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Taking Action on Co-op Diversity:
Disabilities and Discrimination
What's happening here?
The Membership Committee at a large co-op wanted to do a good job of interviewing for their accessible units. Pierre said "The problem is we need some people on this committee who know the issues better." Bluma said: "Maybe we could ask some members with disabilities for help with interviews. Cindy uses a wheelchair. Brian is blind. Let's ask them." George wasn't so sure: "I think that's too personal. Don't they have enough to deal with, just being disabled?"What is the problem?
The biggest problem for people with disabilities is the attitudes of others. Wrong ideas about people's abilities are common. We are still more likely to judge people with disabilities by what they can't do rather than by what they can do. In the above story, Pierre and Bluma have a good idea. But George puts Cindy's and Brian's disabilities first, not their ability to help.
Co-ops have always been in the lead in providing accessible housing. But we need to do more than provide a few accessible units. We need to make our co-ops more open to everyone in many ways. We need to learn a lot more about disabilities. For example, there are many kinds of disabilities and we can't always see the disability.
Language is important. Put the person first, not the disability. Say "a person with a disability" not "the disabled, the handicapped, the mentally ill." Say a person "uses a wheelchair" not "is confined to a wheelchair." A wheelchair is a way of getting around, not a jail cell. Say "person with a developmental disability" not "retarded." Only refer to a disability if it is absolutely necessary.
Removing co-op barriers
When we talk about barriers to people with disabilities, we usually think of access to a building. If your co-op is typical, there are probably some accessible units - but many more that are not. Co-op members who use wheelchairs may get in and out of their own units, but how many co-op neighbours can they visit? At meetings, background noise is a problem for people who have hearing problems. For people with breathing problems and allergies, smoking and perfume make a meeting or party inaccessible.
Unless - or until - we have a disability ourselves, we may not think about all the barriers. We all need to think about questions like: What kinds of things do I believe about people with different kinds of disabilities? How do my ideas affect who I am friends with, or hire, or work with on a co-op project?
Could a person who uses a wheelchair live in my apartment? Why not? What if I develop a disability? How does my neighbour, who is blind, read co-op reports? Do co-op meetings work for a person with a hearing problem? Do I avoid people who are called "mentally ill?" Why am I more uncomfortable with illness of the mind than illness of the body?
Here are some actions you can take to remove barriers:
Remove environmental barriers
- with access to the whole co-op
- including ramps to front entrances
- washrooms for people who use wheelchairs
- good lighting, no smoking
Remove communications barriers
- with large type printing for co-op information
- plain language, clear signs around the co-op
- a TTY on the office phone (telephone device for people with hearing problems which you can get from your telephone company)
- important information on audio tape and Braille, sign language interpreters
Remove transportation barriers
- by holding meetings in locations that are close to public transportation
- beginning and ending meetings on time
- arranging rides
Remove barriers of attitude
- by putting the person first, not the disability
- by learning about different kinds of abilities
- by finding out how to provide useful services
- by getting over fear and misinformation
What else can co-ops do to improve access to people with disabilities?
- Use an access checklist (from DAWN Canada) to set goals for removing all barriers.
- Provide training on disability issues for staff, board and committees, and at general meetings. Keep brochures and other resources available.
- Reach out to people with disabilities through personal contacts, your newsletter, at social events and co-op meetings.
- Look at all the barriers to participation by all co-op members. Ask what is needed.
- Ensure that people with disabilities are on your board and all co-op committees.
- Help children understand 4disabilities so they do not learn negative stereotypes.
Resources
DAWN Canada: DisAbled Women's Network
P.O. Box 22003, Brandon, Manitoba R7A 6Y9
Tel: 204-726-1406 Toll-Free: 1-877-450-9476
Active Living Alliance for Canadians with a Disability
Tel: 1-800-771-0663
24 hour housing information (416) 465 - 1309
Email: info@coophousing.com
