Nunatsinni Inuit Innarluutillit Katuffiat (NIIK) presented Katuaq with the accessibility award on December 3, the International Day of Persons with Disabilities. The accessibility award from NIIK signifies that the building is more accessible for people with disabilities or physical limitations.
"The reason for this recognition is that you are fundamentally established with accessibility in mind. There are still opportunities for improvements at your facility. You are this year's award recipient due to your continued focus on enhancing accessibility – for example, through the recent installation of automatic doors at the entrance, which makes a significant difference for those visiting Katuaq," writes NIIK in its explanation for awarding the prize.
Katuaq is pleased and honored to receive the accessibility award and hopes to keep up with the times by making further improvements to the building so that Katuaq becomes even more accessible to all citizens.
"It means a lot to us to receive the accessibility award. We are being recognized for our work to make the Katuaq building more accessible to everyone. For instance, we have started creating seating areas for foyer concerts, allowing people with disabilities or physical challenges to sit in good seats without having to sit by the windows," says Director Ivaaq Kriegel, adding:
"We are fully aware that there are still many improvements we need to consider in the future. The building was constructed in 1997, and at that time, not much attention was given to accessibility – there are general aspects that need improvement, and we need to take it one step at a time," concludes Ivaaq Kriegel.
The design of Katuaq’s building, however, is intended to be inclusive of all citizens, allowing access to watch films, dine, attend lectures, or enjoy concerts without necessarily having to use stairs.
