Amazing Race to Inclusion (Image credit: CFJC)
RACE TO INCLUSION

Kamloopsians advocate for accessibility with Amazing Race to Inclusion

Sep 29, 2022 | 4:15 PM

KAMLOOPS — The Amazing Race to Inclusion was off and running Thursday (Sept. 29) morning in an attempt to draw awareness to the lack of accessibility around the city for people with disabilities.

As a kick-off to October’s Community Inclusion Month in B.C., the race aims to put others in the shoes of someone with a disability.

“The challenge gives people a tiny idea of how frustrating it is sometimes to be in a wheelchair, or use canes, or to be blind or deaf. It’s a good way for people to get a solid connection to their own abilities,” says Molly-Beth Wilson with People in Motion.

Of the many tasks in the race, teams had to use a wheelchair, or use sign language as if they were deaf, or not able to speak.

“The Includibles” team took the race by storm and say they had fun doing it.

“The race is awesome, it makes you think about how hard it is every day for people,” said one member of the Includibles.

Participants agreed that the race certainly posed some challenges.

“We’ve seen some challenges with crosswalks or even getting in this door so I think it’s incredibly important and the more that we recognize these challenges the better as a society we’ll be,” says Gail Birks, a member of the Includibles.

“Some of the doors don’t have handicapped buttons, the ramps to get up — the city hall ramp I’ll tell you that one was challenging for sure,” added race participant, Danielle Gusikoski.

Team members say able-bodied people don’t realize there are mobility hurdles for those living with a disability.

“I think that we all live day-to-day not realizing how difficult it is for those who have challenges and barriers to everyday life and I think this race really does make us stop and take pause [and ask] are we an inclusive society,” Birks adds.

“Bringing awareness to these kinds of matters is huge and being in the community and seeing what is accessible and what’s not accessible is important, I think it really changes your perspective,” says Gusikoski.

Funds raised through the race go towards the Speak Up Self-Advocacy (SUSA) awareness group to show the impacts of having less accessibility in the city.

The inclusive event provided each racer with a new perspective on mobility challenges.

“There’s only so many ways people can understand and sometimes the first-hand account is the one that will hit home to them,” says Wilson.

View Comments