Ferry accessibility questioned
Province says safety is paramount, has contacted Inclusionnl for review and advice
COD-NL raises concerns over Bell Island service
Advocates are calling on the provincial government to acknowledge and address accessibility concerns on the ferries that serve Bell Island.
The Coalition of Persons with Disabilities — Newfoundland and Labrador (COD-NL) says it has heard complaints that ferry users of the ferry service are put in “a compromised position” on the boats.
“The coalition has heard claims of persons with disabilities being injured or having their mobility devices damaged while using the ferry’s elevator system, which has a barrier that requires lifting people and their chairs up and over a lip in order to access it,” the organization said in a news release.
“We also have heard complaints that an accessibility ramp is available but not consistently being used to allow people on and off the ferry when it docks. We are very concerned about the safety risks to persons with disabilities and the ordeal they must face, which also threatens their dignity and is against their human rights.”
The coalition says Wabana Mayor Gary Gosine has been working “tirelessly” to fix the issue. Now, COD-NL is asking the provincial government to take action.
“It is the duty of the provincial government to purchase goods, services and equipment
that is usable by all residents of this province. This is public money, which should be spent on items that are usable by everyone. The feedback we have heard about individuals being lifted into the elevator or carried upstairs is unacceptable, against individuals’ human rights and shows a disrespect for people’s independence and autonomy,” the coalition wrote.
“The provincial government released an Inclusion Strategy (link: http://www.cssd.gov. nl.ca/disabilities/isap.html) based on dignity, fairness and respect, and for practices to be taking place in this province
that go against those pillars means the government is not fulfilling what they have set out to do in terms of inclusion.”
COD-NL is encouraging ferry users with concerns to share them with Steve Crocker, minister of Transportation and Works, as well as Lisa Dempster, minister responsible for the status of persons with disabilities.
“Together we must push for change around the purchasing practices of the provincial government.”
Safety is ‘paramount’
The Telegram followed up with Crocker’s office Monday
afternoon. The minister was travelling, but a department spokeswoman provided a statement, stressing: “The safety of passengers and crew is paramount on all ferries operated by the Marine Services Branch of the Department of Transportation and Works.”
She said the vessels that service the Bell Island run — the Legionnaire and the Flanders — are accessible, and noted that the Legionnaire has an accessible elevator and offers “barrier-free routes” for passengers going from their vehicles to the deck. She said Transportation and Works is working on getting wheelchairs for all the province’s ferries.
“The department has not been notified of any injuries sustained by passengers and would appreciate any issues being brought directly to the attention of crew or officials to ensure they are immediately and appropriately addressed. The service elevator, which has a lip, was used in one instance when the passenger elevator was out of service and being repaired,” she wrote.
She acknowledged that passengers are required to leave their vehicles for a crossing as a safety precaution, and added passengers who require accommodations are encouraged to talk to crew members who can assist them.
The Department of Transportation and Works says it has contacted Inclusion NL, which will assess current accessibility measures and consult with staff on the issue.
“The department appreciates the input of the Coalition of Persons with Disabilities and encourages the organization to contact the department with any concerns regarding any service provided,” the spokeswoman wrote.
“The department will be reaching out to the Coalition directly. We also appreciate the cooperation of passengers in our efforts to ensure the safety of all those travelling and will continue to provide accommodations on board vessels.”