Access Oceanside Association (AOA) says the official new name of the local society is the Parksville Measuring Up Committee.
"There's a renewed momentum and it is not just about getting around this region, but includes things like tourism and regional mobility," said chair Suzan Jennings.
The AOA works to bring awareness and educate the community, including service agencies, businesses, organizations and the public about individuals with disabilities, Jennings explained, and she's quick to point out these disabilities could be anything physical, visual, auditory or related to aging.
The goal of the AOA is to be the information source and resource for individuals dealing with disabilities as well as for businesses, service organizations, tourists and citizens of the community. "Accessible tourism is already a huge industry that will only increase as the population ages," she said. "Our mandate is inclusion for all."