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Lynn Archdekin is Deputy Chief Commissioner of the Saskatchewan Human Rights Commission. In September 1998, she participated in a CPA development project in Costa Rica. Here is her account of that trip.
I have been a wheelchair user since 1978, when my back was broken after a Cessna 172 in which I was a passenger hit a power line while landing.
In the summer of 1998, I enthusiastically accepted CPA's invitation to act as a presenter in a development project designed to share knowledge and experience on accessibility issues with the people of Costa Rica.
I flew from Saskatoon to San José in Costa Rica on Friday, September 26. Costa Rica was lush and beautiful. Even though it was the rainy season it was still comfortably warm.
Claude Charbonneau, an architect with the Canadian Department of Public Works in Ottawa, was the other presenter. Our group also included David Hinton, CPA International Projects Manager, and Ed Bell, an equipment specialist with Advanced Mobility Products Ltd. in Vancouver.
Claude and I presented seminars on Monday and Tuesday at the College of Engineers and Architects. Claude spoke about different disabilities (mobility, sight, hearing, developmental, mental health, environmental) and about technical issues such as parking, passenger loading zones, ramps, entrances, doors, elevators, stairs and stairwells, washrooms, drinking fountains, telephones and accessible routes.
I spoke from a personal perspective on my experiences with initial injury (pain, fear, anger, resentment, depression/anxiety), rehabilitation, relationships (family, friends, co-workers, significant other), self-acceptance and interests (scuba diving, boating). I also outlined programs and services available in Canada.
Late Tuesday afternoon David, Ed and I visited the Colegio Santa Paula and had an impromptu discussion with some physiotherapy students regarding differing wheelchair styles, components, repair and maintenance. Ed and I also elaborated on our personal experience using wheelchairs. We were impressed with the students' interest and enthusiasm, and the fact that they stayed after classes to talk with us.
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| Among those attending the CPA
presentation of wheelchairs at the Costa Rica legislature were (left to
right) Kathryn Kostka de Tanzi, Dr. Marcia Acuna Centeno, Jenzusol and
Jorge (last names unknown), Lynn Archdekin, David Hinton, Claude
Charbonneau, Ed Bell, and Rocio Valverde Gallegos. |
People working in tourism, transportation and recreation as well as in hotels, airports, parks, and religious and commercial centres attended the Wednesday and Thursday seminars.
While Claude and I presented seminars, Ed was busy setting up 22 wheelchairs the CPA was donating to Costa Rica, and meeting with people wanting to learn more about wheelchair construction, maintenance and repair.
Late Thursday afternoon, our group attended a press conference at the legislative building where David presented the wheelchairs to Ms. Astrid
Fieschel, the First Vice President of Costa Rica.
There is much to be done in Costa Rica in the area of accessibility, from both a mobility and program perspective. Costa Rica is 20 to 30 years behind Canada in this regard. However, it has a strong political and social will to assist people with disabilities, with both organizations and legislation focusing on this segment of the population.
We were pleased with the enthusiasm of seminar participants and the obvious commitment by individuals, organizations and government to improve all aspects of the lives of those with disabilities.
I certainly appreciate the huge changes that have taken place in Canada during my twenty years as a wheelchair user, and have a great deal of respect for those in Costa Rica who are beginning to implement the changes necessary to incorporate people with disabilities into the mainstream of society.
I am deeply gratified to have been a part of this important and worthwhile project.
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