Disabled want life "without barriers" The disabled people of Whitby are only seeking a life without barriers. That was the message brought to Whitby Town Council on Monday night by Ken Thoms as the Whitby Mayor's Task Force on the Dis- abled presented its final report. Thoms told council r Vol. 11, No. 50 Wednesday, December 16, 1981 that after nine months of meetings, the task force has drawn up 110 28 Pages recommendations that can aid the town in mak- ing life better for its dis- abled residents. He made the presen- tation not only as chair- man of the task force's parking and access- ibility committee, but as a spokesman for the town's disabled popula- tion. "Please, try to under- stand the world of the disabled person," Thoms said, himself confined to a wheel- chair, "as they face each day not so much crippled by disease but crippled by society." It is often difficult, he continued, for a dis- abled person, especially one confined to a wheel- chair, to use appliances such as stoves that able bodied people take for granted. Disabled people can- not use many public buildings or other facili- ties because there is no ramp or other aid to per- mit accessibility. Even using an ele- vator can be a problem. But the worst of all is when a disabled person has to use a washroom that is not designed for them. "They have to swallow their pride," Thoms said and after getting help have "to end up with the door having to be left open." "We are faced with many degrading situa- tions." But the only limita- tions they face, are those put on them by A fire safety message from Chief Crouch By E.M. CROUCH Whitby Fire Chief Christmas 1981 is fast approaching and the staff of the Whitby Fire Department wishes the Town of Whitby citizens a Merry Christmas, Happy New Year and a fire safe festive season. To assist everyone in enjoying their family and friends at this special time of the year, the following recommendations are being presented. 1. Smoke detectors make an excellent present and do save lives. 2. Electric fuses are good stocking stuffers for adults. Make sure the five point fuse steps are prac- ticed. Step 1: Make sure each fuse has the proper ampere rating and is CSA approved. Step 2: Make sure fuses protecting wall plugs and lighting cir- cuits are marked 15. Step 3: Make sure fuses pro- tecting a heating type circuit (water heater, range, dryer, baseboard heater) are marked "D" or "P". Step 4: Make sure plug fuses are firmly screwed in the panel box. Step 5: For heavy load appliances, make sure that all "pull outs" are completely pushed "home". 3. Discard Christmas paper into one container immediately after opening the presents, and place the container outdoors. Smoking materials and Christmas paper do present serious and unfortunate conditions. 4. Do not burn Christmas tree branches or paper in your fireplace or stove. The sudden heat along with any creosote build-up in the pipes or chimney can cause a severe chimney or roof fire. 5. Burn small amounts of hardwood (maple, oak) which will last longer and have a higher heating value than soft woods (spruce or pine). 6. Oven fires do occur, but do not panic. (a) Do not open the oven door. (b) Shut the oven off. (c) Call the Fire Department, 668-9311, and explain your problem. A crew will gladly check the oven and conditions for you. 7. Use Christmas lights and decorations as recommended by the manufacturers and C.S.A. Purchase C.S.A. approved electric Christmas light bulbs. 8. Finally, a small problem to you could become a major problem for all, so please call the Whitby Fire Department, 668-9311, for any assistance for any problem. The members are pleased to help ! society. "Society is the only limitation we face," Thoms said. "We can live a normal life." And all they really want is an even break. "We want the same opportunities as other citizens and all we want is your help to help our- selves," Thoms said. "The disabled have a potential to contribute immeasurably to our community." He told council that the disabled are becom- ing aware of their rights and will begin to demand that attention be-given to problems they face. Thoms also indicated that there are many more disabled people living in Whitby than has been thought. "In Whitby alone, we have 36 registered blind persons," he said. The task force report, he added, "will answer many questions about our imperitive needs." One of the greatest needs of the hà ndi- capped is housing. "The disabled popu- lation of Whitby needs a place to live that is not an institution," Thoms said adding that a committee lias been formed to study the problem and offer potential solutions. "This is a priority," he continued. "We want you to take a serious look at this problem." While the handi- capped are willing to CONT'D ON PG. 8