Programming for Children’s Recreation
Tell us what types of recreation you would like your child involved in?
Email info@accessabbotsford.ca or
Contact 604.852.2686 ext. 274
Welcome to Access Abbotsford
Access Abbotsford Recognizes Businesses that "Measure Up"!
Access Abbotsford is a non-profit group advocating accessibility and employment for people with physical and mental disabilities. They are part of the new Measuring Up program, a larger group that promotes access for ALL people, regardless of ability, age, background or creed.
One of Access Abbotsford’s biggest projects recently was the 10X10 Challenge, in which they endeavoured to “increase the number of people with disabilities employed in BC by 10% by 2010”. The program was a complete success, and they overshot the goal by 57 people, a total of 350 employed.
With this goal in mind, Access Abbotsford hired several people with a variety of disabilities to assess local businesses for their accessibility for those experience permanent challenges in their lives. These employees, referred to as “ambassadors”, measured the various locations against a list of expectations they came up with, and the businesses were given a grade based on how they met or surpassed those expectations. At the same time, these ambassadors also did a brief assessment of the business’s hiring practices involving the disabled. Letters and forms were left at the assessed sites for managers to fill in and return to the ambassador’s address.
Local Business Representatives Receive Recognition for "Measuring Up" at Abbotsford City Hall
Upon receipt of these forms, the information was complied and a rating was assigned: out of 5 stars. Those businesses that achieved 4 stars or more were then selected to receive certificates from Access Abbotsford, publicly rewarding them for “measuring up”: for their positive attitudes towards those with disabilities.
On Feb 15, 2010, the following businesses and services were awarded certificates of merit in a ceremony in the auditorium at City Hall.
Adapted Recreation for children with special needs - Fall Guide 2009 Abbotsford
Download the Flyer here - Click for page 1 in Word Doc format | Click here for page 2 in Word Doc format
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In November 2008, Access Abbotsford successfully received funding from the Measuring Up initiative that Legacies Now 2010 introduced in 2006. The funds received will enable the following priorities* to be fulfilled for 1 year in 2009:
- After-School Recreation Program – sponsorship of a 10 session pilot program for children aged 9-18 years in both Winter and Fall months of 2009.
- 2 Ambassadors to conduct accessibility and inclusion audits for the businesses of Abbotsford with outcomes for training, awards and recognition
- Support Job developers in Abbotsford to increase employment for people with disabilities
Maintain our Access Abbotsford Website will current relevant information - 1 Ambassador to perform transportation infrastructure audit (sidewalk, curb cuts, benches) throughout a selected portion of Abbotsford
*Recommendations were outlined in Abbotsford Measuring Up Research Report 2008 and during the Public Forum held July 2008 priorities were chosen.
Measuring Up strives to foster networking and community connectedness with those that can make changes for more access and inclusion in Abbotsford.
We want to hear from you!!
Please forward your success stories on how Abbotsford is accessible and inclusive in the areas of transportation; business/employees; and children’s recreation.