When Should Accessibility Be Considered in New Home Construction?

Living on the brink, with “an inactive volcano that could erupt at any moment” led Brad to the importance of making an impact every day, never knowing if it will be his last. His parents played a big role in developing Brad’s world view. “They did a great job raising me, regardless of circumstances. You can be whatever, the world is yours!” His wheelchair never impeded Brad from making new friends and talking to people. He went to regular public school and hung around ‘normal’ kids that didn’t treat him any differently for “four wheels strapped to my ass”. Brad has had 20 surgeries in as many years, including a massive surgery at 18 that involved having both his legs broken to help him move better, reducing the 45 degree angle his knees were bent at, over the course of a year which completed in only 8 intense months of rehabilitation. Brad had his non-negotiable goal: he would walk across the stage and accept his high school diploma. After tremendous effort, both physical and mental, Brad managed to achieve his goal, despite having just had this huge surgery. Two thousand people, friends, schoolmates, parents, and Brad’s grandfather all clapped for him as he took those symbolic steps representing hope, tenacity, motivation, resilience and strength. It was a golden memory for Brad, forged forever in his heart when his grandfather passed shortly after that day.

Brad went on to apply himself to a career in finance at the age of 21 and for 8 years dedicated himself to helping others through financial literacy. His next defining moment unexpectedly occurred in an Edmonton bar. Brad needed to use the washroom and as the establishment was underwhelmingly unprepared for any disabled patrons, the experience for his accommodation was degrading, humiliating and a wake up call for Brad. Disability needed a voice.