It's Not Saint John's Fault...But It's A Problem

[@atribecalledowens]

Would love to hear your thoughts - could we be better at making the world more accessible to others? Don't forget - most people will live to old age when getting around becomes much more difficult. This affects EVERYONE.

[@elizabethm3477]

Enjoyed your video highlighting the accessibility issue. I think you nailed it regarding Design of commercial and residential and recreational areas to be people friendly and fully accessible for all. The unkept roads having cracks, bumps, like you said! why the bump- the sad state of the sidewalks and teeter-totter effect that happens when youre in a wheelchair, have a cane or scooter. Even fully-able-bodied persons with the poor state of upkeep of the public areas, create trip /fall hazards for everyone, and also safety-wise for children. I appreciate that you highlighted the accessibility needs. Its not just Saint John, but all municipalities that should have a better strategy in ensuring the public can access amenities wherever they choose - and not limited to having only 2 places to shop etc due to the lack of proper washroom facilities/entrance doors/ramps and railings. Have a great day !

[@TanyaRoberts-w2g]

This has been - the most eye opening video. Well done. Seriously! Shane - you are an amazing advocate - Keep it up! YOUR VOICE matters.

[@jessicabrown4017]

Silent Book Club Saint John always chooses accessible locations :) picaroons, imperial theatre, fusion east tap room have been my favorites

[@ekrajewski7]

I appreciate Shane’s perspective. I host a chapter of Silent Book Club in Saint John and it has been challenging to find accessible venues for our group to meet anywhere in the city, but most noticeably in the Uptown area. Accessibility is something our City Council, and really all levels of government need to address.

[@atribecalledowens]

Uptown certainly was difficult to experience. I wonder how the library is to access? Any experience going there?

[@ekrajewski7]

I’m relatively new to the city and tend to go to the East SJ library branch which is easy to access. The book club meets at local pubs (socialize and then read our own books for an hour). 4th Sunday of the month we meet at Picaroons. It was one of the most accessible venues uptown I could find and they can accommodate our book club-usually about 50 people attend. Feel free to join us, everyone is welcome!

[@NonieDeLong]

An important issue. Thank you!

[@atribecalledowens]

My pleasure

[@Hollywoodmd25]

Saint John is an old city but that should not deter them from making it more accessible. The uptown area is a great place to start. There is a yearly budget for curbs and sidewalks so all transitions from road to sidewalk should be brought up to proper standards. If a wheelchair almost flips over, it is also a tripping hazard for pedestrians. Rome wasn’t built in a day but this an obviously place to start for the city.

[@atribecalledowens]

Ya slowly but surely. Just hoping these things stay on the radar!

[@shaneb9224]

Thank you for this Jordan. Hopefully this will create food for thought for citizens and leaders on all levels to make accessibility and barrier-free a mindset rather than an option.

[@atribecalledowens]

Hope it reaches the right people 🙏🏾

[@NessaPhillips]

I totally agree things should be more accessible. My mother in law lost her leg to diabetes and also had strokes that limited her mobility further. She is now in a wheel chair full time. My husband and I often have to lift her to get her around. Once she had an appointment and construction was blocking off the only wheel chair entrance. I couldn't believe that! The workers at the site helped us maneuver her in and up the ramp, but it was still very eye opening. It's not something I would of known about before her situation. I would of assumed it's 2024 so everything HAS to be wheel chair accessible. It's good you are spreading awareness.

[@atribecalledowens]

One of those things that most people don't realize until they are in the situation themselves. Hopefully we can improve things for those in need as we go forward - especially with new builds and designs.

[@shaneb9224]

It's just unreal that it usually takes a personal experience for most people to acknowledge ableism as a form of discrimination. It is certainly something that sets this form of discrimination apart from others such as racism, sexism trans/bi/homophobia. Part of the problem is lack of acknowledgement from leaders from all levels of gov't.

[@todddunn945]

I hope things have changed since I lived in New Brunswick when it comes to handicapped accessibility. I worked at the University of New Brunswick in Fredericton. The building I worked in had one designated handicapped access entry. It was a nice level entry, but outside the building that door could only be accessed by going up about 20 stairs. In addition the building was three stories and the access door was on the second floor. The only elevator in the building was a freight elevator not available to the public. The university designated the level access door as handicapped access and then did nothing else.

[@matthewjosiah]

Gained lots of perspective with this one, thanks for this video Jordan and Shane!

[@atribecalledowens]

MMM

[@callmekeir4858]

Saint John could do a lot better for all of it's people, in more than just the accessibility realm but that's a whole other can of worms. Here's hoping a little more attention on the problems will help out. What Shane said about not being allowed to show his anger when fighting for his rights, that's so true of the disabled community- I had never thought about it until he said it out loud, they are quiet and polite and god, that must be so frustrating, sometimes you really just want to scream and shout about what's been done to you.

[@atribecalledowens]

Ya that comment stuck out with me too.

[@shaneb9224]

The problem is the reluctance of the city of SJ to open that can of worms and go fishin'! ;)

[@Miss.506]

:( I keep asking if the new water front will be accessible :( the answer is No, and no one cares. Just sad! The Mayor is very blind

[@shaneb9224]

The city/province/federal levels generally ignore questions about accessibility, and proceeds with the absolute bare minimum. The new Fundy Quay (Gathering Space), is missing so many aspects of accessibility, and had the right people (PWD) been consulted, it truly could have been inclusive, instead of facing the prospect of retrofits in the future.

[@margiefortune8705]

I have always loved my city and the diversity here. But most pf all from birth to 8 or 9 years of age my dad schooled us in the importance of community and playing my part in my community such as no knowing who a person is does not excuse me from lending a hand when they have a problem it was expected that we find out what is wrong and make sure I do everything I can to help. I guess you could say I was raised to use the Golden Rule as my standard.