This event brought together wheelchair users to discuss wheelchair accessible housing in Metro Vancouver and provide feedback on a housing guide created by the event organizer, who is also a wheelchair user. The event was specifically designed to be accessible; hosting virtually allowed for covid-safety and attendance by those who have trouble leaving home. The event also accommodated diverse dietary restrictions by letting participants order their own food with grant money. Finally, the event had ASL interpreting available.
To prepare for the event, I created a flyer using Canva, a website via Weebly, a sign-up page via Humanitix, and a new Instagram page. I spread awareness of the event by sharing my flyer on several Facebook groups related to disability in Vancouver and with my local neighbourhood group. I also tagged various mobility and community related organizations in my Instagram post. Seven people RSVPed, although several ended up being unable to attend. One challenge was that a participant requested ASL interpreting, and I needed to find an ASL interpreter on short notice, which I hadn’t done before.
Four wheelchair users participated in the event, and several others shared their ideas in writing. The conversation flowed freely once we got started, and although I had discussion questions prepared, we didn’t need them. We discussed challenges to finding housing, how accessibility isn’t only about the inside of a home but also the surrounding environment, and logistical challenges faced when moving, such as the cost of movers and transferring home health services. We also brainstormed tips for other wheelchair users to have successful moves. Everyone learned a lot and many tips were added to the housing guide.
The outcome of this event is a 15-page guide about How To Find Wheelchair Accessible Housing in Metro Vancouver. The guide was shared with relevant housing organizations and is linked from the Spinal Cord Injury BC website. The guide was also shared on Facebook. It is available to view here: https://chronicallydreamingofsun.weebly.com/accessible-housing-in-vancouver.html
