This year, the CNE says it will no longer be offering free admission for people with disabilities.
A notice on the CNE’s website states that the move is in line with policies at other attractions and events in the region.
“The CNE strives at all times to deliver its attractions and services in a way that respects the dignity and independence of all of our guests, including those with disabilities,” the written statement reads.
“We are committed to meeting your needs in a timely manner, to help you to the very best of our ability, and to uphold with pride the accessibility requirements outlined in the AODA (The Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act).”
Organizers say the fair, which runs from Aug. 19 to Sept. 5, will still offer free admission to caregivers.
The CNE general manager Virginia Ludy told CTV Toronto that the change came as a result of consultations with local disability groups and has been in the works since 2014.
“When the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act came forward it caused us to go back and look at our policy. Based on the advice from consultants who looked at our current policy, they recommended that we change it,” Ludy said.
“They felt that the policy really wasn’t respectful. The policy was geared towards visible physical disabilities. It didn’t include everybody who has an invisible disability. In fairness, they felt that a change was required and as I said, we took that recommendation to our board back in 2014 and we’ve used the last two years to roll this policy out and inform our customers of this change.”
Speaking to Newstalk 1010 Tuesday, a woman identified only as Susan said that when she attended the CNE last year, her disability made it impossible for her to go on the rides.
“All I can do is walk around,” she said.
“I can’t do a lot of the activities, I can’t go on any of the rides… the dignity was I got to go in. I got to enjoy myself. I got to be around people. It was wonderful. I would spend hours there, hours just enjoying myself. I had some place to go and I felt included in everything.”
She said she is “really angry” the CNE has chosen to end its free admission policy.
“If they are charging money… I won’t go at all,” she added
Since its announcement, Ludy said that feedback about the change has been “mixed.”
“We felt that this change in policy was the best move forward as we continue to help to ensure that our policies reflect those that are required for a 21st century event,” she said.
