By Lara Fominoff @fomsy1 on Twitter

Dozens turn out for 8th Annual “Citizen Walk About” for disability rights

Sep 27, 2017 | 1:31 PM

LETHBRIDGE – About 100 people gathered on the steps of Lethbridge City Hall, many with signs of encouragement  Wednesday morning, to take part in the 8th annual “Citizen Walk About.”
 
The theme of this year’s walk “Disability Rights Across Canada,” is meant to give a voice to those with varying abilities. Gwen Rowley was one of those attending the gathering to shine a light on the issue. 
 
“We do this every year. It’s just that we feel we’ve come a long way, and this being Canada’s 150 we did a lot of research on disability rights in each province and where they were and how far they’ve come.”
 
She says it’s important that everyone have the same rights, no matter the disability or ability. That sentiment was echoed by another participant, Sandy Layton.
 
“We want to show people that we’re able. We’re able to do everything that they can do. We just do it a little differently than those that are able bodied.”
 
The event was hosted by the South Region Self Advocacy Network (SRSAN), with the help of the Southern Alberta Individualized Planning Association (SAIPA), both of which work to empower those with disabilities to advocate on behalf of themselves and others.
 
A number of current Lethbridge City Councillors, along with MLA Maria Fitzpatrick also attended the event.
 
Layton says no matter the person, everyone deserves to be included in the community, to have the right to make their own decisions, and to be treated fairly.
 
“We all have our challenges. Give us time, we can do it.”