Rick Hansen Foundation Fall 2024 Newsletter
The latest updates on the programs at the Rick Hansen Foundation for Fall 2024.
Embracing the Future of Accessibility for All - Message from the New Board Chair
I’m honoured to be the new Chair of the Rick Hansen Foundation Board of Directors and to work with such an engaged board and team to remove barriers for people with disabilities. As we approach the start of the 40th anniversary of Rick Hansen’s Man In Motion World Tour in the coming year, I am reminded of my childhood memories of this incredible moment in history. As an adult, I now see what a difference that Rick, the Foundation, and all of our donors and supporters have made in the decades that have followed. Thank you for being an essential part of the difference we have made.
Enjoy your Fall 2024 issue of Imagine to learn more about the recent impact you are helping to create. I look forward to joining you in realizing the vision of a world that’s accessible and inclusive for people of all ages and abilities.
With gratitude,
Jane Halford, FCPA, FCA, ICD.D
Chair, Board of Directors
Rick Hansen Foundation
In This Issue
Joining Other Leaders at the International Table
Celebrating 40 Years of the Man In Motion World Tour
Leaving a Lasting Legacy
Dr. Brian Kwon Appointed Director of ICORD
Empowering Youth and Embracing the Outdoors
Understanding Neurodiversity
The Right to Cross the Road Safely
Joining Other Leaders at the International Table
In June, the Rick Hansen Foundation’s (RHF) CEO Doramy Ehling had the privilege of representing the Foundation at the United Nations (UN) 17th Conference of State Parties for Persons with Disabilities in New York. This significant event, where she connected with individuals from across the globe, all committed to advancing disability rights, highlighted RHF’s global influence and leadership in the field.
RHF was honoured to be part of this week-long dialogue. The invitation is part of being awarded UN-designated NGO status, which confirms the Foundation’s alignment with the UN’s principles and goals, enhancing our global influence.
Thanks to your support, RHF is not just a participant in the international conversation on disability inclusion; we are leading the way by bringing your voice to the global stage to promote inclusion for all.
Celebrating 40 Years of the Man In Motion World Tour
Next year marks the 40th anniversary of the start of Rick Hansen’s Man In Motion World Tour (MIMWT), a milestone that symbolizes four decades of passionate advocacy for accessibility and disability inclusion. Rick’s journey, which began in 1985, was driven by a vision to create awareness of the potential of people with disabilities and create a world without barriers. Over 26 months, Rick wheeled through 34 countries, covering over 40,000 kilometers and inspiring millions worldwide.
The MIMWT was more than a physical journey dotted with pins on a map. It was a powerful statement that challenged perceptions and ignited a global conversation about the rights and abilities of people with disabilities. Rick’s determination demonstrated that anything is possible with the right mindset and support.
As we approach this big anniversary, we reflect on the incredible progress made over the past 40 years.
Your continued support and involvement are integral to our mission, and we look forward to sharing these plans with you in the coming months!
Leaving A Lasting Legacy
Your commitment to Rick’s vision of a brighter future for the 1 in 4 Canadians with a disability is deeply appreciated. As we look forward to the next 40 years, we invite you to consider leaving a legacy gift to RHF in your will. Such a gift will provide critical resources that enable RHF to continue to innovate, grow, and adapt to the evolving needs of people with disabilities. You can ensure that future generations will continue to benefit from a world where barriers are a thing of the past, and opportunities are accessible to all.
Geno Padovese shares his heartfelt story about his reason for leaving a legacy gift to Rick Hansen Foundation. His brother Dave, a well-known figure in their community, has a knack for tinkering and building things with wheels. He started out modifying bicycles and then graduated to fixing and building cars and trucks. After sustaining a spinal cord injury, Dave faced challenges in the workplace. While qualified for the positions he applied for, his wheelchair represented a barrier to potential employers who saw disability rather than ability. Not one to be deterred, Dave started a successful auto parts business. Not only that, but he established himself as a drag racer. Gene’s gift in his will supports RHF’s mission to create a barrier-free Canada to ensure that people like his brother have the same opportunities to participate in society as everyone else.
For more information on the RHF Legacy Giving program, please visit www.RickHansen.com/Legacy. You can also contact Sandra Pimpao, Director of Resource Development, at spimpao@rickhansen.com or 778-296-1582. We are happy to answer any questions you may have. Your support will help continue the vital work of building an inclusive and accessible future for all.
Dr. Brian Kwon Appointed Director of ICORD - Continuing a Legacy of Inspiration
We are delighted to share that Dr. Brian Kwon has been officially appointed as the Director of the International Collaboration on Repair Discoveries (ICORD), beginning July 1, 2024, for a five-year term. Dr. Kwon, a leading figure in spinal cord injury research, has served as Associate Director of Clinical Research at ICORD and is renowned for his Director roles at the University of British Columbia Spine Surgery Fellowship and the Spine Research Program at Vancouver General Hospital.
