Dr. Bonita Sawatzky
Recent improvements in the 11th-floor washroom of the Gordon and Leslie Diamond Health Care Centre (DHCC) at Vancouver General Hospital, underscore the university’s commitment to accessibility, prompted by UBC Orthopaedics Assistant Professor and READI Director, Dr. Bonita Sawatzky. The removal of the problematic door closer highlights the institution’s dedication to fostering an inclusive environment for all learners and staff.
In a recent milestone for accessibility, our Department achieved a significant win. Dr. Sawatzky encountered a challenge in the 11th-floor washroom at DHCC after teaching – she struggled to open the door due to the resistance of the heavy door closer. With no one around to assist at that late hour, the situation became difficult.
Prior requests for this to be improved never resulted in any action, however this time, with more attention played on our accessibility (and updated building codes) as a university, we have success! Not only are we seeking accessibility for our learners but our staff and faculty. The 11th floor washroom 11241 does no longer have a door closer.
The “A” in READI stands for “accessibility”. At the heart of the UBC Orthopaedics community lies a steadfast commitment to positive change. Our Department and university are dedicated to making impactful improvements, ensuring everyone can navigate our spaces with ease. Your experiences and observations are invaluable – if you encounter any concerns or have suggestions, please reach out to us. Together, let’s continue to create a warm, welcoming, and fully accessible environment for all.
For any inquiries or to share your thoughts, don’t hesitate to contact Dr. Bonita Sawatzky at bonita.sawatzky@ubc.ca.
