It was a homecoming of sorts for Lt.-Gov. David Onley.

Born in Midland, the Queen’s provincial representative was the guest of honour at a gala Accessibility Day event held at the Innisfil Recreational Complex Tuesday.

Onley, who uses a motorized scooter as result of a childhood illness, was led into the packed gymnasium by an honour guard of South Simcoe Police officers.

“It’s a real pleasure to be here,” Onley said to an audience composed of hundreds of both able bodied, and individuals living with a disability.
“What a spectacular complex this is,” he said. “You can be proud of this facility that sets a standard across the province for accessibility. I’ve defined accessibility as one that allows people to reach their full potential. One of the things that makes Ontario great is we can help people reach their full potential.”

Onley stated, “We now have 1.8 million people, 15 per cent of the population of Ontario, with some type of disability. If you take into account their families, more than 50 per cent of our population is affected.”

Providing accessibility means more than “curb cuts and wheelchair parking spots,” Onley added. “Physical activity is a vital part of any lifestyle. For people with disabilities, this can be a real challenge. By ensuring this complex is fully accessible, you have given disabled the opportunity. I applaud everyone in Innisfil for living in such an inclusive community.”

Onley’s words resonated with people such as Margaretta Papp-Belayneh, chairperson of the Innisfil Accessibility Advisory Committee, who helped organize the event.

“As we are all getting older, we are facing the grey tsunami,” Papp-Belayneh, who is legally blind, said. “We started planning this program seven months ago with our partners including the Barrie, Simcoe Advisory Committees, Simcoe County Accessibility Network, Simcoe County Association for the Physically Disabled, Simcoe County Museum and the YMCA and it blossomed into Accessibility Day. We’re taking baby steps every day to promote accessibility.”

Onley’s visit was inspirational for Rick Winson of Innisfil, who lives a very active life in a wheelchair.

“Having the Lieutenant Governor join us today is wonderful,” Winson said. “We tried to get him here for the (November 2008) opening of the rec centre, but he wasn’t available. This was our plan number 2. It’s an honour to have him here.”

Visitors to the complex could also obtain information and product displays from a variety of social service agencies that work with the disabled, and participate in several physical activities conducted by the YMCA.

“It’s my fourth time meeting the Lieutenant Governor this year,” Papp-Belayneh said. “He always makes us aware of the larger world and how people with disabilities can fit in.”