The Newfoundland and Labrador House of Assembly has passed new legislation which will improve accessibility for persons with disabilities, according to the Ministry for Children, Seniors and Social Development.
The announcement coincided with the celebration of the International Day of Persons with Disabilities on December 3, 2021.
Minister Abbott advised that the province’s new groundbreaking legislation, the Accessibility Act, received Royal Assent on November 4, 2021, and is now law. This enabling legislation outlines 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.
“Through the establishment of the Accessibility Standards Advisory Board people with disabilities and organizations that represent them will help make this province more accessible and inclusive,” said Minister of Children, Seniors and Social Development John Abbott in the announcement.
A key element of the new legislation 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. Furthermore, Minister Abbott announced that the Independent Appointments Commission will open the application process for the Accessibility Standards Advisory Board. For those interested in applying, please visit www.iacnl.ca/
