Barriers limit the things people with disabilities can do, the places they can go, or the attitudes of others toward them. Removing these barriers is why the Rick Hansen Foundation exists. The Foundation was established in 1988 following Rick Hansen’s Man In Motion World Tour with two big dreams; to remove barriers for people with disabilities and find a cure for paralysis. Ever since, we’ve worked to fund spinal cord injury research, increase awareness, change attitudes, and remove one of the most fundamental barriers people with disabilities continue to face every day: physical barriers in the places we live, work, learn and play.
Our Mission |
Our Vision |
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To create and deliver innovative solutions that lead to a global movement to remove barriers and enable people with disabilities to meet their full potential. |
An inclusive world where people with disabilities are living to their full potential. |
The COVID-19 pandemic has deepened pre-existing inequalities, exposing the extent of exclusion and barriers people with disabilities face. People with disabilities – 1 in 5 Canadian adults and growing as our population ages – are among the most excluded groups in our society. Even as the global health emergency recedes, they’re less likely to have access to health care, education, employment, and to be able to participate in their communities.
This needs to change.
Organized into three key areas of focus, our 2021-2023 Strategic Plan will ensure we emerge stronger in our ability to remove barriers, accelerate change and fuel the movement to create a world for everyone, everywhere.
2021-2023 Strategic Priorities
Meaningful Accessibility
Giving architects, designers and building owners the tools to apply an accessibility lens, innovating to take accessibility beyond compliance.
Empowering Canadians to Create Inclusive Communities
Educating and engaging Canadians in the conversation about the significant physical and attitudinal barriers people with disabilities face, and the critical need to remove those barriers.
Financial Sustainability
Revitalizing and strengthening our philanthropic fundraising and diversify to ensure our programs are fully funded every year.
Investing in Cure and Care for Spinal Cord Injury
When Rick Hansen founded RHF after the Man In Motion World Tour, one of his original dreams was to find a cure for paralysis caused by spinal cord injury (SCI) as well as improve care practices. Over three decades later, our Foundation continues to fund initiatives that advance SCI research.
OUR VALUES
With input from our staff across the country, these values will be the guiding star in achieving our goals.
We engage respectfully
We believe in treating all persons with dignity. We invite emotionally intelligent dialogue and welcome diverse perspectives. We ask powerful questions, seek clarity, and listen generously. We come together with the communities we serve and go the extra mile. We see our differences as assets.
We collaborate authentically
We are humble, open-minded, and compassionate. We are driven by making a difference. We are curious, courageous and committed to seeking out innovative solutions. What you see is what you get.
We keep our promises
We say what we mean. We do what we say. When we get it wrong, we take responsibility, learn from the experience and vow to make it right. We foster a culture of trust and accountability where it’s okay to make mistakes as that’s how we get better, and high standards are the norm.
2021-23 Strategic Plan: Investing in Transformation
An accessible and inclusive country for people of all abilities positively impacts every family, every workplace, every community and every Canadian. Read our full 2021-23 Strategic Plan for more on how we can get there, together.