UPEI's plan to remove designated parking spaces outside Main Building raising concerns
STACEY MURRAY The Guardian
Ann Matheson works at her desk at UPEI. She has severe arthritis in both knees but will be forced to walk across campus following a decision to remove the designated parking spots outside Main Building, where she works. Guardian photo
For Ann Matheson, the severe arthritis in both knees makes walking a very difficult part of her day.
“Every step I take every day hurts,” she said.
As an executive assistant in Main Building at the University of Prince Edward Island, getting to work has never been much trouble because of three designated parking spaces located outside the building.
But that’s about to change, as the university plans to remove the spaces in the coming weeks to help reduce internal traffic on the campus. Three staff members use the parking on a regular basis, as well as several students.
Matheson first learned of the issue in May when the university came to her about the changes. They then held public meetings concerning the issue.
Following the meeting, the decision was upheld and alternate parking arrangements were found for those involved, she said.
“They’re willing to compromise and give us a couple spaces in visitor parking.”
The solution is the opposite of what should be happening to designated parking outside the building, she said.
“They need a couple more spaces, not to take what is there.”
Marcia Carroll, executive director of the P.E.I. Council of People with Disabilities, said the organization had received complaints from those working in the building and has spoken with the university about the issue.
“We spoke very candidly about the importance of designated parking.”
Jackie MacPhail, a representative with facilities management at the university, said there have been a couple of complaints from staff, each of which has been brought to the university’s accessibility council.
She said the decision was made in accordance with several goals the university had in mind, which included making the campus more pedestrian-friendly by eliminating internal traffic. Part of that plan includes removing parking spaces within the campus.
MacPhail said they addressed the accessibility issue by providing alternate parking for those affected.
“We did do a new barrier-free parking lot off Steele (Building).”
She said the existing parking outside Main Building wasn’t available to students so the new parking will ensure all those who need designated spaces are treated equally.
Matheson said some of her students use the spaces as well so fairness shouldn’t be an issue.
On the campus, only two other buildings are located a distance from designated parking spaces but they have never had such spaces, Matheson said. This is something that Main Building has always had.
“I don’t understand if it’s there, why would it be taken away,” she said.
“To take it away is going to hinder Main (Building).”
For her, going to work is going to become much more difficult, she said, as the alternate parking is a good distance from the building.
“On Monday morning I would probably be fine. Tuesday would be more painful.”
The designated spaces were set to be removed at the end of May but construction has yet to begin.
“We’re on borrowed time,” she said.
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CJ from PEI writes: Doesn't the Province Of PEI put a lot of money into this university? They should be stepping up and making the university provide more parking for those who need it. This is ridiculous, trading the rights of the disabled for what? I hope somebody does the right thing and makes the university do the right and moral thing.
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Former student from Halifax, NS writes: Why can this employee not Use one of the other designated Handicapped spaces Provided on campus ? Just because it is not at the front door of her bulding is no excuse,, This is not really a
News Story
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UPEI Disabled Student from PEI writes: The whole parking system, in general, at UPEI is ridiculous. Most designated parking are still a good walk to most buildings, it's insane. I have a parking permit for a reason...
Last year they took out two designated parking spots in front of the KCI, and took their time replacing them in front of the daycare. I went to security and told them that they removed two spots and the other spots by the daycare are usually full when I get there. They essentially told me that's not their problem and that I would have to park in one of the lower student parking lots, like everyone else. I had to put up a little fight before they finally told me that I could park in staff parking while the new parking spots were put in place, and if I got a ticket, that it MAY get refunded. Thankfully, I didn't get a ticket, so I didn't have to deal with that. But they should have put the new spots in, before they took out the old ones. But they're not too bright.
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red from PEI writes: Lets call in the Ghiz, hell while we are at it lets call in Harper to help solve this issue. Apprently the Gov'ts have much more common sense when it comes to making decisions. Stacey Murray from the guardian has done 10 mins of interviews and everyone has all the facts for this story, lets jump on her band wagon and call in the troops and hang everyone involved. Common sense is not so common anymore folks.
