The Access 2 Card is a national Canadian disability-access program run by Easter Seals. It allows people with permanent disabilities to bring a support person for free (or at a significant discount) to participating entertainment, cultural, and recreational venues across Canada.
The cardholder pays regular admission, and their support person enters at no charge.
A 2-for-1 admission card for people with permanent disabilities and a support attendant.
Valid at over 800 entertainment and cultural venues across Canada!
The program has existed for more than 20 years and is widely recognized.
👤 Who Is Eligible?
You qualify if:
- You have a permanent disability (physical, sensory, developmental, cognitive, mental health, learning, etc.) that affects your ability to attend venues independently.
- You require the assistance of a support person for activities such as mobility, feeding, communication, medication, navigating venues, or personal care.
- There is no age limit — children, adults, and seniors may apply.
- Your support person must be 18 or older, but does not need to be a certified PSW.
You do not need to prove income or provide medical records — only an authorized healthcare professional’s signature on the form confirming your needs.
💲 Cost of the Access 2 Card
Two pricing options:
- $20 for a 3-year card
- $30 for a 5-year card
This is a flat administrative fee.
There are no annual fees, renewals are optional, and the card can be replaced if lost (for the same cost as a new card).
📝 How to Apply (Step-by-Step)
1. Fill out the application form
You complete the personal information portion and select whether you want a 3-year or 5-year card.
2. Get a professional to sign
A licensed healthcare professional must confirm:
- Your disability is permanent
- You require a support person when accessing public venues
Acceptable professionals include doctors, nurse practitioners, physiotherapists, occupational therapists, psychologists, and similar roles.
They must NOT be related to you.
3. Pay the fee
You can pay:
- Online (credit card or Visa Debit through PayPal)
- Or by mailing a cheque or money order
4. Submit the application
You can send your completed form by:
- Fax
- Or mail
5. Receive the card
Standard processing times are 4–6 weeks, though many users report receiving their card in 1–3 weeks.
🎟️ Where the Access 2 Card Is Accepted
The card is accepted at hundreds of venues across Canada, including:
Movie Theatres
- Most major cinema chains
- Many independent theatres
- Local community theatres
Museums & Galleries
Large and small museums, science centres, history museums, art galleries, and cultural centres.
Recreation & Entertainment
- Zoos
- Aquariums
- Indoor playgrounds
- Waterparks
- Amusement parks
- Mini golf
- Bowling alleys
- Escape rooms
- Arcades
- Sports facilities
Seasonal Attractions
- Holiday festivals
- Outdoor events
- Fairs and exhibitions
The list is large and continuously updated, and every province and territory participates. However, policies may vary from venue to venue, so many users recommend calling ahead.
✅ Benefits of the Access 2 Card
1. Free Admission for Support Persons
This eliminates the financial penalty of needing a helper to accompany you.
2. Encourages Inclusion
People with disabilities can enjoy the same recreational, social, and cultural activities as anyone else.
3. Cost-Effective
With a cost as low as $20 for three years, the card usually pays for itself in one or two outings.
4. Broad Acceptance Across Canada
From major cities to small towns, hundreds of venues participate.
5. Reduces Barriers
Helps families and caregivers, especially for individuals who would otherwise avoid outings due to cost.
⭐ Real User Feedback — Pros & Cons
👍 What People Love
- Most people say venues accept the card easily.
- Many individuals find the process simple and quick.
- Caregivers appreciate not having to pay full price every time.
- Users report significant financial savings, especially for frequent outings.
- Some receive their card much faster than the estimated timeline.
👎 Common Complaints
- Some venues — especially chain cinemas — occasionally have staff who are unfamiliar with the program.
- A few users report needing to explain the card, especially to new employees.
- Very occasionally, a venue listed as participating may claim they no longer honour the program.
- The card covers the support person only, not the cardholder’s admission.
These issues don’t happen everywhere, but they come up enough that many users recommend calling the venue ahead of time.
📦 Review: Should You Get the Access 2 Card?
Yes — for most people with disabilities, this card offers fantastic value.
✔ Pros
- Extremely low cost
- Widely recognized
- Major financial savings
- Simple application
- No income or medical record requirements
- Highly inclusive definition of disability
- Works across nearly all of Canada
✘ Cons
- Occasional staff confusion
- Must always show the physical card
- Cardholder still pays their own ticket
- Acceptance consistency varies slightly by venue
🏁 Final Verdict
The Access 2 Card is one of Canada’s most helpful, affordable, and practical accessibility tools.
It removes financial barriers, encourages social inclusion, and helps people with disabilities participate in everyday activities with dignity and independence.
Most users consider it an excellent value and a must-have for anyone who requires a support person when attending public venues.