Province in British Columbia, Canada to Develop Online Tool to Track Accessible Parking Spaces

Americas, Built Environment, May 28 2019

An online tool to track accessible parking spaces is being developed by Richmond Centre for Disability (RCD), thanks to a $28,000 provincial grant they received last year.

The province is once again calling for grant proposals for community projects that improve accessibility – for the second year running, the province is giving out a total of $500,000 in grants.

“Every day, people with disabilities overcome barriers that could otherwise impact their lives,” said Shane Simpson, Minister of Social Development and Poverty Reduction, in a press release. “Organizations across B.C. are working to embrace diversity, create equal opportunities and improve social inclusion.”

The RCD online tool being developed, called Accessible Parking in Accessible Communities (APAC), is in testing mode and is expected to be launched in 2020. The total cost of the project is $58,000 and includes funds from RCD and the Social Planning and Research Council of B.C.

The provincial funding announcement launches B.C.’s second annual AccessAbility Week, May 26 to June 1, 2019.  AccessAbility Week promotes diversity and inclusion, and recognizes the importance of accessibility.

The funds will be distributed through grants administered by Disability Alliance BC (DABC). A call for proposals will be posted on the DABC website, at www.disabilityalliancebc.org, and grants will be awarded by the end of the year.

“Disability Alliance BC is honoured to have the opportunity to once again support projects that promote greater accessibility and inclusivity for people with disabilities in B.C. communities,” said Justina Loh, executive director, Disability Alliance BC. “With funding from the Ministry of Social Development and Poverty Reduction, we will help enrich and improve the lives of all people with disabilities. We are grateful to government for providing the funds and the opportunity to see more amazing projects come to life.”

During AccessAbility Week, communities throughout the province will host events and supporting activities that promote inclusion and accessibility. The celebrations are supported by $10,000 in provincial funding to the Social Planning and Research Council of BC (SPARC BC). AccessAbility Week 2019 will wrap up on June 1, Access Awareness Day.

Sixteen community projects received funding last year. In B.C., more than 900,000 people aged 15 years and older, or 24.7 per cent of the population, self-identify as having a disability.

Originally published on Richmond News