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Stunned from PEI writes: It seems that a lot of the students and staff at UPEI are spoiled and have no idea. I have attended/worked at 5 different Universities in Canada, and UPEI is BY FAR the best in terms of accessible parking. First of all the campus is very small and it never takes more than 2 minutes to get anywhere you want to go after parking. Secondly, this article seems to have completely ignored that fact that MANY new handicap spaces (at least 15 that I know of) have been created in the past year in VERY convenient locations on campus and are have rarely EVER seen a single vehicle use them. Most of the new spaces are only 1 building away from Main building. I sympathize for those who have severe pain with every step, but the fact is, there isn't a single University that I know of that allows as much driving on campus as UPEI does. . .the current allowances for vehicle traffic on campus as actually quite dangerous to students. I am in complete agreement with the decisions to reduce traffic flow in the center of campus.
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Students from PEI writes: So here we are, back to crazy antics out of that university. Someone should compile the year’s headlines out of that place and see how it looks. Getting rid of English requirements common to most English universities on the planet, disallowing student elections, teaching students how to cross the street, building football arenas,…and cutting back on access for the University’s handicapped. The only stories to contrast with these absurdities are notices of more buildings. No mention of sorely needed classrooms or office space however.
There are disabled students who are unable to visit their professors’ offices because of access issues. At least, as a minor PR gesture, you could designate a bookable office so that disabled students could meet with their professors!? That is, if they can get to class now on snowy paths from distant parking lots! The staff members can at least resort to their union, but—once again—what about the students?
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Stephen Pate from Charlottetown, PE writes: Contrary to the promise of increased accessibility at UPEI by the prez, we get less. Of course there is a named committee to make the retro decisions so it seems fair. It's like Ghiz's Disability Services blah blah blah, the committee to justify cutting spending on the DSP.
When I was taking courses at UPEI access was pretty bad. Maintenance told me to ignore the rules. For those who think it's easy, borrow my wheelchair in the winter and try slogging through the snow from any parking lot. It's hopeless.
I get lots of email from students with disabilities who are discouraged by the accessibility problems at UPEI. Accessibility is not second fiddle to pedestrian traffic. Designating the Campus as pedestrian only sets back accessibility and shows a lack of understanding of the problem.
Perhaps Sir Wade should step down off his lofty throne and look into this. Long term plans don't help people with disabilities today.
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Empathy from PE writes: When I went to Acadia there was a program where students (can’t remember what class it was for) would experience different kinds of disability, blindfolded or in a wheelchair etc, and find their way around the campus with a mentor’s assistance. Those who took part said it was quite illuminating. Perhaps someone could organize a similar day for UPEI’s decision makers?
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paul vienneau from pei writes: moderator- for some reason my formatting was taken out, so I'm going to try and re-post, to show the places where I'm quoting, and answering. Thanks.
paul vienneau from pei writes:
Stunned is an apt description, as we shall see. Let's read on:
---It seems that a lot of the students and staff at UPEI are spoiled and have no idea. I have attended/worked at 5 different Universities in Canada, and UPEI is BY FAR the best in terms of accessible parking. ---
Just because the parking is garbage somewhere else doesn't mean we (persons with disabilities) should be *grateful* for substandard and demeaning accessibility.
---First of all the campus is very small and it never takes more than 2 minutes to get anywhere you want to go after parking. ---
Have you ever used a wheelchair or had a mobility impairment that made getting around difficult? Your 2 minutes would be alot more if you didn't have the free mobility you take for granted.
---Secondly, this article seems to have completely ignored that fact that MANY new handicap spaces (at least 15 that I know of) have been created in the past year in VERY convenient locations on campus and are have rarely EVER seen a single vehicle use them. ---
Here's where you are truly Stunned.
Just because *you* haven't seen the spaces used doesn't mean they aren't being used. And people with disabilities don't owe you proof to justify equal and fair access. You are not the arbiter of whether something should be or not.
The facts are the spaces are needed, and it is fair and justified to have them.
Not everyone has the option of walking or riding a bike to school. You should try and be sensitive to something like this before you say something as dumb as I don't see them using the spaces. Let's get rid of the spaces .
---there isn't a single University that I know of that allows as much driving on campus as UPEI does. . . ---
Not the point.
---the current allowances for vehicle traffic on campus as actually quite dangerous to students. ---
This isn't about pity and feeling bad for people who can't walk. This is about being fair and allowing equal access to the places that you take for granted. Allowing students/faculty/visitors to use these special spots isn't going to curtail anyone else's rights or threaten their safety.
