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Accessibility gaps remain 40 years after historic tour, says Rick Hansen
Hansen said progress has been made, but 8 million Canadians still live with a disability and barriers remain.
- Rick Hansen attended a parliamentary screening of the documentary "Man In Motion: The Rick Hansen Story" on Wednesday, marking 40 years since he crossed from Hull, Quebec, into Ottawa.
- In 1985, Hansen embarked on a historic world tour, wheeling more than 40,000 kilometres across 34 countries to promote inclusion for people with disabilities. Then-prime minister Brian Mulroney contributed $1 million, helping raise $26 million.
- The federal government's 2022 Canadian Survey on Disability found that 8 million Canadians, or more than 27 per cent of the population, live with a disability. Hansen notes this figure continues to rise.
- Hansen said, "The built environment is one of the most urgent priorities," arguing current building codes achieve only 50 out of 100 on accessibility scales. He stressed this standard is insufficient for future sustainability.
- Canada adopted the Accessible Canada Act in 2019, pledging a barrier-free nation by 2040. Hansen urged governments to sustain accessibility programs, stating they are a "marginal cost" with "massive social benefits.
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The Toronto Star+38 Reposted by 38 other sources
Accessibility gaps remain 40 years after historic tour, says Rick Hansen
OTTAWA - In 1985, Canadian athlete and activist Rick Hansen embarked on a historic world tour, wheeling more than 40,000 kilometres across 34 countries to promote inclusion and tackle barriers
·Toronto, Canada
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Total News Sources39
Leaning Left29Leaning Right0Center9Last UpdatedBias Distribution76% Left
Bias Distribution
- 76% of the sources lean Left
76% Left
L 76%
C 24%
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