Empowering Change: A Member’s Journey to Fragrance-Free Accommodation
At the Environmental Health Association of Quebec (ASEQ-EHAQ), we pride ourselves on building a community where every member’s voice is heard and valued. Recently, one of our members shared a compelling story that beautifully illustrates the impact of our collective efforts.
Living in a senior’s village in rural Ontario, our member faced a persistent challenge: fragrance exposure in shared laundry facilities. Despite repeated attempts to address this issue over the course of five years, this person’s pleas fell on deaf ears, facing disbelief that fragrance could cause such harm for anyone.
However, hope emerged with the arrival of a new manager and a fresh face on the board of directors. Armed with educational resources provided by ASEQ-EHAQ, namely the ‘What is MCS?’ video, our member seized the opportunity to educate and advocate.
Our member’s perseverance and dedication paid off with the presentation of the case to the board of directors. Although met with initial skepticism, the tide began to turn as understanding and empathy prevailed. With the support of sympathetic board members who recognized the importance of accommodating disabilities like MCS, a victory was achieved – the building’s laundry room would become fragrance-free.
This victory serves as a testament to the power of advocacy and education. It shows the impact of our collective efforts in raising awareness and effecting change within our communities. Through collaboration and perseverance, we can create environments that are inclusive and accommodating for all.
As we celebrate this milestone, we extend our heartfelt gratitude to our member for sharing this story. Together, we will continue to empower change and make a positive difference in the lives of our community.
The Environmental Health Association of Quebec remains committed to advocating for the rights and needs of our members, and we invite you to join us in our mission to create a more inclusive and supportive community for all.