Determined Woman and Guide Dog Demand Improved Accessibility Amidst Construction Chaos
Milena Khazanavicius from north-end Halifax, along with her trusty guide dog, Hope, have been facing a multitude of obstacles while trying to navigate the streets in their neighborhood. The recent incident where Khazanavicius narrowly escaped being hit by a vehicle while crossing a reconfigured intersection has sparked a call for action to enhance accessibility in construction zones throughout the city.
Expressing her frustration, Khazanavicius, who is visually impaired, highlighted the challenges she encountered on the evening of Aug. 14 at the corner of Windsor and Almon streets. A barricade obstructed her path, forcing her to maneuver through gravelled areas and obstructions with Hope. The lack of functioning accessible pedestrian signals, coupled with honking cars and near misses, made the situation particularly harrowing.
Following complaints, the Halifax Regional Municipality instructed the contractor to ensure accessibility for all road users. However, Khazanavicius pointed out that the measures taken were inadequate, with obstacles like misplaced signs creating potential hazards for pedestrians.
A revisit to the intersection by CBC News revealed ongoing issues, including moved barricades and non-operational accessible pedestrian signals, making it difficult for Khazanavicius to traverse her usual route. The continuous changes and lack of consistency only added to her struggle in navigating the area.
Despite advocating for improved accessibility, Khazanavicius feels her concerns have not been adequately addressed. Her previous warnings about the impact of construction projects on vulnerable pedestrians were overlooked, leading to further challenges for individuals with disabilities.
In response to the situation, the city emphasized its commitment to enhancing accessibility around construction sites. However, for Khazanavicius and many others facing similar difficulties, there is a pressing need for real and meaningful improvements to ensure safe and inclusive access in all areas of the city.
For more engaging stories and updates on community issues, reach out to journalist Giuliana at giuliana.grillo.de.lambarri@cbc.ca. Stay informed with CBC newsletters for the latest news from Nova Scotia.
**Headline:** Woman and Guide Dog Navigate Construction Chaos, Demand Enhanced Accessibility
Milena Khazanavicius from north-end Halifax, along with her trusty guide dog, Hope, have been facing a multitude of obstacles while trying to navigate the streets in their neighborhood. The recent incident where Khazanavicius narrowly escaped being hit by a vehicle while crossing a reconfigured intersection has sparked a call for action to enhance accessibility in construction zones throughout the city.
Expressing her frustration, Khazanavicius, who is visually impaired, highlighted the challenges she encountered on the evening of Aug. 14 at the corner of Windsor and Almon streets. A barricade obstructed her path, forcing her to maneuver through gravelled areas and obstructions with Hope. The lack of functioning accessible pedestrian signals, coupled with honking cars and near misses, made the situation particularly harrowing.
Following complaints, the Halifax Regional Municipality instructed the contractor to ensure accessibility for all road users. However, Khazanavicius pointed out that the measures taken were inadequate, with obstacles like misplaced signs creating potential hazards for pedestrians.
A revisit to the intersection by CBC News revealed ongoing issues, including moved barricades and non-operational accessible pedestrian signals, making it difficult for Khazanavicius to traverse her usual route. The continuous changes and lack of consistency only added to her struggle in navigating the area.
Despite advocating for improved accessibility, Khazanavicius feels her concerns have not been adequately addressed. Her previous warnings about the impact of construction projects on vulnerable pedestrians were overlooked, leading to further challenges for individuals with disabilities.
In response to the situation, the city emphasized its commitment to enhancing accessibility around construction sites. However, for Khazanavicius and many others facing similar difficulties, there is a pressing need for real and meaningful improvements to ensure safe and inclusive access in all areas of the city.
For more engaging stories and updates on community issues, reach out to journalist Giuliana at giuliana.grillo.de.lambarri@cbc.ca. Stay informed with CBC newsletters for the latest news from Nova Scotia.
**Headline:** Woman and Guide Dog Navigate Construction Chaos, Demand Enhanced Accessibility
