©
Jerry "Woody"
Canada Travel Guide
©
Jerry "Woody"
Due to the challenges that people disabled people faced during the 1980s, Canada endorsed the concept of "universal accessibility" which is aimed at all people with disabilities, ensuring that they can access all aspects of everyday life on the principle that all citizens have an equal right to access the same services.
During your trip to Canada, l’the accessibilityof Canadianpublic transportshouldnotposeanyproblems thanks to the Canada Transportation Act 1996, which mandates that all public transport should be accessible to people with disabilities.
Via Rail allows you to cross Canada by train while enjoying the country's stunning landscapes. Trains are accessible to wheelchair users and, in certain conditions, the ticket is free for the disabled person's companion. Service dogs travel free and space is provided to meet their needs during the journey.
Greyhound Buses, which are an alternative way of getting around, are less comfortable than the train but more affordable. They also have a policy that welcomes disabled people., and this is described on their website. In any event, it is vital to get in touch with the transport provider before your departure.
To help with getting around the cities, the Canadian government has implemented a website entitled "Access to Travel". This site is dedicated to travel in Canada and describes the various accessible transport options.
The Access Canada programme has helped to increase thel’accessibilityofhotels to people withdisabilities,with hotels being rated on how accessible they are to disabled people. Since 2000, building regulations have required hotels to ensure that 10% of their rooms are accessible to people with disabilities, but some recent surveys carried out by journalists have revealed that many hotels still don't meet the standard, especially in the city of Montreal, where 99% of hotels are not accessible. It is therefore vital that you call the hotel in advance to ensure that all your needs will be met.
ManyCanadianpublicplacesareaccessibletopeoplewithdisabilities. For example, in Vancouver, one of the best-adapted cities, many shopping centres and several tourist attractions are accessible, while accessible parking spaces can be found around restaurants and shops, and lifts to enable direct access may even be provided. Most major cities also have wide streets and pavements that make it easy to get around.
It is also worth mentioning that, in Canada, each province has its own system of administration and government, and therefore the rules that apply to accessibility can vary from place to place. There are also a number of different organisations and websites that can provide information, and as Canadian people tend to be very open, don't hesitate to ask them to get the information you need.
