Newfoundland and Labrador Accessibility Act

The Newfoundland and Labrador Accessibility Act was an act introduced under the Minister of Children, Seniors and Social Development[1] which became law on December 3, 2021.[2] One of the key elements of the act is the creation of an Accessibility Standards Advisory Board.[3] The act also creates a Disability Policy Office which works with all government departments and agencies.[4][5]

The Bill is intended to:

  • Establish accessibility standards to improve accessibility;
  • Create an advisory board to make recommendations to the minister regarding accessibility standards;
  • Require an individual, organization or public body that is subject to an accessibility standard to take actions to prevent barriers from being created and to identify and remove barriers;
  • Ensure public bodies prepare accessibility plans every three years and make them publicly available; and
  • Provide inspection and enforcement to enforce these standards.[6]

The Disability Policy Office will:

  • Support the implementation and administration of this Act and the regulations;
  • Provide policy and communication support[7] for this Act and the regulations;
  • Support the development and implementation of public education and awareness on the purpose of this Act.
  • Improve opportunities for persons with disabilities by examining and reviewing measures, policies, practices and other requirements;
  • Identify and study issues of concern to persons with disabilities and recommend action where appropriate; and
  • Provide administrative support for the Accessibility Standards Advisory Board.

See also

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References

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  1. ^ "2021 Bill 38". www.assembly.nl.ca. Retrieved 2023-02-28.
  2. ^ "Accessibility Act". Children, Seniors and Social Development. Retrieved 2023-02-28.
  3. ^ Hood, Jillian (2022-07-05). "Provincial Government Establishes Accessibility Standards Advisory Board under the Accessibility Act". News Releases. Retrieved 2023-02-28.
  4. ^ "Disability Policy Office". Children, Seniors and Social Development. Retrieved 2023-02-28.
  5. ^ "Inclusion and Accessibility Policies". Children, Seniors and Social Development. Retrieved 2023-02-28.
  6. ^ Battcock, Victoria (2021-10-25). "New Accessibility Act Proposed for Newfoundland and Labrador". News Releases. Retrieved 2023-02-28.
  7. ^ "Inclusion and Accessibility Policies". Children, Seniors and Social Development. Retrieved 2023-02-28.
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