Thread by @mirgray

All day today I'll be taking the #StopGapOttawa24hrAccessibilityChallenge ... "spend a day avoiding anywhere that is not accessible" and detail the day on Twitter as I go. So today some tweets will not be transit related.

My current home is only suitable for a person who can climb stairs. Like thousands living in a townhouse, I would have to move if mobility changed. A stair lift is not an option. No ground floor bathing or possible bedroom. #StopGapOttawa24hrAccessibilityChallenge

When my elderly friends visit the steps m are an issue, the condo does not have stair rails at front or rear doors. I'm in process of asking for permission to add them. Not clear if this will be easy or a hassle to get boards approval. #StopGapOttawa24hrAccessibilityChallenge

My next challenge is the shared garbage pads. Short adults and kids can't lift lid to bin. Plus its heavy. Totally impossible from wheelchair. Maybe paper recycling would be possible in summer. Winter area is slippery too. #StopGapOttawa24hrAccessibilityChallenge

The one block from my house to city street involves crossing street twice plus a parking lot. There is only a side walk on one side. Many cars are tall enough that seeing a wheelchair when you back out is tricky. #StopGapOttawa24hrAccessibilityChallenge

I have several curb cuts to discuss with condo board. Several are 3-5 cm above roadway or curb is above sidewalk. #StopGapOttawa24hrAccessibilityChallenge

I never use this sidewalk. I always walk on roadway as a mostly able bodied person. My issue is how trees crowd walkway and block light makes me feel unsafe at night. (Anywhere not just here.) I've pruned this tree myself some years. #StopGapOttawa24hrAccessibilityChallenge

Here is the worst curb cut. The speed bump was added 3 years ago or so. It blocks narrow curb cut. The speed bump goes from sidewalk to sidewalk so roadway is also challenging for those without powered wheelchairs. #StopGapOttawa24hrAccessibilityChallenge

So I'm now on city street. The first curb cut is damaged do to work in middle of intersection. Probably still okay. City did work to improve it last summer while working in intersection. #StopGapOttawa24hrAccessibilityChallenge

A good news bit. 3 years ago a massive cedar hedge was blocking the right third of sidewalk. In winter, it meant sidewalk plow was mostly across the grass. A new home owner ripped out hedge to put in fence. Not required by city AFAIK. #StopGapOttawa24hrAccessibilityChallenge

Fortunately my bus stop has seating for those who can't stand for long. Unfortunately all 4 routes serving the stop arrive within 3 minutes. The next local is 40 minutes later in practice. 30 minutes according to posted schedule.#StopGapOttawa24hrAccessibilityChallenge

LRT service delay announces are unclear / in one format only. "Service hold delay working to resume shortly" needs to be on internal signage which needs to be on both sides of car joins. @OC_Transpo #StopGapOttawa24hrAccessibilityChallenge

Back to my journey. As my 30 is not on schedule, wait time is 30 minutes. Normally I would walk 6 min to Transitway. Not an option for all or in all weather (its uphill to bridge) #StopGapOttawa24hrAccessibilityChallenge

First bus to pass is a 138. I can take it but then I must cross Jeanne d'Arc at 174 on ramps. The light timing is tight for me as a slow able bodied person. The island is not accessible to do this in stages (also no mid street beg button).#StopGapOttawa24hrAccessibilityChallenge

Instead I will take the 138 to Place d'Orleans for a safer transfer. 30 / 39 are often packed during and for hour after. If you have invisible disability and require seat you will be out of luck. My 30 looks like this at 9 pm at night. #StopGapOttawa24hrAccessibilityChallenge

Hey @OC_Transpo you have no plan for notifying onboard passengers about #LRT delays or where R1 service will start? #StopGapOttawa24hrAccessibilityChallenge

At Place d'Orleans, lots of seats near bus stops. But no platform tactical guidance features yet. #StopGapOttawa24hrAccessibilityChallenge

My driver stops too far from curb at Place d'Orleans. When I take a picture and say it is for accessibility project, he does better at other end. He does give me "attitude". His training may not have covered invisible disabilities. #StopGapOttawa24hrAccessibilityChallenge

So this train has been impacted by LRT issue at #UOttawa. There is no updates for deaf or hard of hearing passengers. You have to get to platform to see train delay signs. #StopGapOttawa24hrAccessibilityChallenge

