Discrimination at Wheeltrans

By Donna J. Jodhan

Well! Well! A real example of first degree discrimination right here within our own community and you can call this a real shocker. I can't count the times when someone has asked me why I do not take Wheeltrans services and when I tell them that I have been refused service because I am visually impaired, the shock is real and disbelieving! I think that many Canadians and even those living in Toronto would be truly disgusted if they were to know that the Wheeltrans organization does not cater to blind and visually impaired persons. Now, Wheeltrans can come back by saying that blind and visually impaired persons living in Toronto are blessed to have those ever-handy TTC bus passes and this is quite true but there is one major drawback to all of this.

Toronto has become a very sprawling city and in so many cases it is extremely difficult for a blind or visually impaired person to reach their final destination without having to walk some distance from the bus stop. In addition, due to very crowded and busy subway stations blind and visually impaired persons often have difficulty navigating their way around. In addition, when we go to appointments, it is too often difficult for us to find our way from the bus stop to the office of our appointment. I have put my case to the panel and their verdict is as follows:

First, it has to be acknowledged that the TTC passes are a great help to blind and visually impaired travelers but what happens when the person steps off the bus? How are they to find their way from the bus to their final destination if they are unable to see their surroundings especially so in unfamiliar territory? How are they supposed to be able to navigate the perils of winter if they are unable to see them ahead of time?

Second, it seems that many organizations including Wheeltrans do not seem to get it when it comes to the type of help that blind and visually impaired persons really need when venturing out to appointments. It is simply not enough to drop them off at the door and then say to them that they are now on their own. This is nothing but a hafast job and just a feeble attempt. What many organizations and sighted persons do not seem to comprehend is that the needs of blind and visually impaired persons are quite different to those of persons with other disabilities.

Third, it appears, and this is based on the stories related to us by several persons both sighted and non-sighted, Wheeltrans does its evaluations based on the applicant's ability to walk independently. If an applicant is unable to walk then they are granted services and if they are able to walk then they are rejected. This criterion is unacceptable and is very much biased against a blind or visually impaired person. Most sight impaired persons can walk without assistance and it is only logical to point out that persons with other types of disabilities are unable to do so; those in wheelchairs, those with walking related problems, and those suffering from various types of muscular and balance oriented problems.

Recommendation: We would like to see Wheeltrans change its policy towards blind and visually impaired applicants. Toronto is a rapidly expanding city and sooner than later most blind and visually impaired persons are going to have to start depending more and more on their families and friends to help them get to their appointed destinations. Not being able to see where one is going, to read signs or identify buildings are challenges that blind and visually impaired persons face on a daily basis. It is simply not enough or acceptable to drop a sight impaired person off at the door and expect them to magically find their way.

I'm Donna J. Jodhan, your freelance writer and reporter wishing you a terrific day.

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Discrimination at Wheeltrans