Sharing with you things that are on my mind...Maybe yours too. Come back to Wrights Lane for a visit anytime! And, by all means, let's hear from you by leaving a comment at the end of any post. THE MOTIVATION: I firmly believe that if I have felt, experienced or questioned something in life, then surely others must have too. That's what this blog is all about -- hopefully relating in some meaningful way -- sharing, if you will, on subjects of an inspirational and human interest nature. Nostalgia will frequently find its way into some of the items...And lots of food for thought. A work in progress, to be sure.

16 May, 2019

STUDENTS RAMP UP A COMMENDABLE PROGRAM

Carpentry class students building a ramp for public access program. (Saugeen Times photo)

 Another in an occasional "Dick Salutes" series:

StopGap Foundation was registered as a Canadian charity in October 2013 but its roots date back to the Fall of 2011. What began as a small one-off project in Toronto has turned into a global movement.

The Town of Saugeen Shores’ Accessibility Committee has teamed up with the Saugeen District Secondary School Construction Class once again on an accessibility project called StopGap. The program is a national initiative aimed at removing barriers by providing temporary ramps to local businesses, allowing persons with mobility devices to enter the buildings.

 “This is a great program that the Town is excited to be a part of,” says Mayor Luke Charbonneau, member of the Accessibility Committee. “Working with the construction class means these teens are able to practice their skills while also learning about accessibility and the barriers people in our community face every day.” Students in carpentry class building the Stopgap ramps

 The StopGap ramps are built by the students under the supervision of teacher Bud Halpin. The entrance to each participating business is measured and the ramp is designed to fit the space. In the last three years, 20 businesses have stepped up to take part in the program and improve accessibility in Saugeen Shores.

 The students and the Accessibility Advisory Committee have distributed the ramps to this year’s participating businesses just in time for Accessibility Awareness Day, taking place on today, May 16.

 “The purpose of Accessibility Awareness Day is to get people talking, thinking and learning about accessibility and inclusion for people with different disabilities,” says Committee Chair, Maureen Crawford. “We hope that in addition to doing their intended job, these ramps help remind everyone that accessibility is essential throughout our community.”

 Note: In 1998, the provincial government amalgamated the Towns of Southampton and Port Elgin, together with Saugeen Township, to form the Town of Port Elgin-Saugeen-Southampton. The entity was subsequently renamed as the Town of Saugeen Shores.

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