If you're raising a child with a disability, you know that even something as simple as going to the movies, visiting a museum, or spending a day at the zoo often requires more planning—and more expense—than it does for most families.
For many families, a support person is essential. Whether it's a parent, respite worker, caregiver, or educational assistant, having another adult present can make outings safer, less stressful, and much more enjoyable. Unfortunately, paying admission for both your child and their support person can add up quickly.
That's where the Access 2 Card comes in.
What is the Access 2 Card?
The Access 2 Card is a Canada-wide program operated by Easter Seals Canada that helps make recreational, cultural, and entertainment experiences more accessible for people with permanent disabilities.
When an Access 2 Card holder visits one of the hundreds of participating venues across Canada, they pay their regular admission while their support person receives free admission (or, at some participating venues, a significant discount). The program includes more than 500 participating locations, including movie theatres, museums, zoos, science centres, festivals, and other attractions across the country.
Who Can Apply?
The Access 2 Card is available to Canadians of all ages who:
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Have a permanent disability.
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Require the assistance of a support person when attending participating venues.
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Have their application verified by an authorized healthcare professional (for first-time applicants).
Permanent disabilities may include physical, intellectual, developmental, cognitive, sensory, communication, or mental health disabilities that require ongoing support in community settings.
How Does It Work?
Using the card is incredibly simple.
When you arrive at a participating venue:
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Present your valid Access 2 Card.
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Purchase admission for the cardholder.
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Your support person receives free admission (or the venue's advertised Access 2 discount).
The support person can be a parent, family member, respite worker, caregiver, or another adult who assists the individual during the visit. They do not need to be a professional support worker unless required by a specific venue.
Our Family's Experience with the Access 2 Card
As the founders of AdaptAbility Store, one resource that has made a real difference for our family is the Access 2 Card.
Our son often requires additional support when we head out into the community. Like many families raising children with disabilities, we occasionally rely on respite workers to help make outings possible. Having another trusted adult allows us to focus on enjoying the experience together rather than worrying about managing every challenge on our own.
The Access 2 Card has helped make those outings much more affordable.
Instead of paying admission for both our son and his respite worker, the Access 2 Card covers the support person's admission at participating venues. Over the course of a year, those savings really add up.
Whether we're spending an afternoon at a local attraction, taking in a movie, or visiting one of Canada's many family-friendly destinations, the card has allowed us to stretch our recreation budget further while giving our son opportunities to participate in experiences that every family deserves to enjoy.
It's one of those resources that many parents simply don't know exists—until someone tells them about it.
We're always happy to be that someone.
How Much Does It Cost?
There is a small administrative fee to receive the card.
Applicants can choose between:
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A 3-year card is $25
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A 5-year card $35
The card is valid at participating venues across Canada for the duration of your membership.
Where Can You Use It?
The list of participating venues continues to grow and includes many popular destinations across Canada, such as:
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Cineplex theatres
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Museums
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Science centres
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Aquariums
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Zoos
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Historic sites
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Botanical gardens
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Festivals
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Recreation facilities
Before planning your trip, it's always a good idea to check the current list of participating venues on the official Access 2 website.
How to Apply
If you think you or a family member may qualify, applying is straightforward.
Visit the official Access 2 website:
You'll find:
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Online application forms
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Eligibility requirements
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Information about healthcare verification
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Renewal information
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A searchable list of participating venues across Canada
A Small Card That Makes a Big Difference
Living with a disability often comes with additional costs that many people never see. Programs like the Access 2 Card help remove one small barrier, making it easier for individuals and families to enjoy the same recreational experiences that everyone else enjoys.
At AdaptAbility Store, we're passionate about sharing resources that genuinely improve everyday life—not just products, but programs and services that support inclusion, accessibility, and participation.
If your family qualifies for an Access 2 Card, we highly encourage you to apply. It may seem like a small piece of plastic, but for many families—including ours—it has opened the door to more outings, more memories, and more opportunities to enjoy time together without worrying quite so much about the cost.
Sometimes the best accessibility tools aren't products at all—they're programs that help every family feel welcome.