---I am in complete agreement with the decisions to reduce traffic flow in the center of campus. ---
May you enjoy good health and full mobility then. For many of us who aren't so lucky, we have to rely on organizations like the university to act fairly.
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Stephen Pate from Charlottetown, PE writes: In December 2007, Wade MacLaughlin made a big announcement to improve accessibility on UPEI. Some improvement. Let's see, we'll take away what they need, give them new spots behind dumpsters and yes that's how we fix the problem. I think the Access-Ability committee is an exercise in Machiavellian management.
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Stephen Pate from Charlottetown, PE writes: It's truly sad the the PEI Council of Persons with Disabilities apparently cannot do anymore than passively talk about the needs of the disabled in this case.
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Jim from PEI writes: I've studied, worked at or visited dozens of universities across the country, and contrary to stunned's opinion, I'd have to say that in the case of Main building - which is the focus here, not other buildings on campus - the lack of vehicular access is very unusual.
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gimpy pei from pei writes: Stephen Pate from Charlottetown, PE writes: It's truly sad the the PEI Council of Persons with Disabilities apparently cannot do anymore than passively talk about the needs of the disabled in this case. Or are they going to do something?
Marcia Carroll, executive director of the P.E.I. Council of People with Disabilities, said the organization had received complaints from those working in the building and has spoken with the university about the issue.
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Stephen Pate from Charlottetown, PE writes: Thanks Marcia, I didn't know what that meant “We spoke very candidly about the importance of designated parking.”
What did they say?
Thanks for asking - I've been working on this story since I read it at 8 am and will continue to press the appropriate people as long as it takes, now that we know the Access-Ability committee is a sham. More to come.
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Gimpy PEI from Charlottetown writes: So you've done less or the same at least. Pressing people even. Good to know youre on the job.
Yes, well wait for more to come .
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FormerHR Student from PEI writes: One of the aspects of this story that is not been addressed is the right for a person with disability to work. The university should be aware of the HRSDC study done in 2006 that speaks to the challenges faced by PWD's trying to acquire and maintain feasible employment. Employment rates run between 57 and 61 percent. PWD's face usually a two dollar an hour deficit to their peers, if they are not screened out due to an employers fear of cost in ergonomics to make the work place accessible.
I am sure Ann Matheson will do her part and make her best efforts to get to work and do a respectable days work for her pay. I am sure that the university has taken into consideration that her work output maybe reduced due to increased fatigue it will take for her to arrive at her workspace. The article does not state whether she is a Union member and where their position is in case they look at dismissal because she is not producing.
WCB has not weighted in on what the consequences are if her fatigue then causes a workplace injury. Will this increase the universities yearly premiums and will that be passed on to the student's tuitions? I am sure that some one in making this process that this is good enough I am sure they can manage. Not understanding that there are PWD's that making heroic efforts and putting up with constant amounts to enter the workforce when the situation is very good. This is compared to the attitude I will hire you but you better not be too disabled and I do not want to hear you complain.
My understanding is if I treat some different because they are not the same as I am can make me a racist? Is this the case here? Is this a way for Mr. Mac Laughlin to see about generating negative press like his fellow recipient Dr. Mongantaler to see if he can still pick up his award? Time will tell. I am also sure that there are people who still are thinking how far do we really have to go for “These People”? I hope that Human rights are also looking into this.
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red from PEI writes: I am wondering why it becomes the responsibility of the employer to bend over backwards to try and appease each and every person that is an employee. I believe the University has taken and will continue to take appropriate steps to address challanges that some staff and students have. However when a very select few dont feel the resolution meets their own personal requirements then all of a sudden the Employer is taken to task for not doing anything. I believe all the complainers on here have tunnel vision and have jumped on a bandwagon of the narrow minded. Lets get a supply of respirators for dusty days for all the staff, lets get personal escorts for those snow days so people dont slip on freshly fallen snow. I am sure the University didnt not cause the disabilites to anyone but they seem to be responsible to ensure they meet every impracticle request of a certain few. I think this is more the case of if I squeal louder maybe I will get some grease.
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Stephen Pate from Charlottetown, PE writes: The cause of the disability is not an issue. If cause were an issue then all the drinkers, smokers, overweight people and those who don't exercise could be denied health or other benefits under the excuse it's your own fault .
