Surrey Schools receives $35,000 grant for accessibility from Rick Hansen Foundation & RBC
A significant grant from the Rick Hansen Foundation (RHF) and RBC is recognizing Surrey Schools’ efforts to improve accessibility and helping the district break down barriers.
The district is among 40 groups from across Canada to receive the RBC Barrier Buster Grant, empowering organizations to remove physical barriers to accessibility in their communities. For Surrey Schools, the $35,000 grant will support our Wayfinding Enhancement Project, updating signs, symbols and maps at numerous district sites to help guide people through environments and spaces safely and efficiently.
“This grant, and the change we plan to make in our buildings, grew out of the experiences someone with a disability has within our district,” said Colin Reid, District Principal with Student Support. “That experience was heard, and with the help of the Rick Hansen Foundation, we are going to remove barriers and continue our commitment to a more accessible Surrey Schools.”
Reid said the issues with signage were raised by Leena Sansoa, a Grade 12 student who is blind and is a part of the district’s Accessibility Advisory Committee that informs the Surrey Schools Accessibility Plan.
Upon Sansoa sharing her lived experience, another member of the committee highlighted the Barrier Buster Grant as a potential funding solution, leading Student Support to partner with the Advancement Office to submit the application.
“Members of our committee often share stories of their lived experiences with a disability, and those experiences have been the catalyst for much of the work taken on by our Accessibility Working Group and detailed in our Accessibility Plans,” said Reid. “We knew this was a great opportunity to try to make improvements in this area and we wanted to make sure we had a plan in place to create long lasting change.”
The Rick Hansen Foundation has been a strong supporter for accessibility in schools across Canada for many years. In Surrey and White Rock, the foundation has:
- brought RHF ambassadors to schools to share stories and information about accessibility with students;
- led many inclusion support teachers through accessibility training courses;
- provided resources that are used districtwide for National AccessAbility Week;
- donated towards the creation of accessible playgrounds; and
- honoured staff and students who have championed accessibility initiatives.
As the Accessibility Advisory Committee and Accessibility Working Group further their work on the district’s next Accessibility Plan, Reid said he is grateful for the support of organizations like the Rick Hansen Foundation and RBC in addressing the importance of accessibility in our schools.
“Whether it’s more accessible playgrounds, automatic door openers or lifts, sport opportunities or appropriate accommodations for employees with disabilities, it’s great to see so many people contributing to removing barriers and increasing accessibility,” said Reid.
“We are committed to this work, and with the help of the Rick Hansen Foundation, we are removing barriers and increasing accessibility for all.”
