FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Thank you for your interest in the Access 2 Card Program. Some frequently asked questions are below:
GENERAL
Q. I have lost my Access 2 card. What do I do?
Lost Access 2 cards must be paid for again. Please click the “Get Your Card” tab to learn more.
Q. How can I access the French version of your website?
Our French website can be found at http://carteacces2.ca/.
Q. Is my Access 2 Card valid across Canada?
Yes. The card is valid at participating attractions across Canada. For a full list of participating venues, please click the “Venues” tab.
Q. Can one person have multiple Access 2 cards?
No. Each applicant is only permitted to have one valid Access 2 card.
Q. If I am living with Type 1 Diabetes am I eligible for the Access 2 card?
Unfortunately, our program is not accepting applicants with the sole eligibility of living with Type 1 Diabetes.
SUBMITTING AN APPLICATION FORM
Q. Who’s name do I put down as the applicant for Section B?
Section B should be filled out in the name of the person who is living with a permanent disability.
Q. Who can complete Section C of the application for a new Access 2 Card?
One of the 12 health care professionals listed on Section C or the Executive Director of a disability service organization can complete this section. The healthcare professional that signs Section C does not need to be the same health care professional that provided the original diagnosis.
The only exception to filling out Section C is if the applicant is registered with CNIB and has a CNIB identification card. In this case, we ask for a photocopy of their CNIB identification card to be submitted.
Q. Will you accept any other forms (diagnosis forms etc.) in place of Section C?
Besides a CNIB identification card, no other materials can be accepted in place of Section C.
Q. How long does it take to receive my Access 2 card?
Allow up to four weeks after sending in your application to receive your card. Please refrain from contacting us to check the status of your application. We will contact you if there is a problem with your application.
If you applied more than four weeks ago, please contact us by email (access2card@easterseals.ca) or by phone (1-877-376-6362) and we will be happy to assist you.
RENEWALS
Q. How do I know when my Access 2 Card expires?
The expiry date is printed on the front of your card.
Q. How early should I renew my Access 2 Card?
We recommend renewing your card two months before it expires. Your early renewal card will be mailed to you the first week of the card’s monthly expiry date. For example, if your card expires on March 31, 2023 and your renewal card is purchased in January 2023, your renewal card will be mailed to you on March 4, 2023.
Your renewal card will be valid once your old card expires.
Q. Can I renew my card if it expired over a year ago?
Yes. We will still have your application on file to process a renewal card request. If your card expired longer than a year ago, please feel free to contact our office in a way that is most accessible and convenient to you.
Q. Do ‘Renewal’ card applicants need to submit Section C?
No. Renewal applicants do not need to submit Section C.
Q. If I am applying for a ‘Renewal’ card online, do I need to complete an application form?
Online renewal applicants do not need to submit an application form.
Q. Is there a cost to renew my Access 2 card?
Yes. There is a cost to purchase a renewal Access 2 Card. The administration fee covers the cost to process a renewal in our system, to print and to mail a card. When a renewal card is purchased it also provides an opportunity for the cardholder to update their address, contact information, and name, if needed.
Q. When should I purchase a Renewal Card and when should I purchase a Replacement Card?
If the Access 2 Card is expired, please purchase a Renewal Card.
If the Access 2 Card is misplaced, please purchase a Replacement Card. Even if you are unsure whether the misplaced card is expired, purchasing a replacement card is the fastest way to receive your card. Your misplaced card will be deactivated, despite whether the card is expired. Your replacement card’s expiry date will be for another 3 year or 5 years starting from the date of the replacement card’s printing date.
PAYMENTS
Q. How much does an Access 2 Card cost?
The card costs either $20 for a 3-year card or $30 for a 5-year card.
Q. Can I pay using my VISA-debit card?
Yes. Please select the “VISA-debit” option during checkout. You will be re-directed to PayPal’s website to complete your transaction (note: you do not need a PayPal account to do this. You can login as a guest.).
Q. Can I pay using a Mastercard?
Yes. Please select the “VISA-debit” option during checkout. You will be re-directed to PayPal’s website to complete your transaction (note: you do not need a PayPal account to do this. You can login as a guest.).
Q. Who is the purchaser?
The purchaser is the individual whose name is on the credit card.
Q. Who is the Access 2 Card Applicant?
The applicant is the person who is living with a permanent disability.
Q. How do I know if my online payment was successful?
If your payment went through, you will be taken to a confirmation page that says that the transaction was successful. You will also be given a transaction code (that begins with “ESC-######”).
Q. What are the NSF Cheque Payment and NSF Service Fee options?
NSF means non-sufficient funds or insufficient funds. The NSF option is selected when an Access 2 Card is initially purchased and the administration fee cannot be covered by the balance in the purchaser’s account.
USING THE ACCESS 2 CARD
Q. Do I need to present the physical card at participating venues?
Yes. The physical card must be presented. A barcode number, photocopy or picture of the card will not suffice.
Q. Can I purchase online or advance tickets with my Access 2 card?
In most cases, no. Each venue determines their own policies regarding purchasing advance tickets (online or in-person) using an Access 2 card. Please check with the individual venues. NOTE: Cineplex and Landmark theatres do not permit online tickets to be purchased with an Access 2 card.