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Richmond Is Accessible!

As the city takes its place as a major travel destination for people with a disability, the Richmond Centre for Disability (RCD), through the Access Richmond website, provides a database of venues which have been surveyed and evaluated as to their accessibility according to the standards set by the B.C. Building Access Handbook.
Enter the site by clicking on one of the links to the left, or read on, for information on the Accessibility Awareness Project, how the Access Richmond database came to be established. how the assessments were performed. Please note that the assessments in no way constitute a recommendation or advertisement. The star system refers only to the accessibility of the establishments and facilities listed.

The Accessibility Awareness Project

The Richmond Centre for Disability (RCD) launched the Accessibility Awareness Project in 2003 as a joint effort of the City of Richmond, Tourism Richmond, and the DRC (former name of RCD). The project has two goals:

  • Firstly to create awareness of the need for accessibility with the Richmond businesses; so that restaurants, hotels, transportation services, and other tourist attractions can provide better services to customers with disabilities.
  • Secondly to recognize highlight the many businesses and attractions in Richmond that already offer outstanding accessibility through an easy-to-use online database.

The assessments posted, and the resulting ratings from "1-5" is based on the B.C. Building Access Handbook. Rating of 3.0 to 4.5 indicates that the corresponding sites display a very high level of accessibility for all but the person with severe disability. Anyone looking for detailed information, or who may require specific accommodations, should contact the RCD, their staff us and we may be able to address your specific needs.
When features are described as accessible in this website, it indicates that at least a minimum level of accessibility is met in accordance with the B.C. Building Access Handbook.
For Example:

  • Parking spaces where designated accessible, are at least 3700mm (12 ft.) wide, and are near an accessible entrance; accessible entrance doors are at least 800mm. clear opening width.
  • Washroom designs that conform to the B.C. Building Access Handbook guidelines have been assessed for usability of persons with vision impairment, including directional signs, lighting levels and also for written materials, where provided to customers.

In 1991 Richmond was awarded the "5 Star Award for Accessibility" – the only city in Canada to receive the full 5-star award. We hope you will find that Richmond is one of the most accessible cities you have ever visited.
The RCD intends this website to assist in guiding you across Richmond, which is a remarkably accessible and naturally beautiful city. Make sure to check back often, as the RCD staff is working hard to keep the site as up to date as possible.
If you would like to learn more about the RCD please visit RCD website. Your comments and suggestions are greatly appreciated so please email us. Thank you for visiting the Access Richmond website and enjoy all the accessible amenities that Richmond has to offer!

How establishments were rated

An Access Analyst from the Richmond Centre for Disability performed each assessment based on the B.C. Building Access Handbook, personal experience, and information gathered from a variety of disabled persons. Some posted analyses may not be completely accurate and some important information regarding accessibility may have been overlooked. Posted analyses are also subject to change as accessibility of some businesses may have changed since being visited by the Access Analyst.
If, while using this website, you find information that is not accurate or that no longer applies, we encourage you to let us know. Email us or phone us at 604 232 2404. We will make every effort to promptly correct any inaccurate information.

Disclamer

The information on this site is recommended for referral use only. The RCD is in no way responsible for inaccurate information posted and cannot be held legally responsible.

View the B.C. Building Access Handbook