During the summer of 2011, Max Beck of Easter Seals Canada worked with several partners from Queen’s University to conduct an online survey focused on the Access 2 Entertainment Program. The Access 2 Entertainment Card allows individuals with a disability to participate more fully in society by providing support persons with free admission to a variety of entertainment, culture and recreation facilities across Canada. The survey was designed to learn about the cardholders that are being served and gather their opinions about the program.
Launched in December, 2004, the Access 2 Entertainment program seeks to help businesses provide quality customer service to customers with disabilities. The card provides free admission (or a substantial discount) for the support person at all participating entertainment venues. The person with the disability pays the regular admission fee. Many people with disabilities require the assistance of a support person to help them with daily activities. Over the years, different ticketed venues have had varying policies on admission fees for someone acting as a support person. Often it ended up being left to an employee at the ticket counter to determine the validity of someone’s disability, their need for an attendant, and the discount – if any. Recreation and leisure activities are an important component of good health and well-being. The program is managed by Easter Seals Canada, and currently serves approximately 40,000 cardholders.