The Seabird Island community has made history.
The Sq’éwqel community is the first Indigenous community to receive a grant from the Rick Hansen Foundation (RHF) under the RHF B.C. Accessibility Grants Program.
Through the program, communities receive RHF Certification ratings for three sites, up to $82,500 for accessibility improvements and accessibility training. Seabird Island is one of nine communities in the province to receive such funding.
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“We are honoured to be able to work alongside Seabird Island Band to help improve accessibility in their community,” said Brad McCannell, vice president of access and inclusion at RHF.”
McCannell stated that the disability rate among Canada’s Indigenous people is proportionally much higher than the general population nationwide at about 30 to 35 per cent.
“Accessibility improvements will benefit people of all ages and abilities in the community including friends and loved ones. Everyone has a right to real, meaningful access,” he added.
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The RHF Accessibility Certification program rates accessibility based on user experience from those living with mobility, vision and hearing disabilities or impairments. Features tested might include accessible washrooms, emergency systems and entryways.
Based in Richmond and established in 1988, the RHF has worked “to raise awareness, change attitudes, and remove barriers for people with disabilities.”
The Observer has reached out to Seabird Island leadership for further comment.
For more information, visit rickhansen.com.