Reasonable accomodation of those who are disabled is required by law. Taking away reasonable parking is clearly an attempt to force the employee to retire or resign which would be a form of constructive dismissal. Employer's do these kind of mean things all the time with impunity.
We are supposed to be protected against discrimination on the basis of gender, race, sexual preference, religion and disability under the Charter.
The only thing that changes bureaucracies like UPEI is shame. They don't want their names sullied by public criticism. They need good PR to attact students and even more important grants.
I suggest a protest march on the first week of school in September.
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FormerHR Student from PEI writes: This is a public institution funded with public money and the employer has changed her work conditions. There are rules and laws that can be questioned here. Canadian Labour Code Part II Human rights issues. Red you just covered the those people aspect to my comment. I am sure this individual is afraid like others in similar situations are afraid to lose a job because of health care coverage and income in order to exist. There is not some get pot of monies once you become disabled. It is even worse when it is through illness not injury. Even there is insurance for injury good luck in collecting. It is a career in itself trying to navigate that system. If she is forced to change employers and has to cancel her employers insurance when and if she is another position for benefits she might her such terms as pre existing and there for it will cost more for medications further eating away at her wage as she will pay more for prescriptions. If your solution is for Those People not to work and you wish to support more on an acceptable lifestyle the gas tax will be the least of your worries. I became disabled through injury and was not born disabled. Remember I can never again be whole but some one who is whole can become like me or worse. Help make a respectful system before you require it. Too bad there are not more people squeeking about this and i am sure this decision to go public did not come lightly. This is turning into a situation of systematic discrimincation.
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FormerHR Student from PEI writes: I have not even started on the need for learning intstitiutions to be accessible for re education when people become disabled in mid life in order to make a living. If individuals cannot it certainly will place a greater burden on the social system.
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The Dish from PEI writes: As a regular visitor to UPEI (try everyday) I'm shocked at the argument that they need to lessen traffic for safety reasons . Seriously, does the university really think that removing three spaces by Main building will make a difference. How about the fifty dump trucks going in and out daily? Or the loaders and graders? How about the summer staff that speed along in the gators with their headphones blasting? Are they going to force the cafeteria staff to push thier carts along the paths so they don't drive the vans through? Or get Shipping to deliver the boxes of supplies on a dolly? Come on! The impact of keeping these three spots far outweighs the need to get rid of them. Are there lots of designated handicapped spots on campus? Sure, but location location location. Does it do a lot of good to have a bunch that aren't where people need them? I have another friend on campus who required a spot close to her building of employment and it was a huge hassle for her and still she couldn't get one as close as she should. Is it the employers responsibility to bend over backwards ? We sure expect it for those of us who don't have mobility issues! But when PWD have issues we call them whiners and yell favoritism. I don't like walking from the parking lot to my building in the rain and snow so I come early to get a decent spot.. but I can walk to my building. So I thank the heavens, curse the uni for bad parking and trudge along because I can! But not for one second do I begrudge the several spots set aside outside my building for those who need them! Whether I see anyone using them or not, they are there when needed!
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red from PEI writes: The employer did not change her work conditions, the employer has relocated, not taken away, a parking stall that in every aspect appears resonable. Whether public or private money the issue is still the same. If she feels a walk of 200 ft is going to have a negative impact as apposed to 20 ft then I am sure the University would relocate her to another building closer. A protest or suggesting her job is now in jeapordy is not fair to try and coerse the employer to help resolve this issue. Its all about communication and it appears she has used the media as her voice and it is the wrong way to deal with it. Maybe you should ask her is she has sat down and explored other options with the University, but again that may make too much sense and you negative people will suggest they wont listen anyways. Give it a try you may be surprised.