I have not used #Hurdman station before so I wasn't sure where elevators are. Tactical guides are a clue but they only cover centre of stations. #StopGapOttawa24hrAccessibilityChallenge

A comment about LRT station elevators. I find buttons confusing because call button is not consistent. It also isn't always clear which door will open. Many elevators have front and back doors. #StopGapOttawa24hrAccessibilityChallenge

I have no idea where emergency evacuation point is for folks who can't use stair. I don't think I've seen a muster point in any station @OttFire #StopGapOttawa24hrAccessibilityChallenge

Since I've got a wait and my office washroom is not accessible, I'm checking out washroom at #Hurdman. In today's sunlight, I can't tell if occupied sign is lit but it should be. Door button works. #StopGapOttawa24hrAccessibilityChallenge

LRT elevator direction indicator is beside top of door. At stations with 3 levels, like Blair, many people don't see them which causes crowding when people arrive at wrong floor. Better design is placement just above waist height. #StopGapOttawa24hrAccessibilityChallenge

R1 stop placement is either unsigned or moving target. It keeps moves down platform as more people gather. (Not enough ambassadors here.) I'm not sure if there is any support for those who can't stand in line. #StopGapOttawa24hrAccessibilityChallenge

As this is a seniors ride-free day, there are numerous seniors impacted. Some have joined me in watching R1 bus loading process. #StopGapOttawa24hrAccessibilityChallenge

And as I am about to board R1 (after crowd cleared), train service west resumes. So back I go. #StopGapOttawa24hrAccessibilityChallenge

Another elevator variant. #StopGapOttawa24hrAccessibilityChallenge

Since I am pretending I am both mobility and visually impaired, I should mention, that with #Hurdman stopover, I lost track of my stop count and missed my station. Loud conversation drowned out announcements. So up over and back I go. #StopGapOttawa24hrAccessibilityChallenge

Several stations need better signage about where elevators are as placement varies. Signage on walls would help. I am 5 feet from an elevator which is behind me. Can you stop sign to either elevator? #StopGapOttawa24hrAccessibilityChallenge

Parliament elevators was confusing for sighted person. It has doors on left & front. So button placement is odd. Why buttons inside at all? Elevator will move but doesn't open doors at its destination if no button pushed. #badUX #StopGapOttawa24hrAccessibilityChallenge

Parliament elevator pic #StopGapOttawa24hrAccessibilityChallenge

Omg. Yet another elevator call button design. This is inconsistency within the same LRT station.

Oh, my, this was not the elevator exit I expected. I find Rideau's two unconnected mezzanine levels confusing. I'd have to go down, though fare gate, down to track, over, up to different mezzanine & up. I'll try to cross Rideau instead. #StopGapOttawa24hrAccessibilityChallenge

So main Rideau entrance has door opener on far side only. Many wheelchair people come to @CFRideauCentre so it's odd both sides aren't powered in case of outage. #StopGapOttawa24hrAccessibilityChallenge

Rideau is better than it was a few weeks back as many cracks and bumps got asphalt filling. #StopGapOttawa24hrAccessibilityChallenge

Access is doable but today is garbage day so bins to go around. There are two signs and people to navigate. #StopGapOttawa24hrAccessibilityChallenge

STO needs bus stop sign post since OCTranspo can't / won't share signage. I don't know why @OC_Transpo has place post exactly there. It was worse before platform was widened. I hope @MathieuFleury has issue for upcoming street makeover. #StopGapOttawa24hrAccessibilityChallenge

So my trip continues on @STOGatineau bus (es). I love their front door design. They have an extra 3 inch door the driver can open when wider door is required. #StopGapOttawa24hrAccessibilityChallenge

I hate how @STOGatineau basic bus seat plan puts accessible wheelchair seating mid bus. It is not... ideal. (Sorry, no pic) Also STO still has a very few 3 steps up buses. I hit one on my route from time to time. They are being phased out. #StopGapOttawa24hrAccessibilityChallenge

The first contraversy in my #StopGapOttawa24hrAccessibilityChallenge is the @STOGatineau bus stop at my office is not designated as an accessible bus stop. I work on the campus of @UQO. So I consider this appalling. Both shelters rebuilt in last 2 years.

