The Honourable Paul Pike, Minister Responsible for the Status of Persons with Disabilities, was pleased to raise the United Nations flag at Confederation Building and recognize December 3 as International Day of Persons with Disabilities.
The United Nations annually observes this day to build awareness and understanding of issues concerning persons with disabilities and to mobilize support to protect their dignity, rights and well-being. This year’s theme is “United in action to rescue and achieve the Sustainable Development Goals for, with and by persons with disabilities.”
The Government of Newfoundland and Labrador is committed to building a more inclusive and accessible province and ensuring equitable opportunities for everyone to participate fully in society. Following the principle of “Nothing about us, without us,” the Provincial Government’s Accessibility Act, continues to work to improve accessibility and inclusion by identifying, preventing and removing barriers that prevent persons with disabilities from full participation in society.
Under this legislation, the Accessibility Standards Advisory Board was established in 2022 to develop priorities for the establishment of accessibility standards. Earlier this year, an Expression of Interest was opened for membership to the new Accessible Customer Service Standard Development Committee.
The Accessibility Act also requires public entities to prepare and make public accessibility plans that will help to address the prevention, identification and removal of barriers in policies, programs and practices of public entities within two years of the legislation coming into force.
In accordance with this requirement, public entities including the Provincial Government; agencies, boards and commissions; provincial courts; public and private educational institutions; public school boards; Newfoundland and Labrador Health Services; and municipalities, are responsible for making the initial Accessibility Plans public by December 31, 2023.
Quotes
“The International Day of Persons with Disabilities is a day to recognize and celebrate persons with disabilities and their important contributions throughout our province. We are making important strides towards removing barriers for persons with disabilities and building a more inclusive and accessible province for all.”
Honourable Paul Pike
Minister of Children, Seniors and Social Development
“International Day of Persons with Disabilities is a day that aims to promote an understanding of disability issues, dignity, rights and well-being of persons with disabilities. It also seeks to increase awareness of gains received from the integration of persons with disabilities in every aspect of political, social, economic and cultural life. As development and implementation of accessibility plans and accessibility standards unfold, we look forward to our continued collaboration to creating a barrier-free Newfoundland and Labrador.”
Kathy Hawkins, Executive Director
Empower, The Disability Resource Centre
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Learn more
Children, Seniors and Social Development
Provincial Government Provides Update on Accessibility Plans
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