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Wednesday, November 1, 2006 · Page 21 Workshop focuses on making businesses more accessible BY DANIEL SCHWAB Many businesses across the province are missing out on potential customers because their stores are not accessible to people with disabilities, said a speaker at the 4th Annual Accessibility Workshop Oct. 25. John Kiru, executive director for the Toronto Association of Business Improvement Areas (TABIA), told an audience gathered at Holy Name of Jesus Parish Hall that there is a lot a storeowner can do to improve accessibility and bring in customers with disabilities. TABIA has recently initiated the Accessible Mainstreet Program to assist its members in making adjustments to their businesses and make it easier for a disabled person to visit. Currently, many businesses are set up in such a way as to make it difficult for people with disabilities, Kiru said. About 3.6 million people in Canada have a disability, making them a "growing market," Kiru said. Simple changes such as establishing bathrooms on the main floor instead of in the basement can help bring them in, Kiru said. Having a chair in the store for people to sit on, or for restaurants, having menus with large print would help those suffering from vision problems, he added. Other TABIA strategies would go out of business," Kiru said. "But most of our businesses have embraced it. There are many no-cost, low-cost solutions." For now, Kiru said the goal is to continue to educate businesses and remind them they are bringing in a new market by making changes. Another speaker during the workshop, Linda Ciebien, said it's important for businesses to be prepared when someone with a disability stops in. "Many people come into a business with vision loss and aren't carrying a white cane," said Ciebien, an orientation and mobility specialist with the Canadian National Institute for the Blind. "A blind person often travels by public transit," she said. "As a business owner, do you know where the nearest public transit stop is?" Ciebien said it's also important for businesses to have walkways free from obstacles and wide enough for two people and a guide dog. Dean La Bute, a member of the Accessibility Standards Advisory Council of Ontario, said that as a blind person, he expects businesses to be able to comply with provincial standards. "It only makes sense," La Bute said. "Many disabilities are tied in with aging." 1 - 800 - 267 - 5595 cpratt@tilburychrysler.com 76 Mill St. W. Tilbury, ON N0P 2L0 Chris Pratt Large Selection of New and Used Vehicles (All Makes) "Finding you the right vehicle for the right price is my pleasure." Countryside Upholstery "For all your furniture needs" · Foam for cushions · Furniture Reupholstery · Repairs · Antique Restoration · Pick-Up & Delivery · Free Estimates 737-6720 Proprietor Tom Collins "Serving the Community for Over 30 Years" John Kiru, executive director of the Toronto Association of Business Improvement Areas, holds a guide that explains how small businesses can attract more customers by providing better access for disabled people. Kiru spoke during the 4th Annual Accessibility Workshop entitled Opening Doors and Minds at Holy Name of Jesus Parish Hall Oct. 25. The business portion of the workshop focused on providing suggestions to merchants about how to increase their customer base by making their stores more accessible. include adding wider entrance doors and ramps leading to storefronts. "While we're trying to educate, I'm sure there will still be resistance even though legislation has passed," Kiru said of the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, which passed last year. The AODA requires the province to work with both the disabled community and the private sector to form accessibility standards in the next five years. Within 20 years, the goal is to remove barriers for the entire range of disabilities, including sensory, physical, developmental and learning disabilities. Kiru said TABIA has also initiated the presentation of awards for businesses that make the most effort to comply with the new standards. "When we started, many business owners feared they $569 Starting at 35 Victoria Avenue, Essex, ON. (519) 776-8778 (In rear next to Siefker Machine) Hours: Mon-Fri: 8:30-5:30pm Sat: 9:00-Noon HELP SUSTAIN YOUR LOCAL ECONOMY... SUPPORT YOUR LOCAL MERCHANTS "Pelee Days Inn Introduces Weekly Specials!" "Every Monday is Seniors Day" Enjoy 2 for 1 entrées in our lovely dining room! "Every Wednesday is Fish Day" Featuring Pelee Fish Platter Now Open For Sunday Brunch Served from 11:30 - 2:00 Eat For FREE If It's Your Birthday Adults: $11.95 + tx Children (under 10): $6.95 + tx Seniors 10% Discount Call for reservations Toll Free 1-800-300-2696 (519) 326-8646 · Fax (519) 326-5531 566 Bevel Line Rd., Leamington visit www.peleedaysinn.com to see our menu! rte Come fonceh ie . exper re Stay fourth advent e!