The Honourable Brian Warr, Minister Responsible for the Status of Persons with Disabilities, joined representatives from the Provincial Advisory Council for the Inclusion of Persons with Disabilities, the Coalition of Persons with Disabilities NL and Easter Seals, to sign a proclamation today to observe International Day of Persons with Disabilities.
The United Nations proclaims this day to promote the rights and well-being of persons with disabilities in all spheres of society and development, and to increase awareness of the situation of persons with disabilities in every aspect of political, social, economic and cultural life.
The theme this year is “Building Back Better: toward a disability-inclusive, accessible and sustainable post COVID-19 World”.
Minister Warr also led a virtual call with representatives from the community of persons with disabilities to discuss successes to date and next steps in planning for an accessible province.
Additionally, Minister Warr announced the opening of the Accessible Taxi Grant Program. This application-based grant program has an annual budget of $50,000 to assist eligible taxi providers with the costs of retrofitting a taxi vehicle that will meet taxi accessibility standards or assists with the purchase of a new taxi vehicle that can accommodate passengers with mobility devices.
Grant recipients will be selected based on who can best demonstrate local demand for an accessible taxi, along with their ability to provide such a service. The deadline for applications for the Accessible Taxi Grant Program is January 15, 2021 and more details can be found online here. Information is also available by calling toll-free 1-888-729-6279, or texting 709-725-4463. Video Relay Service is also available. Information and applications are available in alternate formats.
Quotes
“Continued dialogue and partnerships with the community of persons with disabilities is critical to advancing accessibility in our province, especially today on the International Day of Persons with Disabilities. It is quite fitting to also announce the opening of the Accessible Taxi Grant Program as it helps to address transportation barriers by assisting taxi companies to add accessible taxis to their fleet. I encourage those interested in the program to reach out and submit an application.”
Honourable Brian Warr
Minister Responsible for the Status of Persons with Disabilities
“2020 has been a year marked by many challenges. These challenges have also demonstrated opportunities to work together, often virtually, toward a more accessible and inclusive society. Today, members of the community of people with disabilities celebrate International Day with Minister Warr and share some of our successes to date. The Accessible Taxi Grant Program is one of these successes. Accessible transportation has the ability to transform lives making travel significantly easier for people with a wide range of disabilities. I look forward to working with Minister Warr as we continue to advance accessibility throughout the province.”
Nancy Reid
Executive Director of the Coalition of Persons with Disabilities NL
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Media contacts
Michelle Hunt-Grouchy
Children, Seniors and Social Development
709-729-5148, 682-6593
michellehuntgrouchy@gov.nl.ca
Nancy Reid
Coalition of Persons with Disabilities NL
709-722-7011
ed@codnl.ca