Earlier today, the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change Strategy announced a multi-million dollar increase to the BC Parks budget over the next three years.

DABC continues to engage with BC Parks about improving access for people with disabilities. We are delighted to hear that this increase in the BC Parks budget, in addition to allowing for the expansion of trails and campgrounds and renovations/maintenance, will include additional accessibility initiatives.

From the news release: “The funding will be used to enhance trails and improve accessibility for people who use wheelchairs, strollers or have other accessibility challenges.“

Read the news release here.

Disability Alliance BC is thankful to the Ministry of Social Development and Poverty Reduction for committing to another three years in funding for our Tax AID program! This program provides free community-based income tax filing services for people with disabilities throughout British Columbia.

Read the news release here: https://news.gov.bc.ca/releases/2021SDPR0024-000643

Visit our Tax AID website: https://taxaiddabc.org/

“TransLink is launching the HandyDART Modernization Program, a package of updates designed to ensure the service remains accessible and flexible for those who need it now and in the future. The program represents one of the biggest customer improvements to HandyDART since its inception in 1980 and will prepare the region as Metro Vancouver’s population continues to grow and get older.

Between March 29 and April 25, TransLink is seeking feedback from current and future HandyDART customers, caregivers, family members, service providers, and accessibility champions on the following:

• Bringing Compass to HandyDART. Compass will launch for HandyDART customers this fall to provide more convenient payment options. With Compass and Tap to Pay, it will be easier for customers to access both HandyDART and conventional transit.
• Potential changes to fares. TransLink is seeking feedback on new fares that would decrease the amount paid by approximately 70 per cent of HandyDART users while keeping fares the same for the remaining 30 per cent. This would allow customers aged 5 to 18 and 65 and over, to pay concession rates to better match fares on conventional transit. For example, under today’s fares, a HandyDART customer over the age of 65 would pay $1.95 instead of the $3 they are currently paying with cash.
• Potential new registration process. TransLink is seeking feedback on a potential new registration process to better support customers. This would include a personal consultation with a healthcare professional who can match customers with the transit services that best meet their needs. The new process may include a combination of in-person, virtual, or phone consultation, with interview or mobility assessment components.”

For more information: https://buzzer.translink.ca/2021/03/translink-launches-handydart-modernization-program/.

Download the program poster here.

Download the media release here.