R-PATH Report: Removing accessibility barriers together
The Responsible Personal Accessibility in Toronto Housing (R-PATH) Committee works with Toronto Community Housing to identify and remove accessibility barriers for tenants with physical disabilities.
The Accessibility Program budget for 2021 was $20.1 million. This was used for planned capital projects, common space demand projects and unit modifications.
Although COVID-19 did slow down some construction, it did not stop the progress of the Accessibility Program. R-PATH and TCHC worked together to find creative tools to ensure tenant feedback was obtained on all projects, such as outdoor engagement meetings, WebEx and Zoom meetings, and mail-out surveys.
Did you know that R-PATH is a tenant-led committee which works to improve physical and digital #Accessibility for thousands of #TCHC tenants? Hear R-PATH founder and chair Cathy Birch describe this unique partnership in #AccessibleHousing https://t.co/ae07zw0wFd pic.twitter.com/vjRhsCreWW
— Toronto Community Housing (@TOHousing) January 1, 2022
The Responsible Personal Accessibility in Toronto Housing (R-PATH) Committee works with Toronto Community Housing to identify and remove accessibility barriers for tenants with physical disabilities.
The Accessibility Program budget for 2021 was $20.1 million. This was used for planned capital projects, common space demand projects and unit modifications.
Although COVID-19 did slow down some construction, it did not stop the progress of the Accessibility Program. R-PATH and TCHC worked together to find creative tools to ensure tenant feedback was obtained on all projects, such as outdoor engagement meetings, WebEx and Zoom meetings, and mail-out surveys.
Did you know that R-PATH is a tenant-led committee which works to improve physical and digital #Accessibility for thousands of #TCHC tenants? Hear R-PATH founder and chair Cathy Birch describe this unique partnership in #AccessibleHousing https://t.co/ae07zw0wFd pic.twitter.com/vjRhsCreWW
— Toronto Community Housing (@TOHousing) January 1, 2022
Unit modifications continued to be delivered, although the process did slow down at times due to COVID-19 protocols. TCHC and R-PATH also worked together to inform tenants about accessible unit modifications available for free to tenants. Modifications like lowered countertops, grab bars and roll-in showers can help make a tenant’s home more functional for their needs.
R-PATH also continued to work with the Seniors Housing Unit to ensure consistency in accessibility initiatives as it transitions to become Toronto Seniors Housing Corporation in 2022.
“We are proud of the accessibility work to create inclusive communities and unit modifications that improve the quality of life for many tenants,” said Cathy Birch, Chair of the R-PATH Committee.
The Accessibility Team at the 2021 R-PATH Committee anniversary celebration.
The Accessibility Team at the 2021 R-PATH Committee anniversary celebration.
R-PATH also continued to work with the Seniors Housing Unit to ensure consistency in accessibility initiatives as it transitions to become Toronto Seniors Housing Corporation in 2022.
“We are proud of the accessibility work to create inclusive communities and unit modifications that improve the quality of life for many tenants,” said Cathy Birch, Chair of the R-PATH Committee.
The Accessibility Team at the 2021 R-PATH Committee anniversary celebration.
The Accessibility Team at the 2021 R-PATH Committee anniversary celebration.
Each picture below shows examples of different unit modifications. The type of unit modification done in each unit may vary depending on a tenant's needs. To learn more about the Accessibility Program for tenants, visit our website (opens in a new tab).
Doorway has been made wider and there's a sliding door leading to a bathroom. This will make the space more functional for wheelchair users.
Doorway has been made wider and there's a sliding door leading to a bathroom. This will make the space more functional for wheelchair users.
Modified kitchen showing wall-mounted oven and a refrigerator with two vertical doors containing a refrigerator. The counter is an L shape and has a cooktop and a sink. There are clearings underneath both cooktop and the sink for a wheelchair user.
Modified kitchen showing wall-mounted oven and a refrigerator with two vertical doors containing a refrigerator. The counter is an L shape and has a cooktop and a sink. There are clearings underneath both cooktop and the sink for a wheelchair user.
A modified bathroom showing roll-in shower with a shower bench and grab bars. There is a tilted mirror on the wall that is easier to use for someone sitting down.
A modified bathroom showing roll-in shower with a shower bench and grab bars. There is a tilted mirror on the wall that is easier to use for someone sitting down.
Kitchen modification showing lowered counter in a U shape, there are no cupboards underneath. A wheelchair user will be able to use all parts of the counter. There is a sink and a cooktop mounted on the counter.
Kitchen modification showing lowered counter in a U shape, there are no cupboards underneath. A wheelchair user will be able to use all parts of the counter. There is a sink and a cooktop mounted on the counter.
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