$1 million for Wheelchair Project

Hundreds of Nova Scotians with disabilities will soon be moving more independently thanks to an initiative which will provide them with new or recycled wheelchairs.

Premier Rodney MacDonald announced today, April 13, a new program that is based on the success of the children's recycled wheelchair program.

"We are providing $1 million to the Abilities Foundation of Nova Scotia to help put people in motion," Premier MacDonald said. "This program will enable adults with disabilities to receive the equipment they need to become more active and participate fully in their communities."

"The Abilities Foundation is very pleased to be part of the Nova Scotia government's expansion of the Wheelchair Recycling Demonstration Project," said Tom Merriam, president and CEO of the Abilities Foundation of Nova Scotia. "This initiative will move us closer to enabling Nova Scotian children, and now adults, with disabilities to receive the wheelchairs they need to lead more active and independent lives."

The province partnered with the Abilities Foundation of Nova Scotia in March 2005 to deliver the children's wheelchair program.

David Morse, Minister of Community Services said, "The children's program is a success and we are pleased to have the leadership and experience of the Abilities Foundation to put a similar plan for adults into action."

An advisory committee made up of organizations representing people with disabilities and other community groups, will develop the guidelines and criteria for the adult wheelchair recycling program. The investment will provide wheelchairs to Nova Scotians with disabilities who are between 19 and 64 years of age.

The program is expected to begin this summer and applications will be available from the Abilities Foundation.