City of Ottawa Accessibility Spotlight - February 2023

 

Accessibility Supports for the Vacant Unit Tax Declaration

Ottawa homeowners are reminded to complete their Vacant Unit Tax declaration before the March 16 deadline. The City has set up declaration options for residents who may require accessibility-related supports, and for those without access to the internet or digital devices, such as computers, tablets and other hand-held devices: Call 613-580-2444 where an agent will help complete your declaration over the phone Call 613-580-2400 to contact the City using Canada Video Relay Service Book an in-person appointment at the Mary Pitt Centre (100 Constellation Drive) Please visit ottawa.ca/vut for more information. Information is available in Arabic, Somali, Simplified Chinese and Spanish. Accessible formats are also available, by request.

Snow Angel Program

Do you know a Snow Angel who deserves recognition?

A Snow Angel is a neighbour or friend who volunteers to help older adults or persons with disabilities improve their accessibility during the winter by shoveling and/or de-icing their private walkway and/or laneway. Snow Angels generate a sense of community by lending a helping hand. “My snow angel is a neighbour who works 12-hours shifts, and still finds the time and energy to ensure I am safe and that my steps and walkway are cleared and salted. She does not tell me or ask for gratitude. Although we received so much snow and it was very windy, somehow that path stayed clear for 2 days. I felt protected, safe, cared for and so very grateful. She works in security downtown, keeping other people safe too. I am disabled and falls for me are very serious. I am glad to have someone who is helping and looking out for me like this.” - J Wilson The Snow Angel Program recognizes these shoveling and de-icing efforts with a certificate of appreciation signed by Mayor Sutcliffe. If you know a Snow Angel and would like to show them your appreciation, please visit ottawa.ca/snowangel to nominate them. Nominations close March 31, 2023. If you’re looking to get involved and make a difference in your community, contact communitypride@ottawa.ca to learn more.

OC Transpo making it easier for people with guide dogs to travel on public transit

A decommissioned OC Transpo bus is on its way to CNIB’s Canine Campus in Carleton Place, creating a new life and purpose for a bus that once transported thousands of customers across Ottawa. After many years in service, this bus will now help CNIB Guide Dog Trainers enable future guide dogs to learn the procedures for boarding, traveling, and exiting public transit. “The Canine Campus is a state-of-the-art guide dog training centre where our dogs learn the skills they need to become partners in mobility for people who are blind or partially sighted. The decommissioned OC Transpo bus will help us to maximize our training – setting up our guide dog partnerships for success by providing a safe space for guide dogs to learn the rudiments of day-to-day safe travel with their handler," said Kristen Black, Director, Operations and Business Development, CNIB Guide Dogs. OC Transpo’s former Accessibility Specialist Kathy Riley says the bus will go a long way to help train future guide dogs, including working safely with their handlers. “It’s about inclusivity. It will provide a calm and familiar opportunity before they get on a real bus,” said Kathy, who has also been a Guide Dog walker in the past. The City is committed to providing transit services that are accessible to everyone. For more information on accessibility and how to use OC Transpo’s services with a service animal, please visit octranspo.com.