Simcoe County Museum making changes for the better
by Margaretta Papp-Belayneh, Chair IAAC

At the Innisfil Accessibility Advisory Committee (IAAC) meeting of August 28th, I had the golden opportunity of sharing my experience of visiting the Simcoe County Museum in Minising. The facility had undergone major renovations and expansion. The Museum is now more accessible to persons with mobility problems and require assistive devices, such as canes, elevator, wheelchairs and scooters.

This is really exciting news as it opens up a new world to persons with disabilities, especially people in wheelchairs to access the museum. Four years ago, the Simcoe County Accessibility Advisory Committee conducted a facility audit of the museum and many barriers to access were identified. The museum was not an all inclusive facility meeting the needs of persons of all ages and abilities.

Some of the barriers included no accessible parking, no ramps for wheelchair access, no accessible washroom, and the aisles between the displays were very narrow. But all that is history now!

The museum is a real gem of a jewel - you really have to see it to believe it! The Simcoe County Accessibility Advisory Committee conducted a facility re-audit on August 27th. Museum Curator Gloria Taylor gave the Committee the guided tour.

Usually facility audits take approximately one hour, but the museum took over two hours. Gloria had great pride in showing off their lovely modern and new facility with all of its accessible features such as ramps for wheelchairs, hand railings, a rest area in the coffee shop and patio area, wide aisles, good lighting, accessible washrooms with good turn around circumference, accessible showcases at a level that young people and persons in wheelchairs can view. There are many "touchy feely" artifacts to enhance the experience.

The Simcoe County Museum is truly a gem in our backyard!

The museum still has two barriers. The printed information in the show cases and displays are very hard to read, event by persons who are sighted, but it is a real barrier for people with loss of vision.

The technology is out there - wireless verbal cueing devices that would assist people with loss of vision, by describing the content of the show cases.

There is only one draw back and that is the lack of funding. Donations of money or technology are gladly accepted.

The other barrier is that the museum does not have its own wagon or trailer to view distant displays on the scenic grounds.

If there are any builders or developers who might be able to donate a flat bed trailer that may be converted to a wheelchair accessible trailer, it would be appreciated.

Golf carts are also needed. Please contact the museum for more information.

Moms and dads with strollers are welcome. Bring your grannies and grandpas with their canes and walkers. People in wheelchairs are welcome.