I live in Montreal, Canada, a city where French is the primary language. Interestingly, the name Oscar is derived from a French word that means “bones” and “body” a fitting name for my new friend, a skeleton model that has become an essential part of my learning journey.
Many countries claim to practice inclusion, but as a blind traveler, I have often found that accessibility is not always a reality. One of the first things I notice in any new country is the accessibility of its currency notes. For a visually impaired person, identifying money is crucial for independence. Regardless of education or employment, if one cannot distinguish currency notes, financial autonomy becomes a challenge.
Canada is officially a bilingual country with English and French as its national languages. However, in practice, the use of both languages in public services varies across provinces. While cities like Ottawa maintain a bilingual public transportation system, ensuring announcements and signs are available in both English and French, Montreal poses a unique challenge for those who do not speak French especially for individuals with disabilities like myself.
As a blind individual originally from Pakistan and now living in Montreal, Canada, I am constantly amazed by the inclusive infrastructure here, particularly the Accessible Pedestrian Signals (APS) system.