New platform highlights Calgary's accessible and inclusive businesses
Sean Crump says he'll often show up to a new restaurant or retail business, only to find it's inaccessible for him in his wheelchair.
It's a regular occurrence within the disabled community, Crump says, even though he always phones venues ahead of time to ask if they can accommodate him.
"I've rolled into places where they assume they can just bump me up the one step or something along those lines, but being in a power wheelchair, that becomes a little more difficult," said Crump, who has been a quadriplegic for more than a decade.
That's why Crump, who is the co-founder of accessibility advocate company Included by Design, helped develop Krooshl. It's a platform allowing people to purchase tickets, plan events and see which venues in Calgary are inclusive.
"It brings accessible venues to the people that need them," Crump said.
Krooshl launched in early December and its map of Calgary show which of the city's businesses have accommodations such as automatic doors, wheelchair ramps, low tables and adjustable lighting and music.
Crump, the co-founder of accessibility advocate company Included by Design, helped develop Krooshl. It's a platform allowing people to purchase tickets, plan events and see which venues in Calgary are inclusive.
The map isn't very populated for Krooshl's launch -- just eight businesses are listed so far -- mostly because the team will visit each venue to make sure it is inclusive and barrier-free.
Restaurant Fonda Fora was one of the first to be added to the map.
"Inclusivity and accessibility was very important to us from the very beginning," said Allison Martin with Fonda Fora.
"In the actual layout and design we worked really hard to make sure that every one is included and is able to be here," she said.
More locations are being added to Krooshl regularly and the group will also add venues to its Edmonton map soon, too.
"I think it's time we start thinking about every one and that we be more inclusive so that every one's able to enjoy the same dining experience," Martin said.
Crump said Krooshl is even more important for the disabled community during a pandemic, after so many people have spent the better part of two years isolated with limited social contacts.
"I often find that in our community, you usually find one or two places that you feel comfortable with or that you've been to before and you just kind of stick to that same place or same two places," he said.
"We're just trying to allow people to branch out and also build out that confidence."
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
American millionaire Jonathan Lehrer denied bail after being charged with killing Canadian couple
American millionaire Jonathan Lehrer, one of two men charged in the killings of a Canadian couple in Dominica, has been denied bail.
LeBlanc says he plans to run in next election, under Trudeau's leadership
Cabinet minister Dominic LeBlanc says he plans to run in the next election as a candidate under Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's leadership, amid questions about his rumoured interest in succeeding his longtime friend for the top job.
Sports columnist apologizes for 'oafish' comments directed at Caitlin Clark. The controversy isn't over
A male columnist has apologized for a cringeworthy moment during former University of Iowa superstar and college basketball's highest scorer Caitlin Clark's first news conference as an Indiana Fever player.
Judge says 'no evidence fully supports' case against Umar Zameer as jury starts deliberations
The judge presiding over the trial of a man accused of fatally running over a Toronto police officer is telling jurors the possible verdicts they may reach based on the evidence in the case.
Nearly half of China's major cities are sinking, researchers say
Nearly half of China's major cities are suffering 'moderate to severe' levels of subsidence, putting millions at risk of flooding especially as sea levels rise.
Health Canada to change sperm donor screening rules for men who have sex with men
Health Canada will change its longstanding policy restricting gay and bisexual men from donating to sperm banks in Canada, CTV News has learned. The federal health agency has adopted a revised directive removing the ban on gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men, effective May 8.
Prince Harry formally confirms he is now a U.S. resident
Prince Harry, the son of King Charles III and fifth in line to the British throne, has formally confirmed he is now a U.S. resident.
U.S. vetoes a widely supported UN resolution backing full membership for Palestine
The United States has vetoed a widely backed UN resolution that would have paved the way for full United Nations membership for the state of Palestine.
'Shopaholic' author Sophie Kinsella reveals brain cancer diagnosis
Sophie Kinsella, the best-selling author behind the 'Shopaholic' book series, has revealed that she is receiving treatment for brain cancer.