Dr. Kwon’s impressive career spans numerous accolades, including a Tier 1 Canada Research Chair in Spinal Cord Injury and the Dvorak Chair in Spine Trauma. His pioneering work, such as establishing the International Spinal Cord Injury Biobank, has made significant strides in understanding and treating spinal cord injuries.
Reflecting on the Foundation’s history, it’s worth noting that ten years ago, Dr. Kwon was featured in our Fall newsletter. At that time, he spoke about the profound impact Rick Hansen had on his career. Inspired by Rick’s journey and dedication, Dr. Kwon
said he pursued his path in spinal cord injury research, aiming to make a tangible difference in patients’ lives. His commitment has only grown stronger, and now, as ICORD’s new Director, he will continue to push boundaries and drive innovative research.
We want to extend our heartfelt thanks to our wonderful donors. Your generous support has been crucial in enabling the groundbreaking work of researchers like Dr. Kwon. Your contributions fuel progress and help bring transformative changes in the field of spinal cord injury research.
Empowering Youth and Embracing the Outdoors: New Initiatives from RHF
RHF is thrilled to announce two groundbreaking initiatives: The Rick and Amanda Hansen Scholarship for Youth with Disabilities and the RHF Accessible Outdoors Program. These
initiatives are designed to create opportunities and promote inclusion, contributing to our collective commitment to breaking down barriers for people with disabilities.
The Rick and Amanda Hansen Scholarship for Youth with Disabilities
Rick and Amanda Hansen believe that every youth should have the right to a barrier-free education. Thanks to generous support from the April 1 Foundation, the Rick and Amanda Hansen Scholarship for Youth with Disabilities provides substantial financial support to Canadian youth with disabilities to pursue post-secondary education and realize their full potential.
Funding up to $10,000 a year (maximum of $40,000) is available for youth under 30 wanting to complete a one to four-year program at a publicly funded school in Canada.
For more information, including eligibility criteria, visit our website at www.RickHansen.com/Scholarship.
The RHF Accessible Outdoors Program
Throughout his life, Rick Hansen has been passionate about healthy ecosystems and has experienced the power of outdoor spaces to promote well-being. Unfortunately, too many of our natural spaces are inaccessible to people with disabilities, resulting in exclusion.
Thanks to generous support from the Peterson Family Foundation and Power to Give, the RHF Accessible Outdoors Program will pilot in the marine environment and partner with non-profits to engage individuals in accessible boating experiences in a unique custom vessel, including innovative solutions to barriers such as ramps, specialized headsets, an accessible washroom and more.
Let’s create a world where everyone can enjoy nature!
Understanding Neurodiversity: RHF’s Commitment to Accessibility
Neurodiversity refers to the natural variations in the human brain. It encompasses conditions such as autism, dyslexia, ADHD, dyspraxia, and neurodegenerative conditions such as dementia and Parkinson’s Disease. In Canada, an estimated 15% of the population is neurodivergent. These conditions can present unique challenges in navigating and interacting with the built environment, highlighting the need for inclusive design.
Recognizing the importance of neurodiversity in accessibility, RHF has incorporated considerations for neurodivergent individuals into version 4.0 of its Rick Hansen Foundation Accessibility Certification™ (RHFAC) Rating Survey.
Thanks to you, we’re staying on the forefront of advancements in disability and creating more inclusive spaces that everyone, regardless of ability, can navigate and enjoy with ease.
The Right to Cross the Road Safely
Crossing a busy street only using sound cues is part of daily life for James Kwinecki and others with sight loss. While some intersections have audible signals, their effectiveness varies. With the rise of quiet electric vehicles, the danger increases.
“I lost my sight when I was 21, about eight years ago. It was devastating,” said James.
“But RHF is giving me hope that people and cities will catch on to the fact that accessibility should be an integral part of all design.”
Your donation can help James and the eight million Canadians who face barriers in their communities every day. Please support Rick Hansen Foundation and help build a world where everyone can navigate their surroundings with ease and dignity – safely.
Your support has made a significant impact
April 1, 2023 - March 31, 2024
RHF Accessibility Ceritification (RHFAC)
147 sites conducted RHFAC ratings
314 partner organizations helped remove barriers in 81 communities accross Canada
9 post-secondary instutions in Canada now offer RHFAC courses: Introduced 2 new online courses to promote a culture of access and inclusion
$927,000+ in tuition grants disbursed, removing financial barriers for 157 learners accross Canada.
RHF School Program (RHFSP)
18,000+ children and youth reached through 96 Ambassador Presentations
5,200+ resource downloads via our online resource library from 30+ countries
5 Difference Maker of the Year awards presented to youth who are increasing access and inclusion in their communities, and 79 awards given to 123 youth since 2014.
