EQA - Education on Quality Accessibility

"Overcoming obstacles together through education"

EQA History

In 1993, a group of individuals that included disabled people, their friends, family members, and care givers, came together to discuss a common problem; accessibility. They soon concluded that while people had been spending money to make their premises accessible for some time, there was one factor that often negated their efforts. Because most accessibility projects were initiated without first getting input from the disabled people who would be using them, things often got left out or were done wrong, causing serious deficiencies.The group reasoned that if they made themselves available, as the users, and consequently the experts, to assist with accessibility projects, there would be a better chance of getting things done right the first time. From that beginning, EQA (Education for Quality Accessibility Canada), was born.

Since it's inception, EQA has been offering their services to help people with accessibility projects. The organization has developed an accessibility manual that spells out accessibility details. The manual can be accessed by clicking here: EQA Manual. It is also available free of charge, in a hard copy, to anyone performing accessibility projects.EQA also offers free consulting services to help people design their accessibility projects. Since their beginning EQA has been involved in many projects, particularly in our local Brockville area however people in Canada, from coast to coast have asked for, and used, our manual.

EQA also offers a decal, that has their logo on it and a space for up to five stars, to affix to the front doors of accessible premises. To warrant a decal the premises must meet EQA standards of accessibility. The number of stars depicts to what degree the facility is accessible. Eg. A building that is totally accessible receives five stars while less accessible premises receive lesser amounts or none.

Recently, EQA produced a video "Access the Future", which graphically depicts some of the problems that disabled people face while trying to do the routine things that most people take for granted. While it shows the problems, in many instances it also depicts the solutions. This video is now available to any individual or group and many have taken advantage of the offer. EQA is pleased with the response, believing that understanding the problem is halfway toward solving it.

Generally speaking, EQA's efforts have been quite successful although not everybody uses their services and mistakes are still being made. It is very gratifying to see our City and area so much more accessible, and to see the many disabled people who are benefitting. But there's still much to be done and EQA is ready to help whenever and wherever they can.

EQA gratefully acknowledges the
financial support provided by:

Web site designed by:
What If Graphics

Registered Charity #89003 7997 RR 0001
privacy statement