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FormerHR Student from PEI writes: I am wondering if you missed the time lines in this story. This just did not get announced yesterday and she called the media. The requirement for the employer is `to undue hardship`. Those with a mobility issue the parking usually is a condition of employment I am unclear if that was the case in this particular occassion. Therefore change the spot you have now change the condition of employment. I do believe in self identification and for everyone to make their need known to insure that they are attempted to be met. As I also stated before this decisions I am sure did not come lightly because her workplace will not be the same after this. I will also prompt you red, while trying to patronze those who deal with theses issues to educate yourself. We speak about these issues from experience. The difference you mentioned can make the difference between going to work and not. I would suggest putting a fifty pound weight on each leg and see how challenging that is let alone getting up, getting ready for work, the distance walked while at work, going home do the same activities you normally do then at days end go to bed and repeat. It become about engergy conservations to get the most out of your days. It will also be about what she may need to subtract to earn a living. As for your last comments, try treating everyone with the same respect you expect and you might be suprised at those results too.
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kb from charlottetown, pe writes: red from PEI writes:
--I am wondering why it becomes the responsibility of the employer to bend over backwards to try and appease each and every person that is an employee.--
It's call duty to accommodate which is outlined in the Human Rights Commission, Duty to Accommodate legislation.
The duty to accommodate refers to the obligation of an employer or service provider to take measures to eliminate disadvantages toe employees, prospective employees or clients that result from a rule, practice or physical barrier that has or may be an adverse impact on individuals or groups protected under the Canadian Human Rights Act or identified as a designated group under the Employment Equity Act.
In employment, the duty to accommodate means the employer must implement whatever measures necessary to allow its employees to work to the best of their ability. In the provision of services, the provider must implement whatever measures necessary to allow clients to access its services. Unions are also obligated to facilitate the accommodation of the needs of their members by not impeding the reasonable efforts of the employer to accommodate an employee.
The duty to accommodate recognizes that true equality means respecting people's different needs. Needs that must be accommodated could be related to a person's gender, age, disability, family or marital status, ethnic or cultural origin, religion or any other human attributes identified in the two federal acts.
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The Dish from PEI writes: Red, your solution is to move her office? Do you know how much more difficult that would be? She is an executive assistant... that means she is helping other people in the building she is currently in. Boy talk about cost... and spacing is already an issue on campus! Not to mention the impact on those then who depend on her to help with their daily runnings...
As for the resonable aspect of removing the parking spaces it would make less impact to leave them. No cost to that idea. Students at UPEI pay enough for tuition. I've spent a lot of years on campus and am very aware of the traffic. These three spaces will make little to no impact on the traffic issue. They will, however, make a huge impact on the life and work of (atleast) one woman. Why is it such a big deal to leave them? Because someone needs it that's why! Dig the well before you need it, Red, and hope you never do!
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paul vienneau from pei writes: ----Marcia Carrol is not gimp apparently according to her email but still has no word on what the Council is going to do about this. ----
I'm sorry, but I don't know what this has to do with the subject of lessening equal access to the University, though the university takes public money.
Should Marcia have a disability to work on our behalf, or is there some litmus test for who who may contribute to advocacy?
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Stephen Pate from Charlottetown, PE writes: Paul,
Whether the executive director or anyone has a disability is not on topic here but it's a good question: why does the Council refuse to increase the number of people with disabilities that it hires? Does the Council agree its good to help PWD find employment but just not with them?
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FormerHR Student from PEI writes: And we were doing so well up until now. Separating or spliting issues for personal agendas does this woman no help infact hurts her more than anything else. Those who choose not to understand or not to educate themselves see this as the opportunity to just walk away because we as a community cannot agree. If you want to discuss this amonst the community feel free. This is in my opinion inappropiate as it another topic onto itself.
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paul vienneau from pei writes: ----Stephen Pate from Charlottetown, PE writes: Paul,
Whether the executive director or anyone has a disability is not on topic here but it's a good question: why does the Council refuse to increase the number of people with disabilities that it hires? Does the Council agree its good to help PWD find employment but just not with them? ----
Stephen,
You're agreeing with yourself. I never said it was a good question, you did. You were also the first to bring up the CoD, with some rhetorical question. I asked what the point of the question was, and isn't the argument here with UPEI, and not the CoD? So you addressed your own off-topic post, not mine.
And as someone on the board of the CoD, I know that people with disabilities did apply (did you?) for the job, but the best person for the job was hired, instead of hinging employment on having a disability.
I also know for a fact that several good potential applicants refused to apply because of their fear of their non-disability being made an issue, as opposed to what the real issues are. I don't blame them.
I personally don't care if the head of the organization has a disability. I care that they are qualified, sensitive to the issues and have a sincere wish for change. Discluding people based on our own agendas isn't going to serve anyone but our personal agendas, which is counterproductive and distracts us from actual issues.
