Despite growing urgency, Ontario has yet to implement a comprehensive emergency plan to help people with disabilities evacuate buildings safely. Over a year after a government-appointed review labeled Ontario’s emergency protocols a “crisis” situation, the province is still exploring potential solutions, like evacuation chairs and designated elevators, to assist those with mobility challenges during emergencies.
Oda Al-anizi, a Toronto resident who uses a wheelchair, highlights the personal toll of these delayed efforts. During past fire alarms in his high-rise, he struggled to get assistance, waiting for security or firefighters, and felt a deep sense of vulnerability. This experience inspired him to share his frustrations through disability-focused comics, resonating with many others facing similar challenges.
Government-appointed reviewer Rich Donovan recommended in June 2023 that the province swiftly enact protocols guaranteeing the safe evacuation of all building occupants, including those with disabilities. Yet, the internal records obtained by CBC reveal that the Ministry for Seniors and Accessibility is still assessing costs, liability, and feasibility for long-term solutions, such as installing evacuation chairs on each floor and using dedicated elevators during emergencies.
For accessibility advocates like David Lepofsky of the AODA Alliance, this delay underscores a broader issue: Ontario’s failure to prioritize accessibility for its 2.9 million disabled residents. Kate Welsh, a disability inclusion educator, emphasizes the importance of self-directed evacuation, noting that the use of dedicated elevators would grant more autonomy and dignity to people with disabilities.
Ultimately, Al-anizi and other advocates are calling for the province to consult directly with the disability community to develop clear and actionable protocols that eliminate any ambiguity in emergencies. “In an emergency, you can’t afford ambiguity,” Al-anizi said, stressing the need for swift and inclusive action.
source: Swifteradio.com
