Measuring Up

Helping communities improve accessibility

Measuring Up, managed by The Social Planning and Research Council of BC (SPARC BC), helps communities assess and improve local accessibility and inclusion for persons with disabilities and others, including older persons, parents pushing baby carriages and people with injuries.

What is Measuring Up?

From 2006 to 2009, 2010 Legacies Now led the Measuring Up community development initiatives with support from partners in BC communities. Measuring Up is a collaborative process that engages persons with disabilities, local government, the business sector and other community leaders to assess and improve local accessibility and inclusion. By increasing accessible employment opportunities and improving public spaces, recreation facilities, restaurants and shops, Measuring Up assisted communities to become more accessible and inclusive.

Measuring Up grew to involve more than 100 communities across the province. Eighty-eight of these communities received grants totaling $2 million from the Measuring Up Accessibility and Inclusion Fund (Measuring Up Fund), established with financial support from the BC Ministry of Housing and Social Development. This Fund supported the implementation of the Measuring Up program in BC communities, so they became better places for people of all abilities to live, work and visit.

As a legacy of the 2010 Winter Games, 2010 Legacies Now has transferred management of the Measuring Up program to The Social Planning and Research Council of BC (SPARC BC). Since 1966, SPARC BC has provided valuable services for people with disabilities in BC and it will ensure Measuring Up continues to develop accessibility programs to benefit communities well beyond 2010. To learn more about Measuring Up best practices, resources or past initiatives, please contact SPARC BC by visiting their website at www.sparc.bc.ca

Additional information and resources

Measuring Up FAQ
Past Measuring Up grant recipients (2007-2009)
Past Measuring Up funded projects (2007-2009)
Additional funding opportunities
Related links

Measuring Up was created in partnership with the Vancouver Agreement, representing the provincial and federal governments and the City of Vancouver; the Vancouver Foundation; and over 80 disability organizations throughout BC.