Although not perfect, Montreal offers accessibility for people with disabilities or with restricted physical ability. Unfortunately, the metro is not very accessible, but otherwise Montreal, like most Canadian cities, does have lots of access for mobility-challenged individuals. Most of Montreal’s buses are low floor with ramps for wheelchairs. All sidewalks are wheelchair accessible at the corners. Most modern buildings in downtown and the underground city are fine, and many places have been renovated for better accessibility. However, not everywhere in Montreal is easily accessible since Montreal is an old city with older roads in some parts of the city. This is most obvious in areas like Old Montreal, where a large portion of the streets are paved and older neighborhoods like Le Plateau. Many shops and restaurants: hit and miss.
Kéroul
Kéroul is non-profit group that helps travelers with disabilities in Montreal. They assess establishments to determine if they are accessible and are Montreal’s official partners for disabled visitors to Montreal. According to Kéroul, a person with limited physical ability fits one of the following conditions:
- they, either temporarily or permanently, have trouble with mobility because of their size or physical condition or because of a deficiency resulting from illness or accident and who consequently get around with the help of a wheelchair, crutches or a cane.
- they live with a visual or auditory impairment.
- they tire easily: the overweight, pregnant women, some elderly people and those living with arthritis or heart problems.
For people with restricted physical ability, Kéroul provides information on tourism and culture. Many of Montreal’s establishments are graded for accessibility for tourists based on two conditions and a sign is often posted in front of the establishment to identify which criteria they meet. The criteria is set by Kéroul and approved by the Ministère du Tourisme du Québec. The criteria are
- The handicapped person can enter and move around the establishment without assistance.
- The handicapped person requires assistance to enter and move around the establishment.
You can contact Kéroul at 514 252-3104 or visit their website at www.keroul.qc.ca
