Former Ontario Lieutenant Governor David Onley was laid to rest this week. Mr. Onley was well known to Ontario, and in particular GTA, television viewers for many years on City TV back in the 70s through the early 2000s. As an occasional viewer of City TV I knew his name but was unaware he had a disability or used some type of mobility device. As a non-disabled person at that time it likely would have not resonated with me had I known.
However, after losing my eyesight in the early 80s then becoming involved in the emerging disability community in the mid to late 80s there was purpose in knowing of his television presence. Whether he knew it or not Mr. Onley made an impression. He helped to create a legacy for other people with disabilities. Mr. Onley paved a way forward, not to use his example as a cliché.
I had the opportunity to meet Mr. Onley on at least one occasion and an opportunity to catch one or two of his keynote addresses. Though he will never know, Accessibility Hamilton Alliance (AHA) exists today due in some part to his efforts, it does . The mission of AHA is to pursue accessibility in a way that meets the needs of people with disabilities, seniors and taxpayers.
The Alliance will do all it can to engage persons at the highest levels of government, business, and education whether elected or otherwise in an effort to impress upon those in charge the importance of accessibility for the good of the community and for the good of the public purse. Some of the highest priorities for AHA include transportation, outdoor dining, the presence of e-scooters on City streets and roadways, snow removal, employment and understanding through awareness and education. There are a good many issues to address across the City and beyond.
With the inspiration of David Onley at its root, the Accessibility Hamilton Alliance is well-positioned to help Hamilton to become again the beacon of accessibility across the province and country. Thank you David Onley for being the face of disability and accessibility these many years. May you rest in peace.
For more information, or if you have interest in considering issues of accessibility in a practical and meaningful way please reach out to Tim Nolan via email accessibilityhamilton@gmail.com
Leave a comment