Universal accessibility: it's in everyone interest

A word from FGM – April 2022

Did you know that, according to the organization AlterGo*, one third of Quebecers say they have a functional limitation? If we look past the clichés and prejudices, we can see that aiming for universal accessibility (UA) will wind up helping just about everybody: individuals living with a disability or a functional limitation, certainly, but also the elderly, or people whose mobility is reduced for other reasons, parents who move about with their children in tow, in fact, anyone who might have to function with some sort of encumbrance! So, what is universal accessibility then? Once again according to AlterGo: it is an environment that enables everyone to participate. Simple as that.

Obviously, architecture and urban planning are at the core of universal accessibility. That is what one naturally thinks of first, which makes sense. The design of our buildings and public spaces must indeed allow access for all. But this is just one of the many facets of UA. The ways in which we provide a service or activity, or communicate with the public – be it in the physical world or the digital universe – as well as the attitude we display when interacting with individuals who have limitations; all of this goes into achieving, and maintaining, UA in our organizations and our society.

Universal accessibility is an ongoing process

Universal accessibility is not just a checklist; it’s also a mindset we need to commit to. Through an ongoing process of awareness raising, learning and consultation, in particular, we have the power to act and eliminate as many obstacles as possible from our environment. That is the only way we can develop the capacity to truly include an important facet of the diversity that enriches our community, and is an integral part of it.

Luckily, the team at AlterGo do not have to go it alone in this endeavour. A number of leaders and organizations are hard at work, showing our community the way towards integrating all of its constituents and helping them to flourish, regardless of limitations. In this newsletter, you’ll find out about some of the ones FGM has been fortunate enough to work with.

Marie-Andrée Farmer
Director, Strategic Initiatives and Community Partnerships
Foundation of Greater Montréal

Photo credit : Société Logique

*According to the Enquête québécoise sur les limitations d’activités, les maladies chroniques et le vieillissement 2010-2011, the proportion of persons with a disability among those aged 15 or more living in private or non institutional households is estimated to be near 33%.