Nova Scotians are invited to help advance work toward a barrier-free province.
New committees will begin the work that will develop standards to make the communities we live in more accessible for persons with disabilities. The committee for education will explore the requirements for preventing and removing barriers to accessibility in public and private early childhood, primary, secondary, and post-secondary education, including the Nova Scotia School for Adult Learning. The committee for the built environment will focus on barriers to accessibility in buildings, rights of way, and outdoor spaces.
Nova Scotians are encouraged to apply to sit on these committees. Those appointed will help the Accessibility Advisory Board in preparing recommendations for government.
“The establishment of these committees is a significant step forward in our journey to becoming an accessible province,” said Mark Furey, Minister responsible for the Accessibility Act. “Almost one in three Nova Scotians live with a disability. That is a substantial portion of our population who continue to face unnecessary barriers.
Persons with disabilities, organizations that represent persons with disabilities, and organizations and associations directly impacted by the standards will be consulted through the standard development process.
Each committee will consist of up to 20 members. Government departments will be represented on the committees. Committee member applications and more information on the role and requirements can be found here. Applications close Jan. 17.