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A Barrier to a Tourist with a Disability is a Barrier to Making a Profit
 
With an aging population, the economic impact this dramatic demographic shift is having on tourism has become even more evident. Older workers and clientele, as well as shifting market segments also reveal a collective need for additional and meaningful access for people with disabilities.
 
With nearly 50% of Canadian adults having experienced a permanent or temporary disability, recognizing the changing needs of customers and employees is the key to staying viable in a world where upwards of 40% of the global population will be directly affected by access to the built environment in less than 20 years.
 
The Rick Hansen Foundation Accessibility Certification™ (RHFAC) program is the first program of its kind to create a nationally consistent universal rating system that measures meaningful access in the built environment for people with mobility, vision and hearing disabilities and challenges. The program helps tourism businesses such as hotels, restaurants, retailers and attractions take advantage of the economic opportunities created by responding to the changing needs of consumers over the longer-term, as well as helping businesses and communities prepare for Bill C81, the Accessible Canada Act.  
 
Brad McCannell, Vice President of Access and Inclusion for the Rick Hansen Foundation and 30-year veteran of developing practical solutions to complicated access issues, will deliver a 45-minute presentation followed by a Q & A session to help you prepare for this important market segment for tourism. The presentation will address the realities of developing meaningful access and recognizing inclusion issues as economic opportunities.


 

Brad McCannell, Vice President of Access and Inclusion with the Rick Hansen Foundation

As a leader in the field of accessibility for the past 25 years, Brad McCannell has extensive experience in the application of universal design across the built environment, providing accessibility consultations for buildings and organizations including Rogers Arena, Richmond Olympic Oval, Vancouver International Airport, University of British Columbia, and various Olympic and Paralympic Games around the world.

 

Don't forget to check out the rest of the Tourism Industry Conference Program
as it develops!


2019 BC Tourism Industry Awards

Last Chance for Nominations 
Deadline January 11th

The BC Touri sm Industry Awards recognize tourism industry organizations, 2018 Customer Service award winner Bram businesses and individuals who have made exceptional contributions to the province's tourism industry. Recipients provide outstanding service, exemplify best business practices, innovative marketing and deliver tourism experiences that contribute to the overwhelming success of BC's tourism industry.
 
Recognize a special tourism industry individual or organization by nominating them in one of the six award categories:
  • Remarkable Experiences
  • Innovation
  • Customer Service
  • Employees First
  • DMO Professional Excellence
  • Indigenous Tourism
   
Help us recognize the best of the best in BC's tourism industry!
 
 

Thank you to our generous conference sponsors, 
without whom this event would not be possible.


        
 
Hosted By:

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  Conference Contact

Nora Cumming, Conference Manager
Chemistry Consulting Group