National Access-Ability Week

It’s National AccessAbility Week from May 26th – June 1st, 2024 and we’re celebrating by sharing a little bit about the work we’ve done with our partners at the University of the Fraser Valley and the Abbotsford Downtown Business Association through the summer and fall curriculum in work-integrated learning explorations in accessible tourism in Abbotsford.

This project is a challenge-based learning and practicum experience that contributes to a more inclusive Abbotsford as a travel destination to experience the accessible culture, recreation, workplaces, and public park spaces that the city has to offer. The students work together to identify gaps and suggest equitable solutions to grow our visitor economy and vibrant community.

The “Work Integrated Learning Explorations in Accessible Tourism” project contributes to developing an overarching accessibility strategy for accessible tourism and culture in Abbotsford.

Tourism Abbotsford strives to support the tourism sector in becoming more inclusive and accessible and this includes partnerships and working collaborations. Working with the University of the Fraser Valley and the Downtown Business Association was the first step of many to achieve Accessible Tourism. Tourism Abbotsford is thrilled to work with UFV Students and staff and the Abbotsford Downtown Business Association on this partnership. Tourism Abbotsford looks forward to continued work alongside industry, businesses and community to achieve greater diversity, equity and inclusion in tourism for our community.  We value the work the students of UFV are doing.  Access to the creativity, knowledge and skills of post-secondary students, is so valuable.

Building and promoting a safe environment, including events, where all people feel valued and included will only grow our visitor economy. Safety and belonging are part of making an accessible city and developing responsible travel.

We can’t wait to share more as this project continues on!