Did You Know?

Did you know that May 28 – June 3, 2017 is National AccessAbility Week? It is a week for Canadians to promote inclusion and accessibility in our communities and workplaces, to celebrate our progress and to be inspired to further break down accessibility barriers. I challenge Brantford to lead the nation in this wonderful initiative.

We need to change the way we think, talk and act about barriers to participation and accessibility and we need to do it right from the start, not as an afterthought.An inclusive Brantford is one where all citizens can participate and have anequal opportunity to succeed in their workplaces and community.

National AccessAbility Week aims to bring this perspective to the forefront for Canadians, and highlight some of the important initiatives the government and its partners are undertaking to bring about this change.

I am very proud to say that last week NancyTomkins and Associates Implant & Denture Clinic was a recipient of Brantford’s 2017 Accessibility Award presented at City Hall. I would also like to congratulate the other recipients of this award at this event; Action Medical Home Health, Grand River Council of Aging Age for their Friendly Neighborhood ChampionsProject,The Brantford Flying Club, FreshCo (50 Market Street),M & M Food Market (North End Brantford), Raymond Knight– Founder, Pathways: Adult Recreation Therapy Centre, Dr. Raza Khan, Physician & Medical Clinic, The Children’s Safety Village, President Dr. Leo Vos.

Eight years ago I moved my clinic three blocks west on Charing Cross Street to provide barrier free services. Although Ontario legislation does not require businesses to be barrier free until 2025 I found this timeline unacceptable and decided to act.I purchased the professional building from the CAA in July 2008.After nine months of extensive renovations,our automatic doors opened to our barrier free clinic.

Whether you arrive by way of your own vehicle, Brantford Lift or taxi you can drive right in front of the entrance.There areno ramps or stairs.The automatic door permits the outside door and the foyer door to open on a relay system.You aregreeted with a warm welcoming smile from Office Manager, Teresa. Her reception desk is designed to accommodatewheelchairs, scooters or walkers. A comfortable ergonomic area is available to fill out dental/medical forms, makeappointments,payments or share stories and laughs with her.

The treatment rooms are designed spaciously enough to accommodate large scooters, wheelchairs and baby buggies.

These rooms are also large enough to treat those who are unable to move from their wheelchairs/scooters into a dentalchair for treatment.For those able to move into a dental chair the clinic is equipped with special knee-break dental chairs,which permit the patient to sit the same easy way they would in any armchair.Once seated this specially designed chairautomatically lifts the legs gently into a comfortable position to support the legs,back and neck while dental proceduresare performed.

Often buildings have barrier-free entrances but not barrier-free public washrooms. This is critical and is one room in this clinic that was specifically designed by a consultant who also uses a wheelchair. This is an essential service that provides dignity to the patients.

It is not just about wheelchairs, scooters,walkers and baby buggies it is also about those people who have other mobilityconcerns such as knee or hip replacements and who find it difficult to raise their legs on steps.People that have diseasesthat play havoc on muscle control such as Parkinson’s, Multiple Sclerosis and those who have suffered from Strokes canalso benefit from barrier free access.

Having doors wide enough to assist those needing an arm from a family member or my staff to steady them or for thosewhose eyesight is impaired and need help getting in, is also important.

It is amazing how quickly eight years has past. It has been a positive, rewarding move to welcome familiar and new smilesof all ages to our barrier free clinic.