Accessibility Act

The province’s Accessibility Act that was introduced in the House of Assembly in October 2021, received Royal Assent and became law on December 3, 2021. This enabling legislation allows the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador to outline the principles and goals for an accessible province. The Accessibility Act will improve accessibility by identifying, preventing and removing barriers that prevent persons with disabilities from full participation in society.

The Government of Newfoundland and Labrador remains committed to ensuring equitable access to services and opportunities for persons with disabilities.

Accessibility Standards Advisory Board

A key element of the Accessibility Act is establishing an Accessibility Standards Advisory Board. The Board will be responsible for advising and making recommendations to the Minister Responsible for the Status of Persons with Disabilities regarding the establishment and content of accessibility standards and the time periods for implementation.

Meeting Summary Reports

Accessibility Plans

Under the Accessibility Act, public bodies are required to develop an Accessibility Plan and make it public within 2 years. The Act also outlines what the Accessibility Plan should include, the measures to take in barrier removal, and the procedures to assess that the measures are working. Engagement with persons with disabilities and disability groups are an important part in the development of the plan. When the accessibility standards become regulations, the standard should be incorporated into the accessibility plan.

The public bodies include:

  • Provincial Government departments, agencies, boards and commissions (ABCs);
  • Municipalities;
  • Health Authorities;
  • Public and private educational institutions

Refer to the full list in the Accessibility Act NL – Part 1, Section 2. (o).

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