Have you heard of the Access 2 Card? I stumbled on this program by chance, and it’s been a total game-changer for our family! It puts affordable entertainment within reach, and it’s so exciting that I practically want to shout about it from the rooftops (maybe not literally – but almost)! This fabulous program is designed for people living with permanent disabilities and their support systems, and I can’t wait to spread the word to families who want more fun, more often, for less.
Easter Seals Canada launched the Access 2 program in 2004, working alongside national disability organizations and Cineplex Entertainment. The goal was to make entertainment, culture, and recreation more affordable and accessible. It has grown exponentially since then, with more than 800 partner venues across Canada, and even won an award for accessible tourism along the way.
The Access 2 Card is for people of all ages who have a permanent disability and who require assistance from a support person. With this card, the cardholder pays the regular admission price, and their support person gets free or discounted admission. Living with a disability often brings extra costs and stress for individuals and their families, so this card helps make community outings a bit easier and more affordable. You can find out more about eligibility here.
You’ll find Access 2 Card accepted at tons of venues in cities all across Canada – and the list keeps growing! My family is based in Edmonton, and we’ve enjoyed using my son’s card at all sorts of local spots and on our travels throughout Alberta and BC. One of our favourite places, and where we use our card most frequently, is Cineplex Theatres! We are also a homeschool family, so having affordable access to museums and attractions has opened up exciting, inclusive learning adventures for us. There are even several festivals on board, making the Access 2 Card a ticket to fun for everyone! There’s truly something for every interest, and you can search all the participating venues by province here.
Getting your Access 2 Card is easy! The application process is simple, and you can choose a card that’s good for either 3 or 5 years – plenty of time for lots of adventures before renewal. There’s a small fee to join, but trust me, it pays for itself in no time with all the places you’ll get to explore together!
Heads up: Starting February 16, 2026, the card price will be $25 for 3 years or $35 for 5 years (up from $20 and $30), to support improvements to the program, and allow for even more fun and inclusive experiences for all.
Access 2:
Website: www.access2card.ca
