Access 2 Entertainment companion card – update

As mentioned in an earlier post, Easter Seals Canada manages the Access 2 Entertainment (TM) Card.  This is a fabulous program for those of us who love movies, attractions and recreational opportunities.

If, as the result of a permanent disability, you are unable to participate without a companion, the Access 2 Entertainment Card provides admission for that companion which is either free or nearly free (maximum $3.)  The person with the disability pays regular admission.

This post  is a summary of information believed to be accurate as of today.  However, qualifications, rules and participating venues can change at any time, so always check the www.access2card.ca website for official information.

Participating Theatres and Attractions:

The card is valid at a large number of movie theatres and attractions.  The list of participating organizations is maintained at www.access2card.ca/venues/  Current listings:

Movie theatres in Alberta

• Cineplex
•             Odeon, Galaxy, Famous Players, SilverCity, Colossus, Coliseum
• Empire Theatres
• Landmark Cinemas
• Rainbow Cinemas
• Magic Lantern Cinemas
• AMC Theatres

Attractions in Alberta:

• Aero Space Museum of Calgary
• Art Gallery of Alberta
• Calgary Zoo
• Canada’s Sports Hall of Fame
• Canadian Grain Elevator Discover Centre
• Canmore Museum & Geoscience Centre
• Danish Canadian National Museum
• Edmonton Valley Zoo
• Esplanade Arts and Heritage Centre
• Fort Edmonton Park
• Fort McMurray Historical Society
• Fort Whoop-Up National Historic Site
• Frank Slide Interpretive Centre
• Galt Museum & Archives
• Jasper-Yellowhead Museum & Archives
• John Janzen Nature Centre
• La Crete Mennonite Heritage Village
• Lougheed House
• Morinville Musuem
• Muttart Conservatory
• Nose Creek Valley Museum
• Peace River Museum, Archives & Mackenzie Centre
• Royal Tyrrell Museum
• Sundre Museum & World of Wildlife
• TELUS world of Science-Edmonton
• The Fort Museum of the North West Mounted Police and First Nations Interpretive Centre
• Ukrainian Cultural Heritage Village
• Westlock Pioneer Museum
• Wild Rapids
• YouthLink Calgary

Application:

Download the application form at www.access2card.ca and follow the instructions.  There is a $20 fee to acquire, replace or renew the Access 2 Entertainment Card which is valid for 5 years.

Medical qualification:

The application form requires that the applicant must be a client of an authorizing health care professional/service provider (see application for list) who attests that:

1. The client has a permanent disability.
2. As a result of the disability, the client requires the assistance of an attendant at movie theatres or entertainment venues.

For clients of the Huntington Society’s Southern Alberta Resource Centre, Karl Lottes is qualified to complete the Registered Health Care Provider Information required on the application.  He can be reached at 403.532.0609.

Good to know:

If you intend to also apply for the Easter Seals’ Disability Travel Card (TM) mentioned in an earlier post, have your health care professional complete both forms at the same time.  If you already have a CNIB ID card or an Easter Seals Disability Travel Card, a photocopy of either one can be submitted as authorization in lieu of completing the  Registered Health Care Provider Information section.

The Disability Travel Card is a similar program operated by Easter Seals through which participating Canadian coach (bus) operators and Via Rail offer reduced fares for companions accompanying persons with disabilities who cannot travel independently.