Accessibility Strathmore aiming to raise awareness for local challenge

By John Watson Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

A new not-for-profit organization has initiated operations in Strathmore, aiming to bring awareness to and work to help solve local accessibility problems. 

Denise Geremia, who has co-chaired Accessibility Strathmore, explained the idea is to spearhead discussion towards increasing accessibility options around the town. 

“When I was running for town council, I had three things that I was passionate about. At every meeting, I had more and more people coming to me, talking about some of the issues that Strathmore has regarding accessibility,” she said. “I announced even if I didn’t win, I still want to create something to start bringing some accessibility options to our town. I had reached out to Bev Bell and Denise Peterson … and we started discussing leading accessibility options.”

The first meeting of the organization took place Feb. 23. Geremia explained she wants to see access to local facilities, programs, and services be dramatically improved for those living with both physical and psychological disabilities. 

Currently, a Facebook page and email list are being utilized in order to distribute information and questionnaires targeting where residents would like to see accessibility improvements.

“One of the main things that we are hearing back is that there needs to be an accessible park for kids and anybody of any age who wants to go and have fun,” said Geremia. “We are researching grants we could apply for, and what education we need to bring into Strathmore.”

Knowing it is not a job that could take place overnight, the organization aims to influence improvements over the next several years throughout the town. 

Geremia suggested Accessibility Strathmore may apply for a grant made available by the Rick Hansen Foundation in order to increase accessibilities within respective municipalities. 

Currently, the organization is not a registered not-for-profit, nor a registered charity. None of the committee members are paid for their involvement, nor are they formally involved in municipal government. 

“There are grants out there to even just put electric door openers at the front of businesses so that they become accessible … some of the new spaces here in town are not accessible for physical disabilities and so we are hoping that we can put a fire under what needs to be changed and educate people,” said Geremia. “Everyone deserves the same rights and abilities to get to and from stores and community, like doctors’ offices and everything in town. There needs to be a lot of education … out there.”

The next meeting of Accessibility Strathmore will take place April 13, upstairs at the Strathmore Co-op, which is elevator accessible. Meetings will aim to be held every six weeks.

Between meetings, Geremia has invited those interested in getting involved to contact her at 403-608-0686, denisegeremia@hotmail.com, or through the Accessibility Strathmore Facebook page.