UPEI receives Rick Hansen Foundation Access4All Barrier Buster project funding

The University of Prince Edward Island is thrilled to announce a $30,000 funding grant through the Rick Hansen Foundation’s Access4All Program, a Canada 150 Signature Initiative aimed at breaking down barriers for people living with disabilities.

In celebration of Canada’s 150th anniversary of Confederation, the Rick Hansen Foundation, with support from the Government of Canada, invited schools and community groups to learn more about accessibility, identify barriers, and apply for grants of up to $30,000 to undertake and celebrate accessibility infrastructure improvements in public places and spaces.   

With the participation of the Government of Canada, this grant will fund a “Barrier Buster” Project that will see ten buildings on the UPEI campus receive infrastructural accessibility upgrades. The project funding was acquired through THE INSPIRE! CAMPAIGN at UPEI, and will also support an awareness event and announcement, detailing the upgrades and improvements, later this fall.

“We want to help ensure that every individual in the UPEI community has the opportunity to realize their full potential,” said Vice-President Administration and Finance Jackie Podger. “This begins with creating inclusive and accessible communities, and we’re proud to be able to improve and upgrade our facilities with support from the Government of Canada and the Rick Hansen Foundation.”

While approximately 500 students are registered with UPEI Accessibility Services, the upgrades and improvements to the UPEI campus will impact and benefit the entire community.