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Building Accessible Spaces

Gallery 3: Modern Canada ⟶ Diversity and Human Rights ⟶ An Era of Affirmation and Change

Including Disability
Canadians with mental and physical disabilities and their supporters worked to de-institutionalize and de-stigmatize disability. A growing public awareness of the challenges facing people with disabilities is reflected in the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms (1982), which entrenches equality rights for all. More recently, campaigns for barrier-free policies and legislation in areas such as employment, transportation, housing and education reflect changing social attitudes toward disability.

A better appreciation for the needs and rights of people with disabilities has led to adaptations to infrastructure such as public buildings, sidewalks and washrooms. This 1982 playground design model by Ontario manufacturer Children’s Playgrounds Inc. represents early efforts to include children with disabilities in public play spaces. The model was used to promote more inclusive play structure design to municipal parks departments, hospitals and school boards.

 


Sport and Advocacy

Rick Hansen’s 1985 to 1987 Man In Motion World Tour increased awareness about disability and raised over $26 million for spinal cord injury research. Canadians also supported early efforts to organize sport for people with disabilities. The 1976 Paralympic Games in Toronto were the first to broaden participation beyond athletes using wheelchairs. The 2010 Paralympics in Vancouver were watched by millions on television and in person.

The Y Penguins

The Y Penguins is a swim team for children with physical disabilities and their able-bodied siblings in Kingston, Ontario. Members train and play together. At the age of 13, competitive swimmer Chris Sergeant-Tsonos said, “Today, I am proud to say I have a disability. I have learned that I am unique; my disabilities don’t have to direct my life. The Y Penguins give me a place where I belong.”

 


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Photo at top of page:
Hockey sledge and sledge hockey sticks
1998
CMH, 2015.15.1,2