Additional Resources
Mobility
Spinal Cord Injury BC is an organization dedicated to helping people with spinal cord injuries and related disabilities. Their Accessible Travel Guide is an excellent trip-planning resource that covers everything from packing to collecting your luggage at the airport.
Access BC is an initiative that assesses outdoor spaces in British Columbia and features in-depth accessibility specifications for many tourism destinations.
The Rick Hansen Foundation provides helpful resources and programs to enhance accessibility for those living in or travelling to BC.
Vision
The Canadian National Institute for the Blind (CNIB) offers programs and services to individuals who are blind or partially sighted.
Aira is a technology service that connects individuals with limited vision to trained agents.
Hearing
For persons with hearing or speech impairment, there are services available at the Western Institute for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing.
Travellers with Guide Dogs or Service Dogs
A person with a disability accompanied by a guide dog or service dog has the same rights to access public places and services as a person not accompanied by a guide or service dog.
BC’s Guide Dog and Service Dog Act establishes a certification program for individuals with disabilities who require the assistance of a guide or service dog for daily living. This certification program is entirely voluntary and does not affect protections for persons with disabilities under BC’s Human Rights Code.
Although certification is in no way mandatory, individuals—including visitors to BC—may opt to obtain a certificate. Having a certificate can facilitate easier access to public places and services, and it enables individuals to use the complaint process provided for under the legislation.
Anyone who plans to visit BC along with their guide or service dog is encouraged to review this fact sheet prior to travel.
Equipment Rentals
With locations in Vancouver, Surrey, and Victoria, HME Mobility & Accessibility rentals provides travellers with a variety of products to help make travel around BC easy and safe.
If you require adaptive equipment for an outdoor adventure, please visit the British Columbia Mobility Opportunities Society (BCMOS) or Power To Be for more information.
Rent a wheelchair-accessible trailer for a camping getaway from DROPLET trailer.
Access 2 Card
The Access 2 Card Program is designed for people of all ages who have a permanent disability and require the assistance of a support person. The Access 2 Card provides access to entertainment and cultural and recreation opportunities so individuals travelling with a support person can enjoy these experiences without an added financial burden. When an Access 2 Cardholder presents their valid card at any participating venue partner in BC, their support person receives free admission; the cardholder pays regular admission.