A local filmmaker is one of two South Shore people nominated to the province’s newly created Accessibility Advisory Board.
25-year-old Alex Peeler runs Squeeky Wheel Productions in Conquerall Bank and has been a long-time advocate for accessibility.
Peeler, who has duchenne muscular dystrophy, a chronic condition that weakens his muscles over time, relies on a wheelchair.
He was the first person with a disability to graduate from his video production class at NSCC and says it was a learning experience for both him, his classmates, and instructor.
In the end though, he didn’t miss out on any part of the curriculum.
Now Peeler creates videos addressing everything from accessible dating to invisible disabilities.
“I’m very passionate about advocacy and I’m passionate about filmmaking and I felt like it was good way to put those two passions together and advocate through digital media,” says Peeler. “It’s basically an educational series.”
Peeler is pleased with the creation of the board and says he thinks it will lead to real change.
He says he’s ready to give his input on physical, social, and systemic barriers people with disabilities face.
“I think the single biggest barrier to accessibility really is people’s attitudes toward accessibility and people with disabilities.”
Peeler says getting rid of negative stereotypes will help the public become dedicated to accessiblity.
He has spoken out to government and in media in the past on issues like funding for medical equipment for people with disabilities and on accessible housing.
There’s no word on when the board will first meet but their first task is to develop a strategy with the goal of achieving accessibility in Nova Scotia by 2030.
The other person nominated to the 12-person board is Irene Campbell-Taylor of Mahone Bay.
