The Canadian National Exhibition is again considering a plan to eliminate free admission for people with disabilities.A similar change was originally set to take effect before last summer’s CNE, but that proposal sparked a backlash from disability advocates. At the time, mobility advocate Luke Anderson described the move as “unfortunate,” worrying that it would worsen barriers that people with disabilities already face at the Ex.Two days later, the Ex put the decision on hold and promised to consult widely on the issue before implementing any change.Now — after months of consultation — the issue is back on the table, and Anderson’s concerns remain.“We’re just not at that time in our evolution as a province to start moving towards changes that put everybody on the same level,” Anderson said.The current recommendation is one of five put forward by an advisory committee the CNE struck after last year’s fee policy debacle. It suggests separating the question of disability from that of financial need, and implementing a program called Access 2 Entertainment, administered by Easter Seals Canada.“Last year, when the policy shift was introduced, it was based on a recommendation from a consultant,” said Councillor Mike Layton, who sits on the CNE’s executive committee.“We brought it back and said, ‘We don’t think we went through the right process. Let’s go through a bit more of an exploration about what we can do to make ourselves more accessible, including what the fair policy is,’ ” Layton said.The Ex’s chief executive officer, Virginia Ludy, said in a statement that the results of the advisory committee’s work will help the CNE become a more accessible environment for everyone.“We’re excited to explore ideas and solutions that will help foster long-term opportunities to engage persons with disabilities within ...
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