Here is a picture of @STOGatineau stop at Tache and Cooperation. The terrible pavement is less than 3 years old. #StopGapOttawa24hrAccessibilityChallenge

I was worried my office building was going to fail. But after a 20 sec wait, the door opener worked. Same odd timing delay on inner door. #StopGapOttawa24hrAccessibilityChallenge

Here is the second contraversy of my #StopGapOttawa24hrAccessibilityChallenge. This building has no women's or men's washroom with a door opener. Oddly alternate floors do have accessible stalls. #FAIL I don't believe there is a ungendered or accessible washroom in building.

And finally I am at my office. It's accessible and has no grip required handle. (There are too many chairs because my team has quick meetings here.) #StopGapOttawa24hrAccessibilityChallenge

I wish I didn't need to go to the bathroom. I am sure there is one accessible washroom in adjoining buildings but I can't think where. The other washroom I use near cafeteria is not accessible either. @UQO where your washrooms at? #StopGapOttawa24hrAccessibilityChallenge

So I just freaked out a grandma and toddler in an elevator who were facing wrong way and waiting for wall blocked door to open. This elevator at #Rideau has floor buttons only at one door. This is the other door. #StopGapOttawa24hrAccessibilityChallenge

Last #StopGapOttawa24hrAccessibilityChallenge washroom comment for the moment. The Hurdman washroom looks good to me for accessibility. But finding the flush button defeated previous user. It is also so stiff my arthritic finger was unhappy. It did not auto flush @OC_Transpo #uX

So I still have to find an accessible washroom and then I'm off to city hall for @fca_fac board meeting. #StopGapOttawa24hrAccessibilityChallenge

I feel I should note that while this 4 storey building has an elevator. It has only one. We've had a two week outage in the past year. #StopGapOttawa24hrAccessibilityChallenge

There is a ramp to next building but I admit I wonder about the grade. It feels steep. The older ramp in next building is steep and without handrails.

@uqo You spent so much money making Tache amphitheatre better. But no door opener to get to ramp, seats or lecture space. #fail #StopGapOttawa24hrAccessibilityChallenge

So more than 3,000! steps from my office building to first probably accessible washroom. But no guard rail or emergency call button. And you likely can't wash your hands. @uqo you need to do better. #StopGapOttawa24hrAccessibilityChallenge

That washroom is 4 interconnected buildings, one elevator and a ramp from my office on campus of @uqo. #StopGapOttawa24hrAccessibilityChallenge

One other washroom was marked as accessible and has wide stall and low sink. Again no door opener. This serves bar, cafeteria and main student group work area. @UQO #fail

Other washrooms I passed on my journey. #StopGapOttawa24hrAccessibilityChallenge

Other barriers I noticed on my journey. Doors, recycling, abandoned furniture and drinking fountain. All are problems if you don't see them before hitting them or can't move them yourself. @uqo #StopGapOttawa24hrAccessibilityChallenge

I'm going to point out this branch. It was across the sidewalk to my office a week ago. I moved it out of way then. It hasn't moved again. #itTakesAVillage #StopGapOttawa24hrAccessibilityChallenge

A major frustration was the lack of accessible exits for @uqo on Tache. Only 1 push button. Most are one step down to sidewalk. I can see a bus I will miss because no door. I will see another before I complete trip to stop. 3000 steps. #StopGapOttawa24hrAccessibilityChallenge

In case you missed my morning tweets, @STOGatineau stop for @uqo Tache at Cooperation is not designated as accessible. It's not clear to me why not.
Cc @ville_gatineau #StopGapOttawa24hrAccessibilityChallenge

5 doors to building at @uqo are visible from bus stop. One (not in frame) has button to open door. There is no signage to say which door is barrier free or blocked. #StopGapOttawa24hrAccessibilityChallenge

My @STOGatineau bus takes me to Rideau to LRT to UOttawa and then a hike to city hall. @OC_Transpo your drivers could learn from @STOGatineau. They rarely pull forward unless they can get front door parallel to curb. #SeeTheDifference #StopGapOttawa24hrAccessibilityChallenge

Only 5 street lights out between Corktown and city hall. This is down from 10 2 weeks. Why part of #StopGapOttawa24hrAccessibilityChallenge? Because wheeliechicks are at increased risk of personal assault.

