Description

Episode Summary:

In this episode of We Advocate, Gordon and Annie welcome Michelle Christensen and Sam Mason for an important conversation about accessibility, systemic barriers, and why Alberta urgently needs strong, effective accessibility legislation.

While disability policy is often discussed in terms of income supports or services, this episode zooms out and asks a broader question: What kind of society are we building if people with disabilities still face preventable barriers in work, transportation, communication, justice, housing, and everyday life?

Michelle and Sam bring years of advocacy experience to the discussion and help unpack why accessibility legislation is not just a legal issue, it’s a dignity issue, a participation issue, and a human rights issue.

Why this matters:

Accessibility doesn’t just affect one narrow group of people. It affects:

• people with visible and invisible disabilities
• seniors
• parents with strollers
• people recovering from injury
• workers, students, and volunteers
• anyone who needs systems, spaces, and services to function well

This episode highlights that accessibility is not only about ramps and parking stalls. It’s about whether people can fully participate in society without constantly being forced to advocate for basic inclusion after the harm has already happened.

Alberta remains one of the only provinces in Canada without accessibility legislation. That matters.

Key Takeaways:

• Accessibility legislation is about prevention, not just reacting after discrimination happens
• Accessibility affects far more people than many realize
• Alberta’s current approach is fragmented and inconsistent
• Businesses and institutions often are not trying to exclude people, they simply don’t know how to remove barriers
• Accessibility legislation could create consistency, accountability, and better long-term outcomes
• A more accessible Alberta would mean more dignity, participation, and opportunity for everyone
• The disability community must be included in the design of these systems, not consulted after the fact

Memorable lines:

“We don’t need to reinvent the wheel. We just need to bring the wheel here.”

“The harm is already done by the time someone reaches the human rights process.”

“As a society, we should be judged by how fully we include people.”

Resources & Links:

Barrier Free Alberta

Learn more, sign up as a supporter, and explore their campaign:
 https://barrierfreeab.ca

Disability Advocates

More information and podcast episodes:
 https://disabilityadvocates.ca