Rick Hansen takes aim at barriers for kids with disabilities

Thirty years after Rick Hansen's Man in Motion world tour, the Canadian activist, athlete and philanthropist is launching a new initiative to make public spaces more accessible for people with disabilities.

The partnership with the federal government — called Access4All — will distribute more than a million dollars in grants across Canada to increase accessibility for people with disabilities.

Rick Hansen told The Early Edition that the grant program will help create a legacy that coincides with Canada's 150th birthday.

"We want Canada to be fully accessible [where] no one gets left behind," he said.

Disability, he said, is still a barrier for many Canadians, whether they have hearing, visual or mobility issues.

"Most people do take [accessibility] for granted until they've got a family member, a loved one or they themselves [with] some form of a disability," he explained. "When they get into the community, they are very frustrated, surprised and shocked."

Applying for grants

Schools, municipalities and community groups can apply to the grant program, and Hansen is keen to see youth to come up with creative proposals.

For example, Hansen said, youth can investigate if there are parts of their schools that aren't accessible for students with disabilities.

"It's no wonder we have to hire able-bodied actors to play disabled characters in movies that win Academy Awards, because young kids can't even get onto the stage to be involved in the theatre programs," he said.

Hansen's foundation will provide funding — up to $30,000 for individual projects — to make infrastructure improvements.

With files from The Early Edition

To hear the interview, click on the link labelled Rick Hansen's new initiative aims to increase accessibility