Via Rail has a new accessibility policy that responds to the needs of people with mental health disabilities who require a support person for travel. CMHA Ontario, CMHA Brant and Arch Disability Law Centre were among several stakeholders who contributed to the policy.
Under the new policy, Via Rail passengers who cannot travel alone due to a mental health disability can travel with a support person. The support person must be at least 12 years old and travels for free in the same service class. You can learn more about the Via Rail policy and how to access it by visiting the page on their website.
To learn more about mental health accessibility, including the role for support persons, please visit Think Outside the Box. Think Outside the Box is a free CMHA Ontario online resource with information and a unique toolbox that explains mental health accessibility in 9 concrete steps, including Step 8: Welcome Support Persons.