KW AccessAbility crucial for community, but it’s time to make the organization redundant: executive | CBC News
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Waterloo region Changemakers highlights people who have made a positive impact on the community through their work and stories. The project is part of CBC Kitchener-Waterloo’s 10-year anniversary in the region. The Changemakers were chosen by a selection committee made up of community members and CBC.
The Changemakers will be featured online and in an interactive photo exhibit at the Kitchener Public Library. You’re invited to the photo unveiling ceremony at the library on Friday, Sept. 22 at 10 a.m. The exhibit will run until Nov. 3.
KW AccessAbility has had a huge impact on improving the lives of people living with disabilities in Waterloo region, says executive director Edward Faruzel.
Faruzel, who is being recognized as one of CBC K-W’s Waterloo region Changemakers, said the nonprofit organization has been supporting people living with physical disabilities since 1973 through training, wellness programs and social supports.
“From the early days, there was really nothing for people with disabilities to do … the members got together and said ‘we want to get out but there’s no transportation,’ … there was no place for people to live on their own independently, so again our members came to us and said ‘we need our own place,'” he said in an interview with The Morning Edition show host Craig Norris.
Shortly after, the organization successfully advocated for a housing and transportation program.
Goal of redundancy
The advocate has been calling for policy changes that help people with disabilities navigate transportation, education, housing and employment.
He said lack of employment remains a big issue, especially now with cost of living soaring. He added that housing is also a concern, with some people waiting seven years to get affordable and accessible housing.
Ultimately, Faruzel said the goal is to make the organization redundant one day.
“That would mean everybody can live in the community and not need our supports. There would be things for them to do. There would be programs available. There would be housing available. There would be transportation available. There would be work available. They would be accepted in the community,” he said.
“Right now, what keeps me going is our members,” he added.
Watch a clip:
In this video clip, Faruzel talks about the impact the organization has had on the community.
Edward Faruzel, executive director of KW AccessAbility, is being recognized for his advocacy, calling for policy changes that help people with disabilities navigate transportation, education, housing and employment.
Listen to the full interview:
Waterloo region Changemakers11:12Waterloo region Changemakers: Edward Faruzel
CBC K-W’s Waterloo region Changemakers project aims to highlight people who have made a positive impact on the community through their work and story. The project is to honour the team’s 10 year anniversary in the region. Edward Faruzel, executive director of KW AccessAbility, is being recognized for his advocacy, calling for policy changes that help people with disabilities navigate transportation, education, housing and employment.
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