Access Awareness Week Proclaimed

Premier John Hamm and Community Services Minister Peter Christie proclaimed May 25 - June 1 as Nova Scotia Access Awareness Week at a ceremony today, May 27, in Halifax.

Access Awareness Week will include a series of events and activities to increase public understanding of accessibility issues facing Nova Scotians with disabilities. Throughout Access Awareness Week people are encouraged to work towards making their communities more inclusive for all citizens.

"When society fully includes people with disabilities, we all gain access to a tremendous pool of talent," said Premier Hamm at the proclamation signing ceremony at Province House. "This week represents an opportunity for all Nova Scotians to access the strengths of many individuals in our society."

The ceremony featured remarks by Lee Ann Dalling. Despite a physical disability, the Pictou County native is a nine-time National Bench Press Champion who has represented Canada at the World Championships on six occasions. Ms. Dalling is also active in the community as a motivational speaker for schools, businesses and community groups.

"Equal access for all does not mean special treatment," said Ms. Dalling. "It means full citizenship for all -- giving everyone the opportunity to participate in society. As a result, our society as a whole benefits from the contributions of all of its citizens."

Activities to be held during Access Awareness Week include:

• May 29: a citizenship forum that will provide an opportunity for persons with disabilities to discuss and learn about accessibility issues in their community. The forum will be held at Casino Nova Scotia in Halifax between 9:30 a.m. and 1 p.m.

• May 29: the Mel Hebb Hourglass Awards Ceremony and reception to be held at Casino Nova Scotia in Halifax between 1 p.m. and 3 p.m.

• June 1: a training event facilitated by Michael Kendrick, a specialist in leadership and service quality issues at the Nova Scotia Public Archives. This event will be held at the archives in Halifax between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m.

This year's theme for Access Awareness Week is Until it Touches Your Life. The week is a joint initiative of the Disabled Persons Commission and the Partnership for Access Awareness-Nova Scotia (PAANS). PAANS is a provincewide coalition committed to raising awareness of and eliminating the accessibility challenges facing Nova Scotians with disabilities.