Minister to Proclaim Access Awareness Week

DISABLED PERSONS COMMISSION--Minister to Proclaim Access Awareness Week

May 30 to June 5 is Access Awareness Week in Nova Scotia. This is a time set aside each year to inform Nova Scotians about the benefits of accessibility and to celebrate positive changes that remove barriers for people with disabilities.

Community Services Minister David Morse will proclaim the week on behalf of Premier John Hamm at a June 1 forum at the University of King's College in Halifax. This is the 17th year for Access Awareness Week in Nova Scotia. This year's theme, Accessibility for All: Building Without Blocks, emphasizes the importance of barrier-free buildings in our communities.

"Each year we celebrate Access Awareness Week to recognize the contributions that people with disabilities bring to our communities," said Mr. Morse. "Working toward greater access to all aspects of community life benefits all Nova Scotians."

As part of its commitment to greater access, the province recently announced $146,000 in new grants under the Community ACCESS-ability program administered through Service Nova Scotia and Municipal Relations. This program helps not-for-profit groups and municipalities purchase equipment and conduct renovations that make their facilities more accessible. The province has invested $1.3 million in about 200 projects since the program was announced in 2000.

Access Awareness Week is organized by the Partnership for Access Awareness Nova Scotia (PAANS). This community-based organization promotes inclusion and equal participation of all Nova Scotians with disabilities as full citizens within communities. It does this through public awareness, education and community partnerships.

The Disabled Persons Commission works closely with PAANS during Access Awareness Week. "Accessibility has many positive outcomes," said Charlie Macdonald, executive director of the commission. "Whether it's removing barriers for a person with a disability, making building entrances safer for a senior citizen, or making life a little easier for a parent with a stroller, access helps everyone."

Individuals and organizations will receive Mel Hebb Hourglass Action awards at the forum for their efforts to improve accessibility. They include: Archie Kontuk of Trenton, Murdoch Moore of Sydney, Claredon Robichaud of Church Point, the Falcourt Inn in Middleton and the Rotary Clubs of Amherst and Truro. The award is named after the devoted Nova Scotia advocate for accessibility. Several scholarships will also be awarded to students with disabilities who have demonstrated community involvement and academic excellence.

For a complete event listing or more information about Access Awareness Week, visit the website at accessawareness.nsnet.org/aaweek.html, or contact the Disabled Persons Commission at 902-424-8280, toll-free at 1-800-565-8280 or TTY 902424-2667 or 1-877-996-9954.

NOTE: Activities to be held during Access Awareness Week include:

Saturday, May 29

• Street March: Main Street, Antigonish

Monday, May 31

• Employability Workshop sponsored by the Disabled Persons Commission: CNIB Auditorium, Halifax

Tuesday, June 1

• Awards presentation and forum, The Economics of Accessibility: Prince Hall, University of King's College, Halifax. Community Services Minister David Morse will deliver the proclamation and Judith Cabrita, managing director, Tourism Industry Association of Nova Scotia, will give the keynote address.

Wednesday, June 2

• Business brunch: St. Paul's, Antigonish
• Brown-bag lunch talk, Fighting Fires and Fears: Spring Garden Road Public Library, Halifax
• Community discussion on outdoor navigation for the blind and visually impaired: CNIB Auditorium, Halifax
• Open house with disability simulations: Pier One Complex, Yarmouth

Thursday, June 3

• Brown-bag lunch talk, Universal Playground Design: Spring Garden Road Public Library, Halifax
• Film, Bearing Witness: Luke Melchior: Spring Garden Road Public Library, Halifax
• Presentation by National Access Consultant Don Nauss: WVDA Boardroom, Cornwallis Park

Friday, June 4

• Brown-bag lunch talk, A home for a lifetime: Spring Garden Road Public Library, Halifax

Saturday, June 5

• Ability showcase: County Fair Mall, New Minas