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Why should people care if we can't get into an event at a dog park? Because it's not just the event at the dog park. It's the sandwich shop we couldn't get into on the way home. It's the clothing store, ice cream shop, book shop and dozens of other places we pass most days and can't get in. It's the community discussions and information sessions about issues like housing, substance use, crime and making our communities inclusive that we can't participate in. A dog park entrance is pretty simple. If we as a society can't get that right for a community event, how on earth are we going to actually make inclusive communities? But more importantly, if it gets brushed off and it's no big deal, then it's that much easier to justify people with disabilities not being able to get into all those other places as customers and employees, and it means they will continue to be left out of the important discussions. Historically people with disabilities were kept segregated from their communities. In many ways they still are. So we bark about the dog park and maybe it'll get fixed. And maybe a few people will start to understand and they'll speak up. And maybe that will lead to the sandwich shop, or the book shop becoming accessible. And maybe it'll lead to the community events and discussions about issues that affect us starting to include us. Being able to work, play and participate is not a convenience. People aren't disposable objects that don't belong if they're different. Maybe today it's about a dog park but maybe that leads to a day when a person with a disability won't have to fight just to be part of their community. So bark, woof, speak, write letters and emails, post tweets. Do whatever you can to keep making your cities and towns accessible. At some point everyone experiences disability. You'll be making better places for everyone. Xoxo Kuno ❤️🐾❤️ #InclusionMatters #Yeg @aacyeg @AmarjeetSohiYEG