For millions of Canadians with disabilities, travel involves more than just picking a destination—it requires navigating a landscape of physical, communication, and financial barriers. Fortunately, a valuable the Canadian Disability Travel Card exists to help reduce one of these significant hurdles: the cost of travelling with essential support.
The Easter Seals Canadian Disability Travel Card is a national program that allows a person with a permanent disability, who requires active assistance, to travel with a support person at a greatly reduced fare. This guide provides all the key facts, recent Canadian statistics on travel barriers, and direct links you need to understand and apply for the card.
Understanding the Need: Disability and Travel in Canada
To understand the importance of the Canadian Disability Travel Card, it’s helpful to look at the context. In Canada, more than 6.2 million people—almost 22% of the population aged 15 and over—are living with a disability. Of these, 43% have a disability classified as severe or very severe.
Travel is a common activity for this community. From January 2022 to February 2025, 52% of persons with disabilities or long-term conditions took an out-of-town trip using a plane, train, bus, or ferry. However, this group frequently encounters obstacles. The same data shows that 40% of these travellers faced at least one type of barrier (like narrow hallways or unclear signs) at airports, train stations, or terminals. Furthermore, 34% experienced barriers while onboard the vehicle itself.
Alarmingly, accessibility concerns actively prevent travel. Among those with disabilities who considered a trip, 29% reported being discouraged or prevented from going due to possible accessibility issues. This number rises sharply to 46% for those who have greater difficulty with daily activities. These statistics underscore the critical need for programs that make travel more feasible and less daunting.
What is the Disability Travel Card?
The Canadian Disability Travel Card is issued by Easter Seals Canada. Its primary function is straightforward: it allows the cardholder to travel with a necessary support person (attendant) who gets a reduced fare or travels for free on participating transportation services, while the cardholder pays the regular fare.
- Eligibility: You must have a permanent disability and require the active assistance of an adult to travel on public transportation.
- The Support Person: This individual assists with tasks not provided by the carrier’s staff, such as boarding, navigating, communicating, or personal care. They must be 18 or older but do not need to be a professional support worker.
How and Where to Apply
Apply for the Canadian Disability Travel Card through Easter Seals Canada. The process requires medical certification.
- Direct Application Form Link: Canadian Disability Travel Card Application Form.
- The Key Step – Medical Certification: A licensed physician must complete the “Medical Doctor’s Certificate” section of the application. They must verify the applicant’s permanent disability and confirm the necessity of a support person for travel. This step is mandatory.
- Submit Your Application: Send the completed form with all documentation to the address specified on the application. As of early 2026, the program guidelines do not mention an application fee.
- Contact for Questions: For assistance, you can contact Easter Seals Canada at 1-877-376-6362 (toll-free) or 416-932-8382.
Where Can You Use the Card?
The card is accepted by several major national transportation providers for travel within Canada.
Important: The Canadian Disability Travel Card is not valid for airline travel. Always contact the carrier directly when booking to confirm their policy and inform them you will be using the card.
Key participating carriers include:
- VIA Rail Canada (National Passenger Rail)
- Coach Canada (Intercity Bus & Charter)
- Motor Coach Canada (Association of Bus Operators)
A Note on the Access 2 Card
You may also hear about the Access 2 Card, another program run by Easter Seals. It’s important not to confuse the two. The Access 2 Card provides similar benefits (a free ticket for a support person) but for entertainment venues like movie theaters, museums, and attractions, not for transportation. The pricing for a new Access 2 Card as of February 2026 is $25 for 3 years or $35 for 5 years.
The Bigger Picture: Canada’s Commitment to Accessibility
These cards operate within a national framework to improve accessibility. In 2019, Canada passed the Accessible Canada Act (ACA), which has the goal of creating a barrier-free Canada by 2040. Federal departments, including those overseeing transportation, are actively working on multi-year plans to identify and remove barriers.
Final Thoughts
The Canadian Disability Travel Card is a practical and powerful tool that addresses a very real financial barrier. By significantly reducing the cost of travelling with necessary support, it promotes greater independence, social inclusion, and the freedom to explore. If you or someone you know meets the eligibility criteria, applying for the card is a concrete step toward more accessible travel adventures across Canada.