The Corktown bridge has a fine ramp but.. cyclists whip through here. Lanes are defined at one end of bridge and at cross walk but not alone the way. #StopGapOttawa24hrAccessibilityChallenge

Oh looky, here's a hydrant in a sidewalk. I am not sure on clearance for wheelchairs especially in winter. FYI, this is half a block from @ottawacity hall. #StopGapOttawa24hrAccessibilityChallenge

I think @ottawacity needs to do walkability audit of pathway from transit to city hall in light of Elgin construction and launch of LRT. I chose #UOttawa and walk because 5 and 14 bus route is .... challenging. Ask me another time. #StopGapOttawa24hrAccessibilityChallenge

This new door opener system at Lisgar entrance is about a week old. I like the fact we have an call for help option (which I did not test). #StopGapOttawa24hrAccessibilityChallenge

Sadly, I have a @ottawacity
city hall door floor. The inner door open button at Lisgar entrance did not open door. #StopGapOttawa24hrAccessibilityChallenge

I'm sorry #StopGapOttawa24hrAccessibilityChallenge peeps. I did not walk around to Nepean entrance. The ramp and door openers were working on Saturday when I used them.

Tonight, the Lisgar elevator was working. It has been out a few times in past 6 months. On those occasions, the signage to alternate elevator was missing. #StopGapOttawa24hrAccessibilityChallenge

Finally my meeting room at city hall. I don't think all meeting rooms have door openers. Side note, Richmond Room is difficult for those with hearing issues when the @ottawacity city hall piano is in use or event is on in Jean Pigott Hall #StopGapOttawa24hrAccessibilityChallenge

This ramp is likely up to code. But no idea what is down that corridor and no useful signage. Bathroom search continues. #StopGapOttawa24hrAccessibilityChallenge

So my journey home was out Elgin door. @ottawacity signage is good when it is correct. You have a wheelchair access detour, in front of wide open double door. They were locked open at 21:30 (#ClimateEmergency fail perhaps) #StopGapOttawa24hrAccessibilityChallenge

The @ottawacity secondary signage has a tiny font. Also info is incorrect for this phase of project. Sign says this door is out of service and folks should use Elgin door. The sign was moved from Lisgar to Elgin without getting updated. #StopGapOttawa24hrAccessibilityChallenge

The same sign (I assume) is posted on Festival Plaza. As it was unlit, 2 seniors were struggling to figure detour sign. I pointed out the doors just out of their line of sight were WIDE open. #StopGapOttawa24hrAccessibilityChallenge

My former preferred route was across park to Albert Transitway stop. It feels safe most of non-snow months and has well-lit wide pathways. But mostly I take that route because it is flat. #StopGapOttawa24hrAccessibilityChallenge

When I got to Elgin, I ran into a bus stop I am fairly sure is not in service. In fact, I believe I reported it as a problem during summer tourism season. But it has updated @OC_Transpo signage. Cc @cmckenney #StopGapOttawa24hrAccessibilityChallenge

Now I am home. 3 issues. 14 route map still implies Elgin St is open. Stop 7560 is shown as having no service in next 4 hours. But if I search entire @OC_Transpo site, this stop is listed as close. #FAIL #StopGapOttawa24hrAccessibilityChallenge

People with limited mobility use @OC_Transpo tools to plan how to minimize the distance they need to walk. This is a multi-year detour. This is not a problem related to #reallyBigServiceChange. Stop has not been in service for months. #StopGapOttawa24hrAccessibilityChallenge

My trip continued up Elgin to LRT. General observations: those granite curb stones along ceremonial drive are problems at almost every curb cut. Beg buttons are randomly located. #StopGapOttawa24hrAccessibilityChallenge

We have multiple styles of beg buttons from Albert to Rideau Street. I could not trigger sounds even with long presses on some. I'm curious if @ottawacity label on how to use is missing from new models. #StopGapOttawa24hrAccessibilityChallenge

Personally I don't love the new crosswalk request button (beg button). In particular, it lacks haptic feedback when pressed. It doesn't feel like a button. It feels like a button label. It is very different from elevator buttons. #StopGapOttawa24hrAccessibilityChallenge

Here at Elgin and Albert is a picture of what's missing. Tactile path guidance, TWSI to warn of intersection, or signage to LRT. This is opposite @NACOrchCNA who should ask for pathfinding support for their patrons. #StopGapOttawa24hrAccessibilityChallenge

Signage you don't see is missing signage. #StopGapOttawa24hrAccessibilityChallenge

Did you spot it?

