Have you heard of Access 2? If not, we’re here to help. If you’re a Canadian individual or family living with disabilities, read more about the Access 2 Card and how it can benefit you!

What is Access 2?

Access 2 is a card that allows people with disabilities to bring in a support person for FREE (or at discount) to entertainment, cultural, and recreational venues across Canada. Access 2 is for people of all ages and types of permanent disabilities.

The Access 2 card costs $20 for 3 years, or $30 for 5 years. It is valid at all participating venues.

Over 500 venues in Canada participate in Access 2. In Edmonton, this includes places like the Telus World of Science, Art Gallery of Alberta, Edmonton Valley Zoo, Monster Mini Golf, Rabbit Hill Snow Resort, and Metro Cinema!

The Access 2 Card Program is managed by Easter Seals Canada. Qi Creative has no direct affiliation or partnership with the Access 2 Card Program, or Easter Seals.

How do I qualify for Access 2?

To qualify for Access 2, the applicant must have a permanent disability that needs to be accompanied by a support person to assist with communication, mobility, personal/medical needs, or access to facilities. These specific disability needs might apply to your situation.

We don’t guarantee it, but believe that most people with disabilities, who are involved with continuing support by healthcare agencies, will likely fit the criteria for Access 2.

Does the Support Person have to be a Professional?

Not at all! This is the greatest highlight of Access 2. You can be a parent that, with Access 2, can get free (or discounted) admission because your child needs support.

A support person, according to Access 2, is “an adult who accompanies a person with a permanent disability to assist with services that are not provided by the employees.” This can include assistance with communication, administering medication, eating, and using the facilities.

Can you help me apply for Access 2?

Yes! Our Qi Coaches have helped complete the Access 2 form for families in the past. In fact, it is required.

The Access 2 application requires a section (Section C) to be completed by an authorized healthcare professional.

The applicant must be a client of the authorizing health care professional/service provider and will not accept medical or diagnosis letters.

Types of accepted health care professionals for applying to Access 2:

Physician
Nurse
Social Worker (RSW)
Physiotherapist
Behavior Analyst (BCBA)
Psychologist
Speech-Language Pathologist
Occupational Therapist
Psychiatrist
Recreational Therapist
Éducateur/trice (Quebec only)
Executive Director of a Disability Services Provider (You must include the organization’s name)

How do I apply?

For first-time applicants, learn more here.

Applicants can submit an application by mail, fax, or e-Mail (scanned). It can take 4 to 6 weeks for an Access 2 Card to be delivered once qualified.

For any questions, contact the Access 2 team at access2card@easterseals.ca or call toll-free at 1-877-376-6362. You can also contact Access 2 at 1-416-932-8382.

To stay in the loop for all things Access 2, sign up for their newsletter here.

The Access 2 Card Program is managed by Easter Seals Canada. Qi Creative has no direct affiliation or partnership with the Access 2 Card Program.