Accessibility gaps remain 40 years after historic tour, says Rick Hansen

Forty years after his iconic world tour, Rick Hansen reflects on the progress made towards inclusion for people with disabilities, but acknowledges that significant barriers remain. In 1985, the then 19-year-old Canadian athlete embarked on a historic journey wheeling over 40,000 kilometers across 34 countries to promote accessibility. The tour, which raised $26 million, was supported by then-Prime Minister Brian Mulroney who contributed $1 million on behalf of Canadians.

Despite advancements, Hansen emphasizes that much work still lies ahead. The built environment, he says, is an urgent priority as current construction methods inadvertently create barriers to accessibility. The federal government’s 2022 Canadian Survey on Disability found that 8 million Canadians – more than 27 percent of the population – have a disability.

Hansen notes that awareness has increased but urges governments to accelerate progress, stating that "incremental progress isn't acceptable anymore. We have to accelerate." He stresses the importance of sustained programs supporting accessibility, urging wise spending to ensure meaningful improvements. The federal government adopted the Accessible Canada Act in 2019, aiming for a barrier-free Canada by 2040, but Hansen warns that this is a continuous process, not just about physical structures but also people and their engagement.