Accessibility In Circularity

Current resource recovery and climate action goals cannot be reached unless they become a habitual part of day-to-day living in our communities. In order for this cultural shift to reducing production and limiting consumption to occur, it must allow the participation of all community members - including the 1 in 5 Canadians considered to be legally disabled. Unfortunately, waste management and accessibility advocates rarely overlap, or have perceived need to collaborate. This has led to huge gaps in how sustainability programs are designed and marketed to engage those with disabilities or living in low-income situations.

A disability is: any impairment, including a physical, mental, intellectual, cognitive, learning, communication or sensory impairment — or a functional limitation — whether permanent, temporary or episodic in nature, or evident or not, that, in interaction with a barrier, hinders a person’s full and equal participation in society.

Waste management represents a major community resource, especially for those living in low-income situations who rely on deposit returns for necessary items, and who may rely on second hand items being returned to the circular economy. Currently in Canada, more than 40% of those living in poverty are also legally disabled. So, how can we design our waste management spaces with this in mind? It only takes some small tweaks, and a slight tilt to your perspective, for these spaces to become accessible and welcoming for those with a wide range of capabilities and challenges.

Looking for considerations and solutions for your community? I'm excited to help you! Let's chat: cassidy@onlinemarketingsolutions.ca


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Tilt Relations Upcoming Events:

May 30, 2023; 1:00pm to 2:30pm
"Roundtable: Best Practices for Share Sheds & Free Stores"
Coast Waste Management Association; invited expert on Accessibility


June 7, 2023; 1:00pm to 2:30pm
"Roundtable: Best Practices For Repair Cafes"
Coast Waste Management Association; invited expert on Accessibility

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