Kitchener Musician Faces Tough Time Finding Accessible Studio

For Michael Monize, creating music comes naturally – except when it comes to finding a studio that is accessible.

The musician from Kitchener, Ont., has been using a wheelchair for over 20 years due to a spinal cord injury. However, he’s encountered obstacles in locating a studio that accommodates his needs.

Monize has been on the hunt for spaces across southwestern Ontario, including Toronto and more recently in the Waterloo region.

“I would describe it as beyond challenging,” Monize shared, looking back on how much time and effort he put into trying to find a wheelchair-accessible studio.

“I’d call around to studios and you wouldn’t believe, a step or two would prevent access. It just changes the whole dynamic. I’m coming to a studio to create, be creative, be in that space – not deal with challenges getting into the space.”

WATCH | Finding an accessible studio is ‘beyond challenging,’ says Kitchener musician:

Finding an accessible studio is ‘beyond challenging,’ says Kitchener musician

A local musician is feeling frustrated with accessibility issues in the Waterloo region. He mentions that discovering suitable studio spaces for his wheelchair was tough. He’s voicing his concerns during National Access Ability Week, which runs from May 31 to June 6. CBC’s Aastha Shetty has the full story.

Monize stated he contacted four different studios in Waterloo region before finally considering the Kitchener Public Library’s Heffner Studio, which is fully accessible and where he now makes music.

Ontario’s Ministry of Seniors and Accessibility provides a toll-free number for reporting businesses not following the province’s accessibility guidelines; however, Monize mentioned his calls haven’t resulted in any real change.

“Nothing’s going to be done. You call a line, you complain this place isn’t accessible, they take your complaint and that’s about it.”

‘Holding back his potential’

Monize’s manager, Natalia Isak, expressed her frustration seeing him struggle just to find a location; it’s wasting both time and energy.

“I can access places; I can do things, but he cannot,” Isak noted.

“Before you go anywhere, you have to make plenty of calls to make sure that something’s accessible or whether this thing that you are doing is even possible for somebody with a disability just because the built environment isn’t accessible. So [it’s] definitely holding back his potential, his growth.”

Monize, left, creates music at the Kitchener Public Library with his manager, Natalia Isak. (Aastha Shetty/CBC)

David Lepofsky chairs the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA) Alliance. This volunteer-based advocacy group works towards better enforcement of AODA standards.

Lepofsky mentioned that the provincial government isn’t doing enough to assist those facing these challenges.

“There’s some enforcement but it’s pathetically paltry. We desperately need enforceable accessibility standards to prevent these kinds of barriers; while some were passed by the government since 2012,” Lepofsky said.

“When you build a building on many fronts it has accessibility requirements; however they are stuck in outdated practices. You can easily construct something fully compliant yet still end up with numerous barriers.”

At Kitchener Public Library David Mason oversees inclusive experiences and said they’re committed to enhancing accessibility for everyone involved.

“I think it’s great seeing [Monize’s] work come alive at our studio,” Mason stated.

“It’s crucial we continually focus on accessibility work. It’s rewarding when people have good experiences after all our efforts making spaces as welcoming as possible.”

Advocate calls phone line for complaints ‘a joke’

Lepofsky criticized how ineffective he feels complaints about inaccessible locations through provincial channels have become.

“We fought over ten years ago for this complaint line so people could seek enforcement action but based on what we’ve heard.. the government certainly doesn’t treat it like that,” he added.

“From feedback we’ve received from individuals living with disabilities; it’s truly lacking.”

A statement from clarified that complaints received through their toll-free line are infrequent; it also states this resource is intended for inquiries related compliance assistance or questions only.

LISTEN | Kitchener musician calls out studios for lack of accessibility:

The Morning Edition – K-W6:31Kitchener musician calls out studios for lack of accessibility

A Kitchener musician highlights ongoing difficulties accessing appropriate studios meeting his wheelchair needs in interviews conducted by CBC K-W’s Aastha Shetty.

The ministry indicated “accessibility requirements apply primarily new constructions or extensive renovations existing buildings”. They encourage owners upgrade facilities according their tenants’ needs.”

This implies older structures without adequate features remain exempt under current codes until renovations occur.

Currently Monize feels content working at Heffner Studio within library premises.

“I completed my first track here titled I Am On which I’m set release during National Access Ability Week [May 31 through June 6],” he shared.

I connected up fellow artists at this location who contributed vocals onto my upcoming project Tears Of Boswellia allowing us collaborate similar ways traditional studios facilitate creativity-absolutely fantastic experience!”

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