Citizen Walk About promotes disability awareness, equality

By Lethbridge Herald on September 16, 2022.

Herald photo by Alejandra Pulido-Guzman Members of the South Region Self Advocacy Network (SRSAN) take part in the 12th annual Citizen Walk About Friday morning in front of City Hall.

Alejandra Pulido-Guzman – LETHBRIDGE HERALD – apulido@lethbridgeherald.com

The 12th annual Citizen Walk About took place Friday morning between Lethbridge City Hall and Galt Gardens, where members of the community were able to enjoy a variety of activities. 

The South Region Self Advocacy Network (SRSAN) hosted the event in partnership with the Southern Alberta Individualized Planning Association (SAIPA) which provides resources and support to SRSAN. 

Executive director of SAIPA, Mark Davids, said the Citizen Walk About is an awareness event. 

“To bring the community together to learn about disability issues, the things that we have accomplished to bring equality for everyone, and the work that still needs to be done,” said Davids.

The theme for the walk this year is ‘How We Got Here’ meant to showcase the different stories of individuals and their experiences with disability. It highlights the success and progress they have made in becoming empowered citizens in their communities and the challenges that still exist today.

Ben Rowley, with the planning committee for the walk about, said it is fun to be back.

“It’s nice to be able to get together being able to share how we are in the community, being part of the community and how this walk helps us share that story,” said Rowley. 

Dignitaries were invited to speak to those in attendance outside of City Hall, before embarking on their journey towards Galt Gardens. 

Mayor Blaine Hyggen said that while browsing the SRSAN website he was struck with how similar their philosophy was with the basis of his decision making process. 

“No matter who we are, we all have so much in common, caring about our community and the people around us,” said Hyggen. 

He said it is a great basis for creating a better community and a better city. 

“The walk you’re about to take serves as a loud and clear message, speaking up through actions to advocate for a better community,” said Hyggen. 

He thanked them for taking those steps both physically and literally as their actions and words create a united voice for people with different abilities and brings inspiration and opportunity. 

NDP MLA for Lethbridge West Shannon Phillips said events like this allow members of the community to come together and make connections.

“Generally to each other to find common ground, but also to the community. That is how the work of active citizenship gets done,” said Phillips. 

She said it is wonderful to see how it happens in Lethbridge and how it is growing. 

After dignitaries finished talking, members of the community headed to Galt Gardens carrying signs with key messages important to creating a more inclusive community. 

Once at Galt Gardens, they were able to enjoy a barbecue, talent show, and a performance by Indigenous dancers. 

“The event is primarily about awareness. We try to do a little bit of fundraising, but we’re entirely happy if we just break even and get a chance for people to be out here together to spread that message,” said Davids. 

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