This month celebrates people who experience disability, their identities and culture, and their contributions to society. The goal is to change the way that people think about disability.
DID YOU KNOW?
- 22% (6.2 million) of Canadians live with a disability
At Covenant House Vancouver*:
13% of youth identified as having a physical disability
29% of youth said they have a physical health issue
63% of youth have a mental health diagnosis
In order to better support the youth we serve, we’ve ensured that our new buildings included assistive technology, such as:
- Automatic doors that open with a push of a –button, in all our buildings
- At least two accessible restrooms in each building with grab bars, wide doorways, and non-slip flooring
- Elevator controls at accessible heights and Braille markings for main buttons
- A wheelchair lift, in office spaces
- Platform lifts in our two buildings on Seymour St. that provide easier access to our buildings
- Adjustable-height desks, in office spaces
We continue to learn how to make our spaces more accessible. Since opening the doors to our new buildings, we have:
- Installed additional automatic doors to accommodate those who have mobility issues (in the lobby at 326 Pender and for Sanctuary youth at 1302 Seymour)
- Dedicated low-stimulation spaces for those with sensory sensitivities
We hope that by offering thoughtful spaces and continuing to improve our buildings, we are creating more spaces where youth can thrive.
*Youth do not have to identify their disabilities unless they want to.