As part of the Provincial Government’s commitment to strengthening supports for persons with disabilities, the Disability Advocate Act began second reading in the House of Assembly. The act, if passed, will establish an independent Office of the Disability Advocate as a Statutory Office of the House of Assembly.

Informed by extensive engagement with individuals and organizations that represent lived experience, the act is designed with and for persons with disabilities. This community input has directly shaped the proposed mandate, structure and authorities of the advocate.

The bill introduced requires the advocate to be either a person with a disability, a parent, caregiver or guardian of a person with a disability or have experience working with persons with disabilities or with organizations of and for persons with disabilities.

The disability advocate will have a strong and meaningful role. This will include helping individuals who need support to navigate government programs and services. The advocate will also look at broader, system‑wide issues that may need policy, structural or legislative changes.

The advocate would also be able to conduct investigations, make recommendations concerning programs and services to persons with disabilities, collaborating with disability organizations, community groups, and service providers and educating the public, raising awareness about disability rights, accessibility, and inclusion.

This new office would complement the work of other officers of the House of Assembly, including the Child and Youth Advocate and the Seniors’ Advocate, by providing a dedicated and disability focused lens on systems and services provided by the Provincial Government.

Quotes
“For too long, persons with disabilities and their families have told governments that navigating programs and services can be challenging and, at times, frustrating. Establishing an independent Office of the Disability Advocate is about changing that. This legislation is an important step toward ensuring that people with disabilities have a strong, independent voice within our system – one that can help individuals resolve concerns while also identifying broader issues that require action. Our government is committed to building a province that is more accessible, more inclusive, and more responsive to the needs of persons with disabilities, and this office will play an important role in helping us get there.”
Honourable Tony Wakeham
Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador

“People with disabilities deserve to be heard, supported and treated fairly. A new office would give individuals and families a safe, independent place to bring their concerns and help make sure programs and services work the way they should. We listened to the disability community, and their input has shaped every part of this process. We are committed to building a province where people with disabilities can access the services and supports they need without barriers, and this new office would play a critical role in helping us achieve that.”
Honourable Joedy Wall
Minister of Social Supports and Well-Being
Minister Responsible for the Status of Persons with Disabilities

-30-