1999 Access Awareness Week

Premier Russell MacLellan has proclaimed May 30 to June 5 as Nova Scotia Access Awareness Week.

"In recognition of the 189,000 Nova Scotians with disabilities, I encourage all Nova Scotians to gain an understanding of the barriers faced daily by some citizens and to work toward levelling the playing field in the new millennium," said Premier MacLellan.

A number of activities, including the annual legislative breakfast June 2, are planned for the week. The breakfast is an opportunity for persons with disabilities to meet with members of the Legislative Assembly to discuss issues.

"The legislative breakfast is an excellent opportunity for members of the Legislative Assembly to learn about the barriers faced by citizens with disabilities," said Francene Cosman, Minister responsible for the Disabled Persons Commission. "The breakfast is also an opportunity to honour citizens and businesses that have contributed to a barrier-free society."

The theme for the 12th annual Access Awareness Week is Levelling the Playing Field for the New Millennium. The week is sponsored by Partnership for Access Awareness--Nova Scotia, a community-based organization whose mission is to improve the quality of life for all Nova Scotians with disabilities by promoting diversity and inclusion.

In addition to the legislative breakfast, other activities for the week include:

• Face to Face, a job-shadowing program for persons with disabilities
• the first annual Partnership for Access Awareness--Nova Scotia Scholarship, sponsored by Scotiabank
• the Nova Scotia Bike-Ability Tour
• the Hourglass Action Awards, which recognize organizations, individuals and businesses that have contributed significantly to the full participation of persons with disabilities

This year's Hourglass Action Award winners, to be recognized at the legislative breakfast, are:

• Troy Wilson of Wendy's Restaurant, Sydney, a leading equal-opportunity employer
• the Royal Bank of Canada, for installation of Atlantic Canada's first audio banking machines
• Heather Bowling Centre, New Glasgow, for developing a shot that assists bowlers with disabilities
• Dan MacLellan, winner of the Outstanding Individual Award for his work on behalf of persons with disabilities
• Paul Gouett, a lifetime achievement award (posthumous)