Celebrating success and concentrating on the work that still needs to be done
On the 25th anniversary of the United Nation’s International Day of Persons with Disabilities, Justice Minister Mark Furey talks about Nova Scotia’s commitment to making the province more accessible, and the goals for 2030
Chances are, you know someone with a disability: more than half of Nova Scotians either have a disability, or a family member with one.
I have come to know 25-year-old Alex Peeler from Conquerall Bank, Lunenburg Co., who was diagnosed with Duchenne muscular dystrophy when he was 13-months old. The chronic condition weakens his muscles over time and has forced him to rely on a wheelchair. His determination and persistence to advocate for those with disabilities has been an inspiration to me. Because of his work, Alex received a Muscular Dystrophy Canada Award.
From finding employment and housing to moving around our communities, people with disabilities are often unable to live the lives most of us take for granted. For example, many people living with disabilities who receive income assistance are willing and able to work, but cannot because of physical, attitudinal, communication and transportation barriers, among others.
These are some of the reasons why, earlier this year, Nova Scotia became the third province to pass accessibility legislation. The act sets a goal for the province to be accessible by 2030. The legislation involved unprecedented collaboration with persons with disabilities, the business community and others.
Key to the new law’s success will be standards for an accessible Nova Scotia. These standards will include employment, traditional infrastructure (such as sidewalks and buildings), public transportation, education, and information and communication. Together, they will significantly improve life for people with disabilities. And while one in five Nova Scotians now lives with a disability — the highest rate in the country — it will be close to one in three in 10 years.
Improving accessibility is an investment in our province. Because of this, government announced the Small Business ACCESS-ability program. This program will provide cost-shared grants to small businesses for accessibility-related improvements.
This collaborative approach will continue as we consult with business, municipalities, universities and others affected by the changes. We will meet with organizations and people across the province and continue the conversation into the spring. Early in the new year, the Accessibility Advisory Board will be appointed, with most of the members being persons with disabilities. We will conduct an online survey this winter to learn more about priorities for accessibility standards. “Nothing about us, without us” will be a vital principle of putting standards in place.
In the past, persons with disabilities were regarded as second-class citizens. On Dec. 3, 1992, the United Nations proclaimed the International Day of Persons with Disabilities to promote understanding of their rights.
I am proud to celebrate the 25th anniversary, having begun the process toward an accessible Nova Scotia. While we recognize how far we have come, we also acknowledge how far we have yet to go.
I look down that road with anticipation of community involvement and accomplishment.
