Key Accomplishments

As a result of the RCD's work in partnership with the City, Richmond was presented the "5 Star Award for Accessibility" in 1991 by the Federation of Canadian Municipalities, Secretary of State and National Committee On Disabilities. The only city in Canada to be so honoured at that time. Working with the City's public works department, the RCD developed Accessibility guidelines that are used in construction or renovation of all City facilities. A curb cut design for the City Centre area (now used in a number of other areas in the City) that addresses not only the needs of both the wheelchair/scooter users but also the blind/visually impaired citizens.

• Working with community developers, the RCD has been able to provide input relating to accessibility for many commercial and residential developments. The cooperation of the developers in each case has contributed to the fact that we have, for the most part, a very user-friendly community for people with disabilities. A number of amenities have been provided in Malls, Hotels and Government facilities that were not commonly found in other cities.
• Working with the City of Richmond and the development industry, the RCD has drafted a proposed "Universal Housing Design Bylaw". A bylaw that would address in multifamily housing the functional needs of everyone; children, adults, and seniors with or without disabilities, in a user-friendly environment. While the City has not completed work relating to this new bylaw, the RCD continues to promote "universal design" to members of the development community whenever possible and has had some success in seeing universality included in a number of projects.
• The RCD was a facilitator and partner in the 1995 establishment of the Richmond Therapeutic Equestrian Society that provides a therapeutic horseback riding program in Richmond for children and youth with disabilities under Canadian Therapeutic Equestrian Society guidelines. An average of 24 children are able to participate in this program each week.
• Working in partnership with the Health Department, the RCD provided, through our HIV/AIDS Educator, HIV/AIDS prevention education in High schools and the community, a program that ran for several years. As well the RCD held three successful WALKS for HIV/AIDS to raise funds for the program.
• Bringing together the City, a local developer and the False Creek Residence Society the RCD facilitated the development of the Steveston Residence project. Located in Steveston, this is an integrated project of 20 apartments, 11 of which are purpose built for people who have disabilities and require full time attendant care, along with 9 apartments for families. This project is responding to the need for residential housing for people with disabilities who require this type of attendant support. The nine family apartments embrace universal design.
• The establishment of the Disability Resource Centre, which opened its doors in September 2000, is the RCD's most recent accomplishment. A Centre that has been established to support the Independent Living Movement and is being operated following Canadian Association of Independent Living Centres (CAILC) guidelines.