Saint John Ability Advisory Committee

10/31/2025

Wheelchairs don’t limit people - barriers do.

https://medium.com//freedom-in-mobility-exploring-electric-wheelchairs-in-canada-712531f4b7fb

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Image Description:

A colorful graphic titled “Myth vs. Fact” across the top in bold white letters on a blue background.

Below are two side-by-side boxes:

Left box:
Red header with the word "MYTH:" in bold black text.
The white box underneath says:
“Using a wheelchair means someone can’t be independent.”

Right box:
Green header with the word "FACT:" in bold black text.
The white box underneath says:
“Mobility aids support freedom, not dependence - they help people live, work, and move on their own terms.”

Beneath both boxes is a yellow banner with black text that reads:
“Every body moves differently."

At the bottom left of the image is the blue Facebook icon with the social media handle

In the bottom right corner is the SJAAC logo, which includes a bridge over stylized figures representing various disabilities and inclusion.

10/31/2025

The Saint John Ability Advisory Committee is deeply saddened at the passing of our Past Mayor, Ivan Court.

Ivan sat as a City Liaison on our committee when he was a City Councilor and as Mayor.

He attended regularly, listened with respect and provided the opportunities for Persons with Disabilities to provide accessibility feedback during consultations on new builds and recreation.

Our condolences to your family and may you rest in peace.

10/30/2025

At least One in five Canadians identifies as living with a disability. By adopting straightforward solutions like creating accessible social media posts, documents, and incorporating accessibility best practices into multimedia content, we can significantly enhance our impact and outreach.

Whether it’s a crucial report, video, presentation, or an email, making sure that clients, customers, and staff can access communication materials not only fosters inclusivity but also enables organizations to connect with a wider audience and grow their reach.

Statistics
40%
of Canadians with disabilities face barriers reading and understanding written materials
50%
of users with disabilities face barriers using video conferencing, social media, or chat forums
75%
of users with a disability, indicate moderate to significant accessibility issues with PDF documents

10/30/2025

No tricks — just treats, even in the rain! 🌧️🎃

Halloween doesn’t pause for puddles or chilly winds. If you're heading out tomorrow night, prep for the forecast and keep the spooky spirit alive!

Here’s how to stay safe and dry:
🧥 Layer up — costumes can be cool and warm.
☔ Waterproof gear = happy trick-or-treaters.
💡 Use reflective tape or glow accessories to stay visible.
🚶 Stick to sidewalks and avoid slippery spots.
🍬 Check all treats before munching.
🚗 Drivers: slow down and watch for little ghouls darting across streets.

Whether it’s misty or magical, let’s make it a safe and memorable night for everyone! 👻🕸️

10/29/2025

Last week, Chief Accessibility Officer Stephanie Cadieux received a personal tour of Canada’s first all-season, medium-speed autonomous shuttle, launched in Kanata North Technology Park.

Led by the Kanata North Business Association in collaboration with industry, academic, and municipal partners, it is more than just a tech milestone — it’s an exciting peek into the future of barrier-free transportation.

The Aurrigo Auto-Shuttle Mk2 is a wheelchair accessible, 8 seat, winter-ready, Level 4 electric autonomous vehicle. It will operate along a 4.5 km route with eight designated stops, linking businesses, restaurants, community spaces, and transit connections across Canada’s Largest Technology Park.

Here’s to a more inclusive and accessible Canada.



Alt text: From left to right: Tracey Godin – Project Manager of Kanata North Business Association, Sherri van de Hoef - Manager of Monitoring, Reporting and Engagement from the Office of the Chief Accessibility Officer, Errol Halkai - AV Safety Operator, Stephanie Cadieux - Chief Accessibility Officer, and Tenille Houston – VP, Public Relations & Comms, Aurrigo. They are smiling in front of the Aurrigo Auto-Shuttle Mk2.

10/29/2025

🎉 Great News, Saint John! 🎉

Retail Drive and Ashburn Lake Road are now OPEN to through traffic! 🚗💨

We’re in the home stretch! Crews are still on-site wrapping up cleanup and final touches, so please keep an eye out for signage and drive with care around the area. 🦺

✅ Full construction completion is just weeks away, and we appreciate your patience and support throughout the project!

10/29/2025

Amazing technology

10/29/2025

Make Halloween accessible for all trick-or-treaters!

They’re coming soon! There’s still time to make sure everyone gets to join the fun:
• Clear pathways and your driveway of any obstacles.
• Set up a small ramp so every trick-or-treater can reach the treats, or create a trick-or-treating station at the end of your driveway.
• Use soft lighting to guide the way without glare.
• Offer allergen-free goodies.
• Add clear, visible signs to help everyone find their way.
• Be mindful of sudden scary music, sounds, lights, and decorations. Try placing them where people can see or hear them from a distance.
• Don’t expect a verbal “trick or treat” or “thank you.” Not everyone can communicate verbally.

Abracadabra! Inclusion and accessibility make barriers disappear. 🪄



Alt-text: A graphic with the text “Accessible Halloween tips.” A ceiling lamp icon appears above the text, with a spider hanging from the top right corner and another spider at the bottom. The Canada wordmark appears in the bottom right corner.

10/29/2025

Accessibility isn’t just for some of us - it’s better design for all of us.

https://accessibleemployers.ca/resource/captions-benefit-everyone/

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Image Description:

A high-contrast graphic with a blue background featuring white and blue text in a bold font.

At the top, large white text reads:
"Accessibility Helps Everyone."

Below that, a white banner with pointed ends displays the centered title:
"Subtitles and Captions" in bold blue text.

Next, white text reads:
"designed for Deaf and hard of hearing"

At the bottom, a large white speech bubble contains the text:
"great for auditory processing disorder, ADHD, loud environments, nighttime"

At the bottom left of the image is the blue Facebook icon with the social media handle

In the bottom right corner is the SJAAC logo, which includes a bridge over stylized figures representing various disabilities and inclusion.

10/27/2025

10/27/2025

SJAAC has been advocating for new accessible parking.and improved upgraded existing spaces The city promised 5 new and or upgrades to existing accessible parking. Today I learned that these are the five spaces to be upgraded to existing accessible parking by end of 2025. In front of 76 Princess Street, In front of the Customs building on Water St (across from the Container Village), In front of 55 Smythe St
The two new angled spaces on King Square South across from the Imperial Theatre. We are disappointed that there is not an increase in number of accessible parking spaces in the uptown core. SJAAC will continue our advocacy efforts and in the meantime we suggest you reach out to your ward councillors.

10/27/2025

Access isn't just about ramps.

https://accessible.canada.ca/creating-accessibility-standards/can-asc-21-outdoor-spaces-draft/6-common-accessibility-measures

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Image Description:

A bold and informative graphic titled "BARRIER BUSTER" at the top in large black text against a white background. Below the title is a diagonal yellow-and-black hazard stripe, reinforcing the theme of identifying and addressing barriers.

The image is divided into three yellow-highlighted sections, each labeled with a bolded black heading:

BARRIER: "Counters that are too high make it difficult or impossible for wheelchair users and others to reach or interact independently."

SOLUTION: "Provide at least one accessible counter with clear space underneath for mobility devices."

IMPACT: "Ensures equal access to services, increases dignity and independence, and improves the experience for everyone."

At the bottom left of the image is the blue Facebook icon with the social media handle

In the bottom right corner is the SJAAC logo, which includes a bridge over stylized figures representing various disabilities and inclusion.