Title: Accessibility Advocate Calls for Action in Halifax Construction Zones
In a heart-stopping moment on a bustling intersection, Milena Khazanavicius found herself in a precarious situation. With her guide dog, Hope, by her side, she navigated the ever-changing landscape of her north-end Halifax neighborhood, only to face a near collision with a vehicle.
As a blind individual, Khazanavicius emphasized the need for better accessibility measures in construction zones throughout the city. Expressing her frustration, she highlighted the challenges faced by individuals with disabilities when trying to traverse these areas.
The incident unfolded on the evening of Aug. 14 at the intersection of Windsor and Almon streets, where barriers blocked her path and accessible pedestrian signals were nowhere to be heard. Stranded in the midst of gravelled patches and construction obstructions, Khazanavicius relied on a kind stranger to guide her safely across the street.
Following public outcry, Halifax Regional Municipality intervened, acknowledging the need for improved accessibility and ordering remedial actions to make the area safer for all road users. Despite these efforts, Khazanavicius continued to encounter obstacles that hindered her movements, including poorly placed signage and inaccessible pedestrian signals.
Returning to the scene shortly after, CBC News discovered that the challenges persist, with barricades relocating and pedestrian signals inactive. These ongoing issues not only impede Khazanavicius’s daily commute but also pose significant risks to her safety.
In a bid to address the systemic shortcomings, Khazanavicius and other advocates with the Canadian National Institute for the Blind had previously raised concerns about the impact of cycling infrastructure projects on vulnerable pedestrians. Although initial discussions were held, the voices of individuals with disabilities seemed to go unheard.
As Khazanavicius continues her advocacy work, urging for meaningful changes and improvements in construction zone accessibility, the city of Halifax reaffirms its commitment to enhancing accessibility in construction projects. However, the gap between intentions and actions remains, leaving individuals like Khazanavicius in a constant struggle for safe and inclusive urban spaces.
With a resolute spirit, Khazanavicius presses on, determined to make Halifax a city where accessibility is not just a promise but a reality for all its residents.
In a heart-stopping moment on a bustling intersection, Milena Khazanavicius found herself in a precarious situation. With her guide dog, Hope, by her side, she navigated the ever-changing landscape of her north-end Halifax neighborhood, only to face a near collision with a vehicle.
As a blind individual, Khazanavicius emphasized the need for better accessibility measures in construction zones throughout the city. Expressing her frustration, she highlighted the challenges faced by individuals with disabilities when trying to traverse these areas.
The incident unfolded on the evening of Aug. 14 at the intersection of Windsor and Almon streets, where barriers blocked her path and accessible pedestrian signals were nowhere to be heard. Stranded in the midst of gravelled patches and construction obstructions, Khazanavicius relied on a kind stranger to guide her safely across the street.
Following public outcry, Halifax Regional Municipality intervened, acknowledging the need for improved accessibility and ordering remedial actions to make the area safer for all road users. Despite these efforts, Khazanavicius continued to encounter obstacles that hindered her movements, including poorly placed signage and inaccessible pedestrian signals.
Returning to the scene shortly after, CBC News discovered that the challenges persist, with barricades relocating and pedestrian signals inactive. These ongoing issues not only impede Khazanavicius’s daily commute but also pose significant risks to her safety.
In a bid to address the systemic shortcomings, Khazanavicius and other advocates with the Canadian National Institute for the Blind had previously raised concerns about the impact of cycling infrastructure projects on vulnerable pedestrians. Although initial discussions were held, the voices of individuals with disabilities seemed to go unheard.
As Khazanavicius continues her advocacy work, urging for meaningful changes and improvements in construction zone accessibility, the city of Halifax reaffirms its commitment to enhancing accessibility in construction projects. However, the gap between intentions and actions remains, leaving individuals like Khazanavicius in a constant struggle for safe and inclusive urban spaces.
With a resolute spirit, Khazanavicius presses on, determined to make Halifax a city where accessibility is not just a promise but a reality for all its residents.
