Sheet No. 06
By Dr. Reza Moafi, Founder and President ·
In short
Diversity is being invited to the party. Inclusion is being able to get in, being welcomed and having a seat at the table. Everyone can take part, just as they are.
A true story: the companion card
Imagine a young man in a wheelchair who wants to see a show. He needs someone to help him. Without help, that means paying for two tickets. For many families, it is too much.
In Québec, the Carte accompagnement loisir (CAL, companion leisure card) solves this: at partner venues, the companion of a person with a disability gets in free. In 2024, the Government of Québec doubled its funding so more venues would accept it.
The show was already open to all. The card made getting in possible. That is inclusion.
The role of Canada, Québec and the City
Canada has the Accessible Canada Act, in force since July 11, 2019. Its goal: a barrier-free Canada by January 1, 2040, starting with everything under federal responsibility, such as banks, trains and planes.
In Montréal, the maisons de la culture were created to make culture accessible to as many people as possible, in every neighbourhood. And since 2021, the libraries no longer charge late fees.
And Matin? On November 7, 2026, in Parc Angrignon, we chose a meeting point near the metro and began with a welcome and a hot drink, so everyone would feel expected.
Matin’s role
Inclusion is in the small details: a place without steps, a word of welcome, a question to the person who stays quiet, a text that is easy to read.
And Matin? Already done: these plain-word sheets, in three languages. Coming next: for every activity, we want to say clearly whether the place is wheelchair accessible.
To remember
- Inviting is not enough: people must be able to get in.
- Small details make the difference.
- Diversity, equity and inclusion go together. The next sheet brings them together.