The Access 2 Card: Free Admission for a Support Person at Venues Across Canada
Published July 2, 2026
A practical guide to the Easter Seals Access 2 Card, including who it is for, how first-time applications and renewals work, and how participating Canadian venues admit a support person.
For many autistic children and adults, going to the movies, a museum, or a recreation centre means bringing a support person along. The Access 2 Card exists so that support doesn't come with a double admission price. When the cardholder buys a ticket, their support person gets in free — at hundreds of venues across Canada.
Here's how it works, who qualifies, and how to apply.
What the Access 2 Card is
The Access 2 Card is a program run by Easter Seals Canada in partnership with movie theatres, cultural attractions, entertainment venues, and recreation facilities — more than 800 participating locations across Canada. It's designed for people of all ages who have a permanent disability and need a support person with them.
The idea is simple: when the cardholder (the person with the disability) presents a valid Access 2 Card at a participating venue, their support person is admitted free, and the cardholder pays regular admission. The goal is to make entertainment, culture, and recreation accessible without the added cost of paying for two people every time.
It's worth saying plainly: autism qualifies. The card is for anyone with a permanent disability who requires a support person — it isn't limited by age, and it covers autistic children, teens, and adults.
Who is eligible
To qualify, the applicant must have a permanent disability that requires the assistance of a support person for access. As part of the application, a healthcare professional confirms the disability and the need for support by completing their section of the form.
A few details:
The card belongs to the person with the disability — not the support person.
A support person (attendant) is defined as an adult 18 years or older.
It doesn't have to be the same support person each time; the card travels with the cardholder.
You can review the full criteria on the official Eligibility page.
What it costs
As of February 16, 2026, the card costs:
$25 for a 3-year card
$35 for a 5-year card
Related support
- Find autism funding and support programs — Browse government and community programs by location.
- Read source-checked autism guides — Use practical guides with official sources and review dates.
- Choose your next support step — Get a short, location-aware action path without creating an account.