Having met Marcia I can vouch that she is sincere and capable, and since she has only recently taken the position, I think she deserves to have some time to get in there and 'kick butt'.
But that's only me.
and btw, this thread isn't about the CoD, it's about UPEI, so if you don't mind I'll address that from now on, instead of being sidetracked.
Thanks.
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Stephen Pate from Charlottetown, PE writes: I agree it is a side topic so I will message Paul separately.
What is germane to the discussion is
Council Exec quoted and basically says nothing. This the the Council of PWD on every controversial topic. While they are paid to look after accessible parking on PEI, they only collect the fees. They won't survey, lobby or advocate on this topic or any other. They are ineffectual and I don't understand why they won't do the job Islanders with disabilities need them to perform.
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paul vienneau from pei writes: It actually says the Council had recieved complaints and Marcia had talked to them. Not quite 'passive .
As the head of your own disabilities-rights organization (you should put a 'sig' with the name and your blog address so people can read your words) you obviously have issues with the CoD.
Honestly I'm not here to argue anything about what they do or don't do, as I'm not their representative. I'm a member of several groups and we all do what we can to try and change things bit by bit. In-fighting does nothing for me. Maybe you should get Marcia on this thing and we can watch you two?
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Stephen Pate from Charlottetown, PE writes: Her comments exactly were
“We spoke very candidly about the importance of designated parking.”
Wow I'm thinkin that's gonna change their minds. So decisive. Could have come from Barry Schmidl another prince of the non answer answer, but I could stand corrected and asked Ms. Carroll what she meant. He reply to me was an enigma - I'm not gimpy from PEI get your facts straight.
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paul vienneau from pei writes: -----Wow I'm thinkin that's gonna change their minds. So decisive. -----
*Yawn*.
And good luck to you with the protest the first day of school. Where are you gonna park?
-----Barry Schmidl-----
You really should get over that. I saw on your blog that you accused Barry of having a mental disorder (irrational fear of persons with disabilities) because he passed you on Queen Street and didn't want to get in an argument with you in front of his wife, who he was on a date with.
I mean this sincerely, you don't do yourself any favours with that kind of accusation.
And I'm glad you're not Gimpy .
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Stephen Pate from Charlottetown, PE writes: If you think I will be ineffective in what I do to change the disability parking at UPEI, then do something your self. Get active. Make it happen. You don't have to do what I want.
However, if you think the wishy washy statement in the paper from the Council who you represent is going to matter to Wade MacLauchlan think again. Wade is rich, powerful, a lawyer and skill speaker. I think he understands perfectly the Council means to do nothing.
Prove him wrong. Lobby, do something.
Schimdl was pretty useless and withdrawn from the disability community. I didn't accuse him of anything except not caring enough.
Read the whole article. It's more than one meeting and rude behaviour, and you weren't there.
Anyways we are done with Schmidl and good riddance.
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FormerHR Student from PEI writes: Gee Stephen maybe she could have rolled in called them names shut down the dialogue and before anything was accomplished leave. That would have fixed them. Just because you are not personally represented and people do not use your methods to problem solve does not mean that they are ineffective. The more you berate and alienate people the less representation you will receive. If you are so passionate about the CoD`s effectiveness put your name into the ring. If you do not get hired just because you are disabled then you can say the system works because in a non discriminatory way they hire the most qualified person. It will be the best person for the job for far not enough money. Is that not what we are striving for? I do not know about you but I do not want the pay cut to work there.
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Stephen Pate from Charlottetown, PE writes: I would not work for the Council of PWD. They are a dysfunctional group who do not serve the needs of Islanders with disabilities in more ways than I have space to discuss.
They have the franchise to look after disabled parking. Do they do anything other than collect money and hand out stickers? Do they make sure the police ticket people? Do they lobby for more designated parking downtown? Do the lobby for accessiblity period?
If the Council was doing their job, I would not have to lobby on disability issues. They can have the job: they just seem unwilling to execute.
If you are a person with a disability and they are looking after all your needs, that's great. I know hundreds of people who think the Council is a waste of time - not my words.
