By: Guangke Dai, Communications Officer (National AccessAbility Week)
As we celebrate National AccessAbility Week (NAAW) from May 26 to June 1, 2024, we want to highlight this year’s theme, “AccessAbility is Within Reach,” by sharing the inspiring story of Dires Melikie, a former practicum student and now a volunteer with MOSAIC.
Originally from Ethiopia, Dires has been living in Canada since 2013. His experiences as a person with visual impairments highlight the ongoing challenges and triumphs in the pursuit of accessibility and inclusion.
The struggles of a newcomer
When Dires first arrived in Canada, he faced significant challenges adapting to a new culture and environment. He described his early days as “a life of solitude,” where the social isolation was stark compared to the close-knit community life in Ethiopia. “Life in Canada is a life of solitude,” he said, reflecting on the initial loneliness he felt as a newcomer. However, his story is one of transformation and courage, embodying the spirit of taking chances and finding fortune in bravery.
“Fortune favours the brave,” he stated during a discussion at MOSAIC’s Conversation Circle, emphasizing how good things can happen when you take chances.
Despite these hardships, Dires did not let his visual impairment hold him back. He pursued further education at Simon Fraser University and Western Community College, specializing in sociology, history, and settlement work. These experiences not only equipped him with valuable skills but also fueled his passion for helping others facing similar challenges.
Volunteering with MOSAIC
Dires began volunteering with MOSAIC in March, primarily contributing to the Accessibility Program. His dedication to improving accessibility for others is evident in his participation in various projects and events. For instance, he joined a project with SFU focusing on neighbourhood accessibility, where he provided feedback on making intersections more accessible for persons with visual impairments.
Reflecting on his motivation for volunteering, Dires shared, “Helping others is nothing but happiness.” This sentiment drives his commitment to giving back to the community, despite the personal challenges he faces.
Advocating for accessibility
Dires’ advocacy extends beyond his volunteer work. He attended the Accessibility in the City Rally in Vancouver, co-sponsored by BC People First and Disability Without Poverty, where he took the chance at an open mic to talk about the need for better support for disabled individuals. One key issue he highlighted was the problematic policies surrounding disability income.
In his speech at the MOSAIC Annual General Meeting in 2023, Dires offered practical suggestions for improving accessible settlement services for persons with visual impairments. He emphasized the importance of effective communication, appropriate recognition, and proper guiding techniques.
“Communication is one of the tools to better settlement services for clients with visual impairment,” Dires noted. He stressed that non-verbal cues or gestures can be disorienting for persons with visual impairments, and that understanding and using the correct guiding techniques is crucial.
The path forward
Dires’ journey underscores the need for ongoing advocacy and practical solutions to ensure accessibility is within reach for everyone. He calls for a shift in attitudes towards disability, emphasizing that “disability is not inability provided that the exact accommodation of accessibility can be available when needed.” He also pointed out, “Accessibility is not only constructing ramps, polished sidewalks, traffic-light sounds, tactiles or labeling in braille but authentic change of negative perception and attitudes towards disability.”
His experiences highlight the importance of recognizing the diverse needs of persons with visual impairments. “Different individuals became visually impaired in different causes, at different ages. They also have experience of different social, cultural, emotional environmental and psychological burdens in coping (with) life,” he explained, advocating for tailored approaches to accessibility.
Dires’ story is a testament to the power of resilience, advocacy, and community support. His dedication serves as a powerful reminder of the impact one person can have in fostering a more inclusive and accessible society. As we celebrate National AccessAbility Week, let us be inspired by his journey and commit to making accessibility a reality for all.
MOSAIC’s Accessibility for Newcomers Program connects immigrants and refugees with disabilities with employment and support services. This program also aims to create a local network of accessibility and settlement service providers. Learn more here.
