VANCOUVER, BC--(Marketwired - September 29, 2016) - The Rick Hansen Foundation announced today the launch of Access4All -- a Canada 150 Signature Initiative aimed at breaking down barriers for people living with disabilities.

Funded in part by the Government of Canada, the Foundation will be distributing $1.7 M to activate "Barrier Buster" projects across Canada that raise awareness and improve accessibility of public spaces, such as schools, playgrounds, and libraries in communities across the nation.

On this upcoming milestone of Canada's 150^th anniversary of Confederation, the Foundation will be inviting schools and community groups to learn more about accessibility, identify barriers, and apply for grants of up to $30,000 to undertake and celebrate accessibility infrastructure improvements in public places and spaces.

"My life's work has been to raise awareness of the potential of people living with disabilities and remove barriers that prevent them from reaching their potential. What better way to celebrate Canada's 150^th and the 30^th anniversary of my Man In Motion World Tour, than to engage Canadians in an initiative that will play an important role in building the Canada of the future -- one that is accessible and inclusive," said Rick Hansen, CEO of the Rick Hansen Foundation. "The key to continued progress lies in inspiring and motivating our youth who can make a real difference in their communities -- and I know that young Canadians are up for the Access4All challenge."

The Rick Hansen Foundation is introducing Access4All through targeted outreach to communities across Canada and also through the well-established Rick Hansen School Program that has been educating Canadian youth on the importance of accessibility and inclusivity in their communities since 2002 -- and provides free resources to educate over 500,000 youth annually across Canada.

Educators, community groups, and municipalities are encouraged to visit www.rickhansen.com/access4all to learn how to participate. The website includes a toolkit with "how to" resources and sample "Barrier Buster" projects -- as well as important information on how to apply for funding.

Applications for Barrier Buster grants will be accepted by the Foundation until March 31, 2017, and approved on a rolling, first come first served basis for the duration of available funds.

About the Rick Hansen Foundation

The Rick Hansen Foundation is dedicated to Rick Hansen's life-long goal of creating an inclusive world where people with disabilities are living to their full potential. Foundation programs are designed to increase awareness, change attitudes, and remove barriers in the built environment for people with disabilities. www.rickhansen.com