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paul vienneau from pei writes: ---Stephen Pate from Charlottetown, PE writes: If you think I will be ineffective in what I do to change the disability parking at UPEI,---
Sorry. Never said that. I never even *implied* that.
--- then do something your self.---
I do something every day, when the opportunity arrises. I'm currently playing on Victoria Row in 3 different jazz bands. I'm getting them to ramp the stage outside Confed Centre.
-- Get active. Make it happen.--
I am. I try to.
-- You don't have to do what I want. --
I'm not. I don't know if anyone is threatened by your views, but I think you're a vital part of the diability-rights scene here, along with the CoD and CPA (yes, I know your feelings on *those* guys).
We don't have to be one big rolling monolith. We're all as diverse as able-bodied society. I don't expect you to act the way I do either.
---However, if you think the wishy washy statement in the paper from the Council who you represent---
Nice dig, but I don't represent anyone but myself, and maybe my cat, Ernie.
--- is going to matter to Wade MacLauchlan think again. Wade is rich,---
A good reason to mistrust him! sarcasm
--powerful, a lawyer --
Say no more.
--and skill speaker. I think he understands perfectly the Council means to do nothing. --
In your opinion. I hope you're around for years to express it, and me to hear it.
--Prove him wrong. Lobby, do something. --
I do. I will.
---I didn't accuse him of anything except not caring enough. --
After dealing with him for 2 years I never got that vibe. Maybe it was a personality clash, instead of hating all crips. Sorry, persons with disabilites?
---Read the whole article. It's more than one meeting and rude behaviour, and you weren't there. ---
I read your blog then asked him what the heck it meant. So after hearing both sides, and taking into account your accusation of his mental illness , I don't blame him for not wanting to get in a full raging argument with you on a public street, while after office hours and on a date with his wife.
Dude, time and place.
---Anyways we are done with Schmidl and good riddance. --
You know he was a member of MENSA, right?
Sorry, I had to ask that. You made such a big deal about it on your blog.
I don't care if someone is a part of a self-described elite . I only care that they treat me fairly and respectfully. Barry did that, big brain or no.
This has been really fun. I'm going to return to my life.
To all the lurkers out there- you see we in the community of persons with disabilites are diverse and don't agree on everything.
Viva la difference!
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FormerHR Student from PEI writes: And you are helping the situation by......? I asked you to stay on topic to keep it about Ann Matheson's personal struggle and you had to make it into the I am so wounded Stephen Pate show. It is funny how you know hundreds of people when there are thousands of PWDs on the Island. You have had some amazing opportunities to be helpful and because of your own agenda it went out the window with your self centered personal agenda. How many are not returning your phone calls anymore? Your earlier words and comments were to the point and then out with the agenda. I can not use your name any where with out people rolling their eyes (not my words). You have rendered yourself publically ineffective. Get out of the sandbox until you can play well with others. Another hint when speaking stay in the I and stop talking for others.
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paul vienneau from pei writes: --They have the franchise to look after disabled parking. Do they do anything other than collect money and hand out stickers? --
Yes.
--Do they make sure the police ticket people? --
I do. I know several board members who have called the cops to get people towed and ticketed. But as to actually making sure the cops ticket people, that's the job of the police. I do know that in board meetings we have talked about the need for more enforcement and that the police have said they would be more vigilant. When I see a commissionaire walking the ticket beat he/she always gives tickets when warranted. Whenever I've called the main switchboard about it they always send someone within minutes, and many times a ticket is issued.
We need to up the fine to at least a hundred bucks.
--Do they lobby for more designated parking downtown? --
We have, during the time I've been on the board.
--If the Council was doing their job, I would not have to lobby on disability issues. They can have the job: they just seem unwilling to execute. --
In your opinion. To some people they're doing a good job.
--If you are a person with a disability and they are looking after all your needs, that's great. I know hundreds of people who think the Council is a waste of time - not my words. --
They *are* your words. Often!
Again for you lurkers: this discussion was about UPEI being jerks and wanting to ditch the handicapped parking spots, under very dubious circumstances. Stephen brought up the CoD, in an off-topic and rhetorical fashion.
The last mention of the original issue is many posts ago. Illustrious Red had gone to bed, and all we have now is agenda flogging.
Enjoy your sleep tonight, Sweet Red, where ever you are!
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paul vienneau from pei writes: Dear FormerHRStudent,
Are *you* a member of MENSA?
