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One of our favourite accessibility tools is the Access 2 Card in partnership with Easter Seals. If you’re raising a child with a disability and haven’t heard of it yet, you’re going to want to.
The card lets Avery’s support person (usually me) tag along for free at places like movie theatres, museums, and other attractions across Canada. That means she can enjoy outings like any other teen, without us having to pay double for one person to go and one person to keep her safe.
It’s a great financial help, but honestly, it’s about so much more. It’s also about dignity, inclusion, and independence. For example, Avery can go see a movie with a friend. I can join her in the theatre, or what I usually do lately, I can just chill in the lobby with a tub of popcorn, scrolling the gram. I’m nearby if she needs me, but she gets to be her own independent person. And isn’t that what everybody wants and deserves?
Businesses who accept the card do so voluntarily by the way. They don’t get anything out of it except knowing they’re making life better for families like ours. So when a place happily accepts it, we always say thank you. They need to know it really does make a difference.
There’s a list of participating venues on the Access 2 website, but even if your favourite spot isn’t listed, don’t count it out. Give them a call and chances are, they’ll honour it. At least that’s been our experience.
Here’s the official scoop from the Access 2 site:
“The Access 2 Program, launched in 2004, is a partnership between Easter Seals and over 500 venues across Canada. It’s for anyone with a permanent disability who needs a support person, and it’s all about inclusion—making entertainment, cultural events, and recreation more accessible without added financial burden.”
Permanent Disability: Any impairment (physical, mental, intellectual, cognitive, learning, communication, sensory) or functional limitation that remains with the applicant for the rest of their life, and restricts the applicant’s ability to attend participating venues by themselves.
To get a card, you’ll need to show proof of a permanent disability and have a healthcare professional confirm that a support person is required.
The card costs $20 for 3 years, or $30 for 5 years. Totally worth it.
Ready to apply, renew, or replace your card? Get your Access 2 Card here.
Programs like this are such a win. They help our loved ones participate more fully in the world—and they remind us that progress is possible. So grab your card and get out there! There’s a whole community waiting to be explored.
