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Lethbridge Family Services to recognize National AccessAbility Week next week

May 28, 2021 | 9:28 AM

LETHBRIDGE, AB- Lethbridge Family Services is set to celebrate National AccessAbility Week, from May 30 to June 5.

National AccessAbility Week (NAAW) is an opportunity to celebrate the valuable contributions of Canadians with disabilities, and to recognize the efforts of individuals, communities and workplaces that are actively working to remove barriers to accessibility and inclusion.

Lethbridge Family Services DaCapo Disability Services Department is continually working to ensure that people with disabilities have the same opportunities’ as everyone – the same benefits, income, aids, personal supports, and environmental accommodations, which, create a fulsome life.

LFS will be sending out messages to the community on its social media platforms as a way to highlight NAAW next week.

Dianne Kotkas, Director of the DaCapo Disability Services Department, says people living with a disability face challenges throughout their daily lives.

“For many folks living with a disability, accessibility is a daily challenge and it comes in many forms. For example, navigating the community is problematic if there are no ramps to access sidewalks or pathways. Access to venues is non-existent if buildings are inaccessible and require adaptations, as well as transportation challenges if vehicles are inaccessible.”

DaCapo Disability Services Department has focused on accessible design principles at the LFS north office allowing clients to use barrier free spaces such as the renovated kitchen, new front automatic sliding doors, widened hallways, ceiling walking track, and access to the community garden.

Kotkas says LFS is working to ensure people living with a disability have the same opportunities as everyone else.

“Individuals living with a disability are members of the community and should have the same rights and opportunities as any citizen. We advocate for and support individuals to live and work as contributing citizens of their community. These individuals give back to the community by volunteer activities.”

According to Statistics Canada, 22 per cent of the Canadian population above the age of 15 have one or more disabilities, which equals about 6.2 million individuals. The November 2018 Canadian Survey on Disability Report goes on to say that approximately one in four Canadians aged 15 and older provided care to a family member or friend with long-term health conditions, a physical or mental disability, or problems related to aging.

DaCapo offers a wide range of services including Community Access for Persons in Continuing Care, Community Access Services, Community Living Services, Cross Disability Support Services, DaCapo Disability Services, Employment Services, FASD Assessment and Diagnostic Services, and Seniors Commmunity Access Services.

“DaCapo has been a part of LFS for 35 years and it has been an outstanding journey,” added Kotkas. “We are proud to celebrate National AccessAbility Week.”

To access any of these services, you can visit lfsfamily.ca or by calling 403-320-9119.

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