Congratulations Measuring Up Recognition Recipients!

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.

 

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.

 

Recipient Location Pictures (rollover picture for summary of review)

 

Local Business Representatives Receive Recognition for "Measuring Up" at Abbotsford City Hall