News and Updates

Accessibility Directorate Updates: 

International Day of Persons with Disabilities is on December 3. Help celebrate and bring awareness to this day! 

• Ability to Rise: You are invited to: Ability to Rise: Celebrating Leaders in Disability Inclusion Celebration in recognition of the United Nations International Day of Persons with Disabilities.  This inspiring event organized collaboratively by community and government partners, including the Accessibility Directorate, features motivational speakers, engaging presentations, live performances, awards ceremonies, great food, and meaningful networking opportunities. It’s a space where employers, community leaders, and advocates come together to recognize progress, share stories, and reaffirm their commitment to accessibility and inclusion in our workplaces and communities.
  • Wednesday, December 3 at Cedar Event Centre (111 Clayton Park Dr., Halifax) from 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM or attend virtually
  • Accessibility information: ASL Interpreters, CART, and Sighted Guides will be provided.
  • To register, visit Ability to Rise at www.teamworkcooperative.ca/ability-to-rise.    
• Plain Language Resource Guide: The Accessibility Directorate is pleased to share the updated Plain Language Resource Guide. The resource guide is for anyone who wants to improve their writing for the public. The guide provides the basics of writing in plain language. The resource guide is available on the Access includes Everyone Resource Hub. Plain language benefits everyone! 

 Announcements:

• Accessibility Standards Canada is looking for members to join their new technical committees. Help shape the future of accessibility in Canada and apply to become a member of a technical committee by December 1. Call 1-833-854-7628 or email: asc.standards-normes.asc@asc-nac.gc.can if you need support submitting your application.
  • Technical committee for Accessible Justice
  • Technical committee for Equitable Communication                                                                    

• L ’Arche Homefires is hosting a fun and inclusive Art Show and Silent Auction on Saturday, November 15 from 2 pm to 5 pm in Wolfville at the Fountain Learning Commons,  Acadia University 26 Crowell Dr, Wolfville. Visit  L'Arche Homefires for more information on the art show!                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        
• Sport Nova Scotia is hosting their 2025 Equity, Diversity, Inclusion and Accessibility (EDIA) in Sport Conference on November 14-15 at the Prince George Hotel Halifax. To learn more about the conference and to register, visit: EDIA in Sport Conference - Sport Nova Scotia                                 
• Fetal Alcohol Nova Scotia is hosting their 4th annual conference on Friday, November 21 from 8:45 am to 3:30 pm at the Halifax Tower Hotel and Conference Centre located at 115 Lakelands Blvd, Halifax. This event brings together experts, community leaders and people with lived experience to address the challenges of Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASP). Visit Fetal Alcohol Nova Scotia for more information and to get your tickets for the event.                                                                                                                                                                  
• Autism Nova Scotia is hosting their Holiday Celebration on November 27 at the NSCC Ivany Campus. Join them as they celebrate educators and the impact of inclusive education across Nova Scotia. Visit Autism Nova Scotia for more details.                                                                            
• Nova Scotia Works Windsor is hosting an AccessAble Holiday Craft Fair in recognition of International Day of Persons with Disabilities! The event will take place on November 29 from 10 am to 1 pm at the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 009 35 Empire Lane, Windsor. If you are interested in a table please contact: jpatterson@communityinc.ca and visit AccessAble Holiday Craft for more information on the event.                                                                                                     
• Canadian Accessibility Network: Join the Canadian Accessibility Network (CAN) for an inspiring discussion on accessibility and inclusion in sport on Tuesday, January 27, 2026 from 12:00 pm to 1:30 pm ET. For more information visit their website. Registration will open soon.

Standards Development Committees - Upcoming public consultations: The Nova Scotia Accessibility Advisory Board will be consulting with the public on its draft standard recommendations on accessible Public Transportation and Information and Communications. The consultation is planned for February and March. Please stay tuned for more information on how you can give feedback.

More information about the standards is available on the Accessibility Directorate’s website.

• Wellness Wags and Nova Scotia Health are hosting a free training session to promote inclusion and accessibility across HRM and provide an opportunity to learn about service dogs, public access rights under Nova Scotia law, and practical ways to create more inclusive spaces. Participants will also have the chance to meet service dogs in training and ask questions. Please see below for the date and time of the session and visit Wellness Wags Assistance Dogs to register.
  • Tuesday November 25th 6:30-8pm, Halifax Central Commons Room (In person -5816 Cogswell St, Halifax, Virtual via. Microsoft Teams) A recording of their November 25th session will be provided to all registered participants.                       
• Hidden disabilities Sunflower Canada has their own podcast called The Sunflower Conversations with over 100 podcast episodes available on their website and on Spotify! The podcast shares stories of people with disabilities navigating life with non-visible disabilities such as chronic illness, mental health conditions, neurodivergence, and more. They also feature experts in healthcare, accessibility and inclusion. Visit The Sunflower Conversations to watch their podcast episodes and visit there website Hidden Disabilities Sunflower to learn more about their organization.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                 
• Disability Belongs launched a new resource for persons with disabilities who are entering the workplace for the first time or considering a career change. The resource: Job Seeking Tips for People with Disabilities are designed to support persons with disabilities as they explore options, prepare for opportunities and advocate for the accommodations they need to succeed. Visit Job Seeking Success Tips for People with Disabilities - Disability Belongs™ to download the resource.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                
• SeaChange CoLab is offering a variety of on-demand courses on their website. These 2-hour, self-paced trainings will help you build skills in accessibility and equity with practical tools you can use in the workplace and in your community. Visit ACE Trainings Accessibility Confident Employers for more information and to register for courses.                                                                                                                                                                         
• ISANS Targeted Language Programs: The Immigrant Service Association of Nova Scotia (ISANS) if offering Targeted Language Programs to support vulnerable newcomer groups by providing customized instruction, accessible learning environments and engaging teaching methods. Visit Targeted Language Programs for more information.                                                                                                                                                                                                            
• Accessibility Standards Canada: Accessibility Standards Canada has released three new guides to support accessibility in procurement and service design: accessible goods, accessible services, and the design and delivery of programs. These resources offer practical tools to remove barriers and build inclusion. Explore the guides using the links below: 
  • Procurement of accessible goods 
  • Procurement of accessible services 
  • Design and Delivery of Accessible Programs and Services, Including Customer Service.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  

• 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