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Nova Scotia’s Built Environment Accessibility Standard is now law

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Announcements

  • Built Environment Accessibility Standard! The Built Environment Accessibility Standard was approved, making it Nova Scotia’s first accessibility standard under the Accessibility Act! The standard introduces technical design requirements for new and redeveloped infrastructure starting April 1, 2026, as well as new accessibility planning requirements which are due April 1, 2026.                                                                                                                                                                                             
  •  ​Accessibility Advisory Board Website: The Accessibility Advisory Board recently launched their own website. The Board is responsible for advising the Minister of Justice responsible for the Accessibility Act on issues related to accessibility and disability. To learn more about the important work underway, visit the Board’s new website Nova Scotia Accessibility Advisory Board and the ways you can get involved in making Nova Scotia more accessible. The Board also recently submitted their Annual Report 2023-2024 to the Minister.                                                                                                                                                                                                  
  • Minister’s Annual Report on Accessibility: The Minister’s Annual Report on Accessibility 2023-2024 was recently tabled in the Legislature.                                                                                                                                                                                                         
  • Association of Municipal Administrators Nova Scotia (AMANS): The Association of Municipal Administrators Nova Scotia is recruiting for the AMANS Equity, Anti-Racism and Accessibility Coordinator position for one year, starting June 30. Application deadline is April 30,please visit contract job posting.                                                                                                                                                            
  • Autism Nova Scotia- Autism Acceptance Month 2025: April is Autism Acceptance.  month, dedicated to promoting understanding, inclusion, and acceptance of Autistic individuals. Visit the Autism Nova Scotia website for information more on Autism Acceptance Month and ways you can get involved!                                                                                                                                                              
  • Access Awareness Week: Celebrate Access Awareness Week from May 25 - 31, 2025! There are a number of community events across the province. Learn more about these upcoming events at Access Awareness Week Nova Scotia | NSLEO.                                                                                                                                                         
  • Event Funding for Access Awareness Week: Nova Scotians, groups or organizations can apply to potentially receive $100.00 or more. All applications must be submitted by April 25th, 2025 by 4:30pm. You can apply with an online application form or fill out the PDF application form and email to programs@nsleo.com. Visit Access Awareness Week Nova Scotia Events | NSLEO for more information.

Accessibility Standard Development Updates

Built Environment Accessibility Standard!
The Built Environment Accessibility Standard was approved, making it Nova Scotia’s first accessibility standard under the Accessibility Act! The standard introduces technical design requirements for new and redeveloped infrastructure starting April 1, 2026, as well as new accessibility planning requirements which are due April 1, 2026.

  • Accessibility of buildings has been addressed through amendments to the Nova Scotia Building Code Regulations. Together, the Built Environment Accessibility Standard and the Nova Scotia Building Code will make a more accessible built environment in Nova Scotia.
  • The Accessibility Directorate will support organizations to understand and comply with the requirements of the standard. A series of awareness presentations will be made available. Materials are available on the Accessibility Directorate’s website, including an overview of the standard, a description of the standard in plain language and in ASL, and videos about the standard.                                                                                                                                                                                             
  • Employment Standard Update: In October, the Accessibility Advisory Board’s recommendations to the Minister of Justice for an accessibility standard in employment were posted publicly. The recommendations address barriers related to emergency preparedness, policy, recruitment, accommodations, retention and advancement, and return-to-work.                                                                                                                                                                                    
  • Goods and Services Standard Update: The Goods and Services Standard Development Committee (SDC) completed public consultations on their draft standard recommendations in fall 2024. The standard development committee is finalizing their recommendations based on consultation findings and expects to submit them to the Accessibility Advisory Board this winter. The Board’s recommendations will be posted on the Accessibility Directorate’s website after they are submitted to the Minister of Justice.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                       
  • Information and Communication and Public Transportation Standard Update: The Information and Communication SDC and Public Transportation SDC are underway. The two committees began meeting in the fall to assist the board in developing recommendations for the Minister of Justice on accessibility standards in their respective areas. More information is available on the Accessibility Directorate’s website.

Resources and Training

  • Sea Change CoLab: Sea Change CoLab is offering a series of free, online training targeting a range of sectors in Nova Scotia including businesses, public service organizations, and the impact (non-profit) sector. Upcoming online training includes:                                                                                                               
  • The Alzheimer's Society of Nova Scotia is hosting in person learning opportunities this spring:

    • Thursday, April 24 6-7:30pm, Tantallon Public Library – drop in- Dementia Friendly Communities: Join the Alzheimer Society of NS to learn how small actions you can take lead to a community that is more supportive, welcoming and inclusive of people living with dementia and their partners in care. 

    • Friday’s 2-4pm, April 25-June 6th - Caregiver Education Series (6 week series) Location: Municipality of Argyle Council Chambers 5JE Hatfield Court Tusket, NS. No cost, but registration required: For family and community members providing care and support to someone diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease or another dementia. Come and learn more about dementia, planning for the future and where to find support and resources.  For more information or to register please call Heather at 902-422-7961 ext. 243 or call 1-800-611-6345.

    • Friday, June 13th 2-3:30pm Lower Sackville Public Library – drop in- Reducing Your Risk of Dementia: Join the Alzheimer Society of NS to talk about risk factors for dementia and actions you can take to reduce your risk and maintain a healthier brain.    

 

Share Your News and Stories with Us!

  • Accessibility News in Your Organization
    The Accessibility Directorate is interested in your news on accessibility progress and improvements in your organization. We may share your news in our Breaking Barriers newsletter, on our website or other communications. Please send your news to accessibility@novascotia.ca
     
  • Personal Stories and Experiences
    Do you or someone in your organization in Nova Scotia have a short personal story you would like to share with us? The Accessibility Directorate is interested in hearing your personal stories and experiences related to accessibility. We may share your story on our website or in other communications. Please send your personal stories to accessibility@novascotia.ca
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