By Shannon
Being a wheelchair can suck - putting it bluntly.
Sometimes getting out and enjoying ourselves can be a pain.
I always look at being in a wheelchair like being part of a club that no one asks, or wants to join.
When I talk to people in wheelchairs, a lot of them are not aware of some of the perks available to being a member of this club. There are more than just the prime parking. These perks may not make this club more popular to join, but they do make getting out a little more cost efficient.
Being a wheelchair can suck - putting it bluntly.
Sometimes getting out and enjoying ourselves can be a pain.
I always look at being in a wheelchair like being part of a club that no one asks, or wants to join.
When I talk to people in wheelchairs, a lot of them are not aware of some of the perks available to being a member of this club. There are more than just the prime parking. These perks may not make this club more popular to join, but they do make getting out a little more cost efficient.
Below are some options to encourage you to get out and see and do things.
So get out there and enjoy life!
Cost to obtain this card:
Free
How to get this card:
Download the application form from their website.
Free
How to get this card:
Download the application form from their website.
What this card does:
When a cardholder presents the Disability Travel Card when purchasing a ticket, one support person can accompany them at a reduced fare. The Disability Travel Card holder pays regular ticket price.
Where you can use this card:
We love to take advantage of this for weekend getaways taking the train. It is a different Alternative than driving. I have to pay full price for an economy fare and then my friend goes free so we just split the price of the one ticket. The other bonus to this is the wheelchair tie downs are in first class, so as long as you are staying in your wheelchair, you get to enjoy first class travel for a discount rate.
Airlines also offer companion fare discounts. You are required to fill out of form which you can find on their websites. I have never done this because after speaking with one airline I was told that once you are approved you must always fly with an attendant. I do quite a few trips on my own so this would prevent me from ever doing that. This would be great for someone that always travels with someone though. This does not apply for all flights and each airline seems to have their own policy on which ones you can apply this benefit to. Airlines have a special services department or medical department where they offer you complimentary seating. Always contact this department prior to your flight to see what perks or options they can provide you even if you have not filled out an application.
When a cardholder presents the Disability Travel Card when purchasing a ticket, one support person can accompany them at a reduced fare. The Disability Travel Card holder pays regular ticket price.
Where you can use this card:
- Via Rail Canada;
- Greyhound Canada,
- Coach Canada;
- Motor Coach Canada
We love to take advantage of this for weekend getaways taking the train. It is a different Alternative than driving. I have to pay full price for an economy fare and then my friend goes free so we just split the price of the one ticket. The other bonus to this is the wheelchair tie downs are in first class, so as long as you are staying in your wheelchair, you get to enjoy first class travel for a discount rate.
Airlines also offer companion fare discounts. You are required to fill out of form which you can find on their websites. I have never done this because after speaking with one airline I was told that once you are approved you must always fly with an attendant. I do quite a few trips on my own so this would prevent me from ever doing that. This would be great for someone that always travels with someone though. This does not apply for all flights and each airline seems to have their own policy on which ones you can apply this benefit to. Airlines have a special services department or medical department where they offer you complimentary seating. Always contact this department prior to your flight to see what perks or options they can provide you even if you have not filled out an application.
Cost to obtain this card:
Free
How to get this card:
Download the application for from their website. You will need to provide a photo with your application. If you cannot submit one through email than you will need to make an appointment to attend at the WFA offices for them to take one.
Free
How to get this card:
Download the application for from their website. You will need to provide a photo with your application. If you cannot submit one through email than you will need to make an appointment to attend at the WFA offices for them to take one.
What this card does:
The Western Fair District Community Access Program (C.A.P.) was designed to provide the named holder of the CAP card free or discounted admission for holder, and free admission for one support person at different events.
Where you can use this card:
Below is a chart that provides a reference to how the card works. Every time I attend at something at the Western Fair I always ask if they accept the card, even if it is not on the list.
Yuk Yuk’s is one of my favourite places to go. It is a cheap night out for entertainment on the weekend. On their website, they state that the Easter Seals Access 2 Entertainment Card are both treated exactly the same as our CAP card. I have both so I have never tested this theory.
The Western Fair District Community Access Program (C.A.P.) was designed to provide the named holder of the CAP card free or discounted admission for holder, and free admission for one support person at different events.
Where you can use this card:
Below is a chart that provides a reference to how the card works. Every time I attend at something at the Western Fair I always ask if they accept the card, even if it is not on the list.
Yuk Yuk’s is one of my favourite places to go. It is a cheap night out for entertainment on the weekend. On their website, they state that the Easter Seals Access 2 Entertainment Card are both treated exactly the same as our CAP card. I have both so I have never tested this theory.
Every little bit counts.
Save $$$ with these cards.
Apply today*
Cost to obtain this card:
$20 for 3-year card or $30 for 5-year card
How to get this card:
Download the application form from their website.
$20 for 3-year card or $30 for 5-year card
How to get this card:
Download the application form from their website.
What this card does:
The cardholder pays regular admission price and receives one free admission for guest/support person for various entertainment.
Where you can use this card:
There are over 500 participating locations across the country that accept this card. You can check out their website for a complete list by Province/City.
In London, the venues that accept this card include:
The cardholder pays regular admission price and receives one free admission for guest/support person for various entertainment.
Where you can use this card:
There are over 500 participating locations across the country that accept this card. You can check out their website for a complete list by Province/City.
In London, the venues that accept this card include:
- Grand Theatre London;
- East Park;
- London Fringe;
- Forest City Comicon;
- London Children’s Museum;
- Cineplex;
- Imagine Cinemas;
- Landmark Cinemas;
- Rainbow Cinemas.
I love going to the Grand Theatre.
I recently took my dad to a play there for Christmas and the buy one get one free admission was awesome!
I have been checking out places on the list on the website in other cities, and my list of future road trips is growing.
Last but not least...
You can save $ on your property taxes!
A lot of people are surprised when I mention that they are eligible for relief on their property taxes if you are 65 years or older, or you have a disability. There is a process you need to go through by contacting MPAC. The process is listed on their website. Surprisingly, I found this to very easy and painless. Although it works out to be roughly only 10%, I don’t mind. A discount is still a discount and if you are missing out on it it can add up over the years.
* We are not affiliated with any of the above programs
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