Vernon Measures Up in Accessibility

Vernon received $20,000 from Measuring Up and used the funds to hire a consultant who conducted a community accessibility audit. Interviews and focus groups looked at disability support services, access to information, economic participation and community contribution. Recommendations from the report included a website listing accessible businesses; more designated parking spaces downtown; beach boardwalks; swimming pool ramps; and surveying parents of children with a disability.

Measuring Up helps communities assess and improve how accessible and inclusive they are for people with disabilities, seniors and others with similar needs. The program includes a fund, established by the Province of British Columbia, which offers grants to communities to complete accessibility-related projects.