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Access for Sight Impaired Consumers (ASIC) is an independent, consumer-driven advocacy coalition registered under the BC Societies Act (Incorporation Number S0073154) that focuses on mitigating and removing inequitable access impacting British Columbian residents who are blind, partially sighted, or deafblind. Many of our partner organizations are associated with widely recognized provincial or national bodies serving the 65,000 BC residents who are affected by one of the four most common eye diseases which has already claimed or could lead to a total or partial sight loss. Our mission is to collaborate with these and other community partners to increase awareness and provide a better understanding of the systemic barriers, be they physical or attitudinal, that impact the independence and equitable access for those with sight loss. Our aim is to build inclusive communities for people with sight loss by promoting equitable access and supporting independent living through the removal of these systemic barriers.

ASIC returns after breef hiatus

Following 20 years of providing advocacy services for the benefit of British Columbians and other Canadians with sight loss, the Access for Sight Impaired Consumers Board elected to step back and take a much-needed break in May 2017. After a brief hiatus to recharge and regroup, Access for Sight Impaired Consumers returns as a non-profit society with a revitalized commitment to awareness and advocacy for the removal of systemic barriers affecting BC residents with sight loss.

What kinds of access we’ve helped create

Since 1998, ASIC has approached all levels of government, public and private corporations, and service providers to create awareness of the myriad of challenges and barriers impacting the independence of people who are blind, partially sighted, or deafblind. Often, service providers are unaware of the barriers they themselves have created, and truly do not know how to make their services or venues more accessible. This is how ASIC can help. Our philosophy encompasses both an understanding of these barriers and a proven ability to innovate collaboratively in order to reach alternatives, resulting in improved access and independence for those of us living with sight loss.
We’ve had much success since our inception

What we’re doing right now

ASIC receives requests for assistance from its constituents on a regular basis. While it’s an excessively big challenge to keep this site current with every request we receive, we do our best to regularly update the status of our active major projects online. Best way to learn about  our current projects and how your world will be positively impacted is to sign up for our e-posts, Facebook and Twitter updates.

Our site is evolving

We recently migrated our site onto the Word Press platform which has caused us to carefully examine each page and the many links they contain. This is a labour-intensive project. So, we ask you to be patient and understanding as we undertake this on-going process. Should you come across a broken link or any item that appears to require correction, please bring it to our attention by dropping a note to our web support team