Dear editor:

Two weeks ago, I stayed at 124 Q Hotel & Spa. The hotel is on Queen Street, which is the main thoroughfare running through town.

I have a physical disability and use a walker. There are so many times when commercial establishments simply do not make any effort to accommodate the needs of mobility challenged individuals that when they do, it is worth acknowledging their efforts and celebrating their thoughtfulness.

In this vein, shout out to Eric Quesnel, the general manager and Stephanie Don Griot, the marketing manager.

The hotel at 124 Q is barrier-free. Even though the lobby entrance off Queen Street has a step, the management had the foresight to design a barrier-free entrance through the side.

This entrance was at street level and appeared not to be an afterthought. It was beautifully decorated and led directly to the lounge, restaurant and elevator.

While beneficial to hotel guests dragging suitcases, and anyone pushing a stroller or bundle buggy, I especially appreciated it. It said to me that I was a welcome guest.

The room as well was thoughtfully designed. It was adapted specifically to accommodate my mobility challenges — from a roll-in shower to maneuverability around the bed and in the bathroom, an accessible sink that could accommodate a wheelchair or scooter with no vanity underneath restricting access.

There was no carpet for me to trip over, automatic door openers that actually worked and grab bars both at the toilet and in the shower.

When you are making your reservations, my suggestion would be to mention that you need to be accommodated in the adapted room.

The treatment rooms in the spa were also accessible. There was even a specialized room with a table that could be raised or lowered as required, hoists were available for both the hot and the cold therapy pools, and the staff there was very helpful and accommodating.

Vanessa Tierney is the spa director and Hillary Penn is the spa manager. My suggestion would be to call ahead and mention your special needs.

While in NOTL, don’t miss the wonderful shops, cafés and restaurants. The town itself is beautiful. Flowers are everywhere. I couldn’t help thinking, again and again, that the town council was visionary in designing NOTL to be so lovely.

Congratulations to the businesses that have taken the simple but meaningful step of making their entrances accessible — whether by sloping their entrance or by using a portable StopGap ramp.

Those small adaptations send a powerful message that says everyone is welcome here.

Accessibility accommodations benefit far more people than those who are mobility challenged. Parents pushing strollers, shoppers with bundle buggies, people recovering from injuries, etc. all benefit from a barrier-free entrance.

It’s a practical improvement that reflects thoughtfulness, inclusion, and good customer service.

I was with a friend. We both made a point of supporting only those businesses that had made this effort. When we encountered shops or restaurants without accessible entrances, we simply moved on. Why spend our money where some people can not even get through the front door?

Accessibility is not just about complying with the law. It is about hospitality. It says that every customer matters and every visitor deserves the opportunity to enjoy everything our beautiful store has to offer.

So, bravo to the businesses that have embraced accessibility. You earned both our appreciation and our business.

As for those that have not yet made the effort, I hope they will. They are missing more customers than they may realize.

Cheryl Katz
Toronto