Creating Accessibility Standards
Accessibility standards are rules for improving accessibility for Nova Scotians with disabilities. They will be enacted as regulations under the Accessibility Act. Standards provide direction and consistency for public sector organizations, businesses, communities and government.
Government is working to develop and implement accessibility standards in these areas by 2030:
- Built environment: making inside and outside of buildings and outdoor spaces such as trails, parks and beaches accessible
- Education: making the education system accessible to students with disabilities
- Employment: making workplaces accessible and supporting people with disabilities in finding meaningful employment
- Goods and services: making sure that people with disabilities have equitable access to goods and services
- Public transportation: making it easier for people with disabilities to get where they need to go
- Information and communication: making sure people with disabilities can receive, understand and share the information they need
The Accessibility Advisory Board makes recommendations to the Minister of Justice on accessibility standards. They create Standard Development Committees to assist them with this work.
Government continues to make progress in the development of accessibility standards. Review the standard development progress and timelines.
*Accessibility Advisory Board **Standard Development Committee
Standard Area | AAB* recruits members for SDC** | SDC** develops draft recommendations | SDC** gets public input on recommendations | AAB* gives recommendations to Minister of Justice | Government reviews and drafts standard | Government gets public input on standard | Finalized standard becomes regulation (law) |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Built Environment | Complete | 2024 | |||||
Education | Complete | 2023-2024 | 2025 | ||||
Employment | Complete | June 2024 | 2024-2025 | 2026 | |||
Goods & Services | Complete | Aug/Sep 2024 | March 2025 | 2025-2026 | 2027 | ||
Public Transportation | Winter 2024 | Spring/Summer 2024 | Fall 2025/Winter 2026 | Spring/Summer 2026 | 2026-2027 | 2028/29 | |
Information & Communication | Winter 2024 | Spring/Summer 2024 | Fall 2025/Winter 2026 | Spring/Summer 2026 | 2026-2027 | 2028/29 |