Look up. Look way up. It's a bird, it's a plane. Nope, it's signage to LRT.
#StopGapOttawa24hrAccessibilityChallenge

So Queen has lots of parking close to street. (Years ago, two idiots pulled me into a parked car and drove me around for maybe 10 minutes. Then the strangers apologized and let me out.) So I would not choose that path.#StopGapOttawa24hrAccessibilityChallenge

So @fairmontlaurier I was not impressed with your valet who blocked intersection and sidewalk . Please do better. #StopGapOttawa24hrAccessibilityChallenge

The next major issue was unexpected. LRT elevator access at @CFRideauCentre Is very poorly marked. #StopGapOttawa24hrAccessibilityChallenge

The sign ABOVE door says "Left to Rideau St entrance". I would consider this to be a Rideau entrance. There are 4 mall entrances on Rideau. I'd like signage on door too. The top sign is invisible if you're at the door. #StopGapOttawa24hrAccessibilityChallenge

At the bottom of big escalator, I believe the sign says exit to Rideau. So the use Rideau entrance sign here is ... confusing. #StopGapOttawa24hrAccessibilityChallenge

Here is next entrance along Rideau. It is clearly LRT related. It has ramp inside and buttons to open the door. But no signage about elevator. Is this the door I am seeking?
Narrator: No, it is not. #StopGapOttawa24hrAccessibilityChallenge

So in I go and down ramp. This pillar is clear the escalator or stairs is the way to LRT. There is no pointer here to elevator access. #StopGapOttawa24hrAccessibilityChallenge

Now I'm not a rookie. I do know the elevator access is not at this entrance. BUT first 3 signs don't hint at my problem. First ceiling has no elevator sign. Not on pillar.
There is a tiny sign up high way down the hallway where it forks. #StopGapOttawa24hrAccessibilityChallenge

The missing Rideau LRT elevator is at entrance opposite Freiman mall. I don't believe there is signage which sticks out along Rideau. I suspect Simon's entrance has no pointer to this elevator or the one across the street. #StopGapOttawa24hrAccessibilityChallenge

Now I'm off on train to Blair. I'm curious about some tactile guidance stuff. Here at Rideau, path ends a good 10 m from nearest elevator. It directs you to other elevator. I'm standing on end of path. #puzzling #StopGapOttawa24hrAccessibilityChallenge

Here is tactile path at Blair. Again a square in middle of platform. Note it did not at all align with a door for this train. I'll be curious if it is a door stop when new boarding traffic signage is added. #StopGapOttawa24hrAccessibilityChallenge

At Blair, even as a sighted person, I got on wrong elevator. At least at 10 pm, the crowd isn't upset when I ride up to go down. Direction indicator is at height of top of door. #StopGapOttawa24hrAccessibilityChallenge

Down as bus level, I don't know how a low vision person knows to turn left not right for the night stop. (I shouted at 4 seniors walking wrong way. No ambassadors at 10 pm.) I have ideas but they are not relevant to #StopGapOttawa24hrAccessibilityChallenge

For the record, my 39 was not square or close to curb at Blair or Jeanne d'Arc. @OC_Transpo please consider general info alert to all drivers. #StopGapOttawa24hrAccessibilityChallenge

At train platform, I checked @OC_Transpo schedule. I have no idea why at 22:10 on a Wednesday, the 39 would have such a service gap. When it was 95, it was 15 min service. #puzzling #StopGapOttawa24hrAccessibilityChallenge

I don't trust @OC_Transpo data (at the moment). For reasons. The bus shown as 47 minutes away was loading when I got to platform. Maybe a late bus. Maybe a trip not in database. So I jumped on. The extra walk is short and downhill. #StopGapOttawa24hrAccessibilityChallenge

If I had mobility issue, I would have to wait for my local bus. But I know the path is smooth. I reported the problems on this sidewalk, and in time, they were fixed. #weAreTheVillage #StopGapOttawa24hrAccessibilityChallenge

Finally. I am back at my door and I am allowed to do steps again. Whew. Thanks for following along. #StopGapOttawa24hrAccessibilityChallenge

@threadreaderapp unroll please