For anyone who uses public transit these days, you are left to question, “Who else is riding on this bus? Are they symptomatic? Is everyone wearing a mask, and if so, properly?” Routine cleaning practices for buses and taxis would also help ensure people stay safe.

Community Training, Events, Funding, & Resources

Disability & Work in Canada Conference - Centre for Research on Work Disability Policy                                                                                                                                                                                     

The conference will be held virtually on November 25 to 26 and December 1 to 2, 2020, 12:30pm – 3:30pm ET.

The theme for this year’s conference is the “Strategy in Action—Pathways and Impacts,” with subthemes for each day as follows:

• Wednesday November 25, 2020 from 12:30 to 3:30 p.m. EDT – The Big Picture--Challenges and Opportunities
• Thursday November 26, 2020 from 12:30 to 3:30 p.m. EDT – Progress in the Workplace
• Tuesday December 1, 2020 from 12:30 to 3:30 p.m. EDT – Strengthening Supports for Workers
• Wednesday December 2, 2020 from 12:30 to 3:30 p.m. EDT – Moving Forward Together

Register for the conference at DWC2020 registration website. For more information about the conference, visit https://www.crwdp.ca/en/annual-conference-2020-disability-and-work-canada.

Bridge Disability Expo -– March of Dimes Canada 

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Disabilities Issues Office
630 - 240 Graham Avenue
Winnipeg MB R3C 0J7 
Phone: 204-945-7613
Toll free: 1-800-282-8069, ext. 7613 
Email: dio@gov.mb.ca

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