Playland/PNE Experience Survey
Equal Access Collective is focusing on making
PNE/Playland accessible and inclusive. Playland and the PNE are beloved and iconic tourist destinations in the City of Vancouver cherished by countless visitors each year. To ensure that this vibrant theme park continues to thrive and attract a diverse audience, it is essential that it remains accessible to everyone.
Playland Experience Survey: Equal Access Collective has created a survey to collect data that will reflect user experience and showcase the necessity for accessibility in Playland and the PNE.
Please submit your response and share with your network!
https://equalaccesscollective.weebly.com/
EAC identified numerous barriers to accessibility that underscore the need for an inclusive experience and the obligation to accessibility that is vital for the park’s ongoing success.
Playland and PNE Accessibility Webpage
Parking
Accessible parking spaces are very limited and are not conveniently located near the park entrance.
Entrance Fee
Full price admission is charged to persons with disabilities (PWDs) despite rides and attractions being inaccessible. The “Access 2 Program” offers a 2-for-1 discount, but this information is not prominently displayed, and the program is only available through Guest Services or phone.
Accessible Washroom Facilities
There is only one accessible restroom at Playland, located near Scoops Ice Cream, which is not easily found.
Accessible Rides and Attractions
There are no wheelchair-accessible rides or attractions, and no rides accommodate safe transfer from a wheelchair.
Boarding Rides
PWDs must independently seek assistance for boarding rides, and many rides are not accessible.
Shows and Concerts
Accessible seating in the Pacific Coliseum is limited and located far from the stage. PNE concerts and shows (e.g. Flying Fools High Dive Show) lack designated accessible viewing areas.
Lineups for Rides and Attractions
Long lineups can be problematic for individuals with disabilities who may have difficulty standing or waiting for extended periods or managing heat.
Food Booths
Inconsistent counter heights at food booths create accessibility challenges, with some counters too high for safe use.
Staff
Staff are not fully knowledgeable about accessible accommodations and services.
Introducing the Reducing Poverty Initiative
The National Institute of Disability Management and Research (NIDMAR) proudly announces a fully funded initiative to reduce poverty through early intervention and occupational rehabilitation. Funded by the Province of British Columbia and the Government of Canada, this program supports individuals who are injured or become ill outside of work, as well as their employers, aiding in the return-to-work process with Certified Disability Management Professionals (CDMPs).
Program Highlights:
- Eligibility: Individuals off work due to injury/illness outside of work, and employers
needing accommodations. Please view eligibility section of website to learn more.
- Supports Available: Access to physical and mental health treatment, case
management, workplace accommodations, and more.
- Locations: Prince George, Kelowna, Nanaimo, Vancouver and surrounding area up
to 75km.
For more details and to apply, visit Reducing Poverty Initiative.
What do you think of the proposed Canada Disability Benefit?
In June, the federal government published their proposed regulation for the Canada Disability Benefit (CDB). The CDB will likely provide a maximum of $2,400 per year–$200 per month–to eligible Canadians with disabilities. Eligibility will also be limited to people who qualify for the Disability Tax Credit. Applications to the CDB are slated to open in Spring 2025.
Consultations on the proposed regulation are currently underway. DABC has been working on our in-depth review of the proposed regulation, which we hope to share with our networks very soon. This review will also be sent to the federal government as part of the consultation process.
In addition to this advocacy work, we are also planning to discuss the topic of the Canada Disability Benefit in our next issue of the Transition magazine, and we want to hear from you!
What do you want to tell government to consider in their future deliberations around the CDB process or the benefit amount? Please send your short response of up to three sentences to transition@dabc.ca by September 12th for our upcoming edition on the CDB. We can publish your comments anonymously or with your name(s), whichever you choose.
