Accessibility means being able to reach, understand, contribute to and use the places, information, and services in our city.
Persons with disabilities
Those who experience physical, mental health, cognitive, communication, intellectual, sensory, or age-related impairments, whether they are seniors, others with age-related impairments, or people with lived experience of mental health concerns or substance use issues.
For the purposes of this strategy, we will use the term 'persons with disabilities' to reference the complexity and diversity of these lived experiences.
The Accessibility Strategy reflects our commitment to support the full participation of persons with disabilities by establishing and maintaining inclusive services, programs, and infrastructure, and by identifying, removing, and preventing barriers.
The strategy reinforces our recognition of the rights, dignity, and independence of people with disabilities within our communities. It strengthens our ability to foster a culture of equity and inclusion that values and includes all residents, visitors, and employees.
Accessibility Strategy adopted
On July 19, 2022, City Council adopted our first Accessibility Strategy PDF file (2.5 MB).
Read our most recent update with the Accessibility Strategy Implementation Update and Council Motion Report Back PDF file (447 KB), adopted on April 25.
Developing the strategy
The strategy takes into consideration the multiple identities that intersect to make us who we are and how experiences differ depending on factors such as gender, disability, age, race, ethnicity, sexuality, and gender identity.
The Accessibility Strategy was being developed in tandem with the Equity Framework and the Healthy City Strategy and will also align with the Vancouver Plan and the City of Reconciliation Framework.
Report accessibility barriers
Tell us about accessibility barriers you've encountered or witnessed around Vancouver.