Schmidl, is that you?!
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C. Little from PE writes: My kids are not going to go to UPEI--mostly because I no longer believe in the education they would get there. This kind of story is just a stark reminder of how skewed the current priorities are. How much is being spent on the grounds in the centre of campus? How much for the football/Canada Games arena? Yet they nickel and dime the handicapped for real estate equal to three parked cars? Unbelievable. Imagine how this story would have read had it been about real action to include handicapped faculty and students. If the President really is worthy of his Order of Canada, he should reverse this and plan to do more to create an inclusive campus. Lead the way, make it a place about education again—on all levels. Then I’d be happy to send my kids there, as I had once planned to…
Sorry for wading into the topic so late.
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Emily from PEI writes: As a current UPEI student, I hate having to walk around campus and having to be careful that a large van or truck does not hit me. I like how they want to reduce the vehicles driving around the campus. Yes UPEI is inaccessible for handicap people, but where in PEI is anything accessible for the handicap?
Also C. Little, UPEI is a wonderful university. People come from all over the country and the world to attend it.
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FormerHR Student from PEI writes: Thank you Emily for validating the point. If an able bodied person can recognized how bad it is than the University must be voilating this woman's rights. If they can deny her rights which are guarenteed by the Human Rights and Freedoms Charter who is next. Will it be the next woman who becomes pregnant and they will not grant her maternity leave? Could it be the next female tradesperson who does not get hired in maintainance because she is a woman? Would your attituded be so cavilier? Welcome to the pervese world of systemic racism.
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Stephen Pate from Charlottetown, PE writes: On PEI, places that are accessible are:
Federal government buildings (most)
Provincial Government bldgs (many)
Confederation Court Mall
Zellers Mall
Superstores / Sobeys
Wal- Mart, Home Depot, Future Shop etc.
Private offices - many
Holland College - most
UPEI - some
QE Hospital
Prince Edward Home
Confederation Centre of the Arts
The Guild
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The Dish from PEI writes: Emily, you are right people do come from all over the world to attend UPEI. And for an able bodied person you can access all the buildings on campus and have a great time. However, that doesn't change the fact that there are some serious accessibility issues. I have been on campus for 15 years (as both student and staff) and seen a lot of changes. The new buildings being created are taking into consideration accessibility to different degrees. However, the older buildings still have issues.
As for the traffic, much of what you currently see is traffic from the construction that is occuring on campus, which has be on-going for years now. The vans are from maintenance, security, shipping and the dining hall staff. The gators are also from maintenance. Most of this traffic, which by the way is usually pretty considerate, is for daily running of the university. Have you ever watched how these vehicles wait for pedestrians to move before they continue on their way? Or how they consciously reroute themselves to avoid the daycare children who wander the same paths you do on a daily bases? To be blunt, these guys are going to get paid if it takes them three minutes or three hours to get where they are going, a minute or two to wait for a pedestrian doesn't make much difference to them. In my experience, the off campus traffic coming in to do jobs tend to be less considerate of the pedestrians on the path. On the other hand I have seen people intentially block the vehicles because of the belief that they own the road. Despite this, I've never seen a case of road rage happen here on campus. The three vehicles that could potentially park by Main building at a time are the least of this issue. They would come through the security gate about 100 feet away, park for their length of time and then exit through the same security gate. They are not the ones driving all over campus.
However, if you would like to continue to see your tuition increase as the university incures the expence of moving this woman's office or fighting the legal battle she would be fully intitled to initiate (not that I know if she will or not) for the sake of three parking spaces, good on you. I can't imagine too many future students would be keen on that idea however, as tuitions are already increasing far to fast.
C. Little Your assessment of the construction on campus is correct. It will be amazing when it is completed, but it is a shame the money could not have been put to use to help fix up older buildings (like Dalton hall) which are still in need of repair and have serious accessibility issues. On the other hand, please do not judge the commitment of many professors and staff on campus to provide quality education to students. The decisions surrounding construction do not come from the faculty, many of whom are wonderful, caring people who put a lot of time into their students.
I would suggest that anyone wishing to be heard by those that need to hear it write a letter to the university (as I am in the process of doing). Perhaps if Wade and the others who made this decision see the impact it is making we can make a difference.
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