GoHere™ is gaining momentum across Canada
A primary lifestyle concern for people living with Crohn’s or colitis is accessing washrooms when they are away from home. Faced with the anxiety of an accident due to incontinence, many choose to stay at home. Those that do not must plan their activities around publicly accessible washroom locations.
The GoHere Washroom Access Program makes it possible for individuals to escape the social isolation these diseases can cause. Crohn’s and Colitis Canada works with businesses to help create communities that are understanding, supportive and accessible for Canadians with disabilities that cause incontinence in three ways: business outreach and storefront signage; a digital and dynamic app designed to develop a route for the user providing accessible washrooms before leaving home; and an access card, to raise awareness when faced with questions regarding inflammatory bowel disease and its accommodation needs.
The city of Coquitlam, B.C. recently added 36 municipal washroom facilities to the GoHere app.
“Barriers to inclusion are not always visible. This invisibility may indirectly result in a person feeling ‘othered’ or excluded by simply being. The experiences of people living with Crohn’s or colitis, or other chronic illnesses, shines a light on this issue. The GoHere Washroom Access Program breaks barriers by providing accessible washroom information, which we know is important to those with urgent washroom requirements. The City of Coquitlam is proud to be able to participate in this program and support the diverse needs of both our residents and those who visit our community.”
- Manisha Dutta, Coquitlam’s Manager Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion
Since 2015, the doors to over 3,000 washrooms across Canada have been opened to the public. Crohn’s and Colitis Canada continues to advocate to governments and businesses to join the program.
Over
41,000
downloads since launch
Learn more about the GoHereTM washroom access program
Digital tools help manage the Crohn’s and colitis journey.
Living with a chronic disease is challenging and poses barriers to participating fully in an active and productive life. Crohn’s and Colitis Canada is committed to investing in the development of digital health tools that give people living with Crohn’s or colitis timely and convenient access to information and resources so they can lead more active, productive, and fulfilling lives.
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