ABC Vancouver Advances Vision for Inclusive and Accessible Sensory Park
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ABC Vancouver Advances Vision for Inclusive and Accessible Sensory Park
VANCOUVER (January 22nd) – Today, ABC Commissioner Jas Virdi’s motion to build Vancouver’s first inclusive and accessible sensory park for children is slated to be voted on at this evening’s Park Board meeting.
As a dedicated parent of a child on the autism spectrum, Virdi championed the motion, emphasizing the need to build spaces where children of all abilities can play and feel welcomed. The proposed sensory park, designed with input from experts and parents, would serve as a pilot for future parks, setting a new standard for inclusivity in Vancouver.
“This proposed park demonstrates our commitment to fostering an environment where every child, regardless of ability, can play, learn, and thrive,” said Virdi. “The park would feature sensory-rich play zones, inclusive and accessible equipment, and pathways ensuring safe and easy access for all children.”
Despite the passage of a 2022 motion outlining accessibility and inclusivity design guidelines, no further progress has been made. The legislative frameworks established by both the Accessible British Columbia Act and the Accessible Canada Act aim to guide Canada towards full inclusivity and accessibility by 2040. Virdi’s motion not only advocates for advancement toward this ambitious goal but also presents an opportunity to create an inclusive and accessible sensory park that sets a precedent for future parks.
Pacific Autism Family Network board chair and co-founder Sergio Cocchia said his organization is in full support of the proposal, which will fill a gap.
“A park that is accessible for all and will have space for families to break away, if needed, is essential for some of the families in our community,” Cocchia said.
The motion builds on ABC’s commitment to make Vancouver the most accessible City in the world, ensuring Vancouver meets the needs of those with developmental disabilities and physical mobility challenges. Other components of ABC’s accessibility plan include supporting job carving initiatives, expanding curb cuts, providing better-individualized learning in schools, and building more supportive housing for those living with developmental disabilities or physical mobility challenges.
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媒體聯繫:
Christy Thompson
Executive Director, ABC Vancouver
403-689-9669
Christy.thompson@abcvancouver.ca