By Fred Groves

Essex County’s ‘Fest-for-All’ is back.
On Friday, September 11, the Essex County Accessibility Advisory Committee (ECAAC) will be hosting the annual event that brings recognition and awareness to individuals and the public who may face accessibility challenges.
“This will be its third year. Our first year we focused on education and our committee has had a clear mandate to expand,” said ECAAC chairman Dennis Sanson.
Two years ago, it was primarily an outdoor event that was held in Colchester Village. Last year it was both indoor and outdoors at the Libro Centre in Amherstburg. Sanson said that the venue this year is the Gosfield Communication Centre Ridgeview Park in Cottam.
“We have great support from the county. They have a lot of resources. Municipalities have responsibilities to accessibility,” explained Sanson.
Several Essex County staff members, including Clerk Kate Hebert are part of the committee along with Kingsville deputy-mayor Kimberly DeYoung.
‘Fest-for-All’ started as a way to bring awareness and according to Sanson it has been a collaborative effort.
“It was a combination of folks we talked to,” he said of starting it up. “This is a tremendous community. We felt there was a gap in bringing everyone together.”
Opening Ceremonies on Sept. 11 in Cottam are scheduled for 10 a.m., and Sanson is hoping for good weather. A fitness and Tai-Chi demonstration are on the schedule along with ponies from Windsor-Essex Therapeutic Riding Association.
Craft sessions from John McGivney School, along with LaSalle Rowing Club and Rose City Riot Basketball, are all going to put on displays. Sanson said they have maxed out on the number of exhibitors they can accommodate and it plans to be an informative and fun day.
Asked what kind of response the committee gets, Sanson replied, “The feedback I have gotten from people, including those providing services, is good. Every year it is more diverse and there is a lot of things to do.”
He adds that when it comes to creating accessibility, that it is not about the next big building but what we see on a day-to-day basis.
“It’s a constant journey for the committee. Our job is to make people more comfortable.”