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Accessiblity news: Demolish the stigma of mental illness Society is slowly coming to terms with the acceptance and accommodation of people with disabilities. But it continues to be a long, hard struggle. I can remember how unusual it was to see a wheelchair accessible washroom or ramps going into building, sights which are now commonplace. Kneeling or no step buses, automated door openers, railings, Braille elevator buttons, descriptive video and closed captioning, the recognition of service animals; all are positive reflections of changing attitudes, and all describe accommodations for a physical impairment. Society, however, is less successful when confronted with a person who has a mental illness or disability. One in five Ontarians will suffer from a mental disability or illness at one time in their life and it affects people of all ages, ethnicity, gender and economic status. These individuals have been stigmatized and marginalized. Due to inaccurate information and misunderstanding we have stereotyped ideas of what these people are like. We believe they are aggressive and their behavior inevitably leads to dangerous manifestations. A typical reaction is one of fear and rejection. Some of these perceptions have been 15 The IFP · Halton Hills, Thursday, April 19, 2012 Andrew Tutty ! g a J g a W e h T Do Massage or Yoga! reinforced by the media through characters and situations in movies, television and books. The news media can exploit this angle in their reporting. It is our pre-conceived ideas and our judgment that has become the primary barrier faced by these individuals. The effect of this may result in an individual's loss of self esteem and hardships in cultivating friendships. Isolation and feelings of being rejected are common. Additionally, societal judgments may cause a person to delay or deny the need to seek medical assistance for themselves or family. These people can face refusal when trying to acquire housing, loans, health insurance and jobs. We need to demolish this barrier through education and treat people with compassion and understanding. Andrew Tutty is a member of the Halton Hills Accessibility Advisory Committee Butcher Furniture Renoo Sale Over the winter, we have worked hard to renovate and redecorate our Orangeville location. NOW, it's your turn to tell us what you think! We invite you to a HUGE SALE beginning Sat. April 21st at BOTH locations! We hope you will join us for the GREAT REVEAL! Butcher Furniture 110 T rafalgar Rd., Hillsburgh (519) 855.4207 HOURS: Saturday 11-5, Sunday 12-5 68 Centennial Rd., Unit 1, Orangeville (519) 943.1355 HOURS: Saturday 11-5, Sunday 12-5 In order to prepare for the sale, we will be closed Mon. Apr. 16 thru Thurs. Apr. 19 LOOK on www.wagjag.com Buy together and we all win!