Rick Hansen Foundation

The Rick Hansen Foundation is a Canadian nonprofit organization dedicated to creating a world without barriers for people with disabilities. Established in 1988 following Rick Hansen's Man in Motion World Tour, the foundation aims to accelerate a global movement toward inclusivity by inspiring, creating, and delivering innovative solutions[2][3].

Mission and Vision

The organization's mission is centered on removing both physical and attitudinal barriers to improve the quality of life for people with disabilities. It envisions a world where people with disabilities can live to their full potential and participate fully in society[5].

Programs

The Rick Hansen Foundation operates several key programs:

• Accessibility: The foundation offers the Rick Hansen Foundation Accessibility Certification (RHFAC), a rating system that evaluates the accessibility of commercial, institutional, and multi-family residential buildings. This program helps identify and improve meaningful accessibility for people of varying abilities[4].
• Research: The foundation supports research into spinal cord injuries and other disabilities to advance care and treatment options[5].
• Education & Outreach: This includes programs like the Rick Hansen Foundation School Program, which educates and empowers youth from kindergarten to grade 12 to become champions of accessibility and inclusion[5].
• Awareness: Efforts to raise awareness and change attitudes toward disability, promoted through events and partnerships[4].

Impact and Legacy

Rick Hansen's Man in Motion World Tour, which spanned 40,000 kilometers over two years, raised $26 million for spinal cord injury research and awareness in its time[4]. Since its inception, the Rick Hansen Foundation has generated more than $394 million to support people with disabilities[5]. The foundation has been recognized for its strong results reporting and financial transparency, receiving a 5-star rating from Charity Intelligence Canada[4].

National AccessAbility Week

Inspired by Hansen's tour, Canadians celebrate National AccessAbility Week annually, starting on the last Sunday in May, to highlight the need for accessibility and inclusion across communities[5].