Guide to Halifax's Accessible Eateries

A new directory launched today pinpoints eateries in Halifax Regional Municipality that are accessible for persons with disabilities.

The directory, called Grabbing a Bite of Metro, alphabetically lists members of the Nova Scotia Restaurant and Foodservices Association in the Halifax municipality and provides information on each establishment's level of accessibility.

Directory listings were compiled from a survey sent to association members in February. A total of 118 survey forms were distributed, and about 70 per cent responded.

Laughie Rutt, executive director of the Canadian Paraplegic Association (Nova Scotia), said he's thrilled the new guide is available.

"It's great to know that instead of having to choose from 20 restaurants, I can open the guide and find one that may meet my needs," he said.

Several groups worked together to make the project a reality, including the Nova Scotia Human Rights Commission, the Nova Scotia Restaurant and Foodservices Association, the Abilities Foundation of Nova Scotia, the Canadian Paraplegic Association, the Disabled Persons Commission, the Metro Resource Centre for Independent Living and the Nova Scotia League for Equal Opportunities.

The directory stems from the client-service plan for the Race Relations and Affirmative Action Division of the Nova Scotia Human Rights Commission. The plan stated the need "to identify and focus on issues concerning persons with disabilities."

The launch of the directory, at the Westin Nova Scotian Hotel today, is one of the planned activities for Nova Scotia Access Awareness Week, which aims to promote disability awareness.

Copies of the directory are available through the Nova Scotia Human Rights Commission at 902-424-4111 or toll-free 1-877-269-7699.