Members Named to Information and Communication Accessibility Committee
NOTE: The list of committee members follows this release.
Twenty-two Nova Scotians will help develop the Province’s next accessibility standard as members of the Information and Communication Standard Development Committee.
“We want to ensure information is communicated with an accessible lens to all Nova Scotians and that we are inclusive of those with disabilities,” said Justice