The Global Accessibility Map

Accessibility Awareness in Communities Across Canada and Around the World

Twenty-five years ago, inspired by the dream of finding a cure for spinal cord injury (SCI) and creating a more accessible and inclusive world, Rick Hansen set out on his Man In Motion World Tour—forever changing how the world views the potential of people with disabilities. Twenty-five years later, the Rick Hansen Foundation continues to work towards realizing Hansen’s vision of a healthy and inclusive world. On Oct. 12, 2011, as part of the 25th Anniversary of Hansen’s original Tour, the Foundation officially introduced the Rick Hansen Global Accessibility Map (rickhansenglobalaccessibilitymap.com); an easy-to-use online ratings tool for consumers to obtain and submit reviews—from a mobility, sight or hearing perspective—on the accessibility of buildings and public spaces (parks, trails, etc.) around the world.

Through these consumer reviews, the Global Accessibility Map aims to raise awareness of the importance of improved accessibility. The map is part of the Foundation’s ongoing commitment to improving quality of life for all people— including people with disabilities, seniors and parents with strollers—by helping them to make informed decisions about the most accessible locations to eat, shop, work and play. The tool is based on a five-star framework, and is similar in concept to consumer reviews found on many travel websites, but with a focus on accessibility criteria provided in the tool.

“While progress has been made, accessibility for persons with disabilities remains a barrier in communities across Canada and around the world,” says Hansen. “We all have it in us to become powerful influencers of change, and I invite Canadians to participate in the first phase of this new initiative by submitting reviews of accessibility in their own communities.”

Rick Hansen Foundation Ambassador, Chris Kennedy, has been a great champion of the Global Accessibility Map, having submitted more than 185 reviews so far, mostly in the Montreal area. As a wheelchair user, Kennedy knows firsthand the importance of being able to independently access public venues, and he’s committed to doing everything that he can to help others who might experience similar challenges with respect to accessibility. “The Global Accessibility Map serves as a tool to help people live their life the way they want to live it— with the fewest obstacles possible,” says Kennedy. “It’s really important to have a tool like this to create a more accessible world—it’s about reducing barriers, not just for people with disabilities, but for everybody.”

Since the launch of the Global Accessibility Map, social media has played an important role in driving the public to the online tool—comments posted on the Rick Hansen Foundation’s Facebook page illustrate users’ positive feedback:

“Wonderful initiative! Let’s all keep our submissions coming in order to promote accessibility AND awareness of the issues,” -Barb MacDonald

“Rick, your idea about the Global Accessibility Map is AWESOME! I have been sending the word and link out to all the disability organizations I am associated with, and my friends, and the response has been awesome,” -Constance Beth Clark

In addition to providing accessibility information, the Global Accessibility Map is also intended to generate awareness around the economic spending power of people with disabilities. It is estimated that in Canada and the United States, there are more than 58 million people living with a disability, whether permanent or temporary.

The online tool can be accessed by desktop, laptop, iPad, iPhone, BlackBerry Torch and devices using Android 2.2 or above on the Opera Mobile browser. The long-term goal of the Global Accessibility Map includes an ongoing commitment to enhance the functionality of the tool to further meet the needs of all people.

The Global Accessibility Map will be showcased at Interdependence 2012, a global conference and exposition, presented by the Rick Hansen Foundation and the Rick Hansen Institute. This inaugural event is also part of the 25th Anniversary and will take place at the Vancouver Convention Centre from May 15-18, 2012. The conference’s unique program design will accelerate progress toward a healthy and inclusive world through two complementary pillars: making communities accessible for all and furthering SCI research for a cure. Over 2,500 international thought leaders and influencers will gather to network, share knowledge and discuss developments in global advancements in accessible communities and SCI research. A broad range of perspectives will be represented including governments, planning and design, technology, tourism and hospitality, healthcare and research. For more information about Interdependence 2012, visit rickhansen.com/interdependence2012.

Join Hansen’s journey towards creating a more accessible and inclusive world by visiting rickhansenglobalaccessibilitymap.com and begin submitting reviews on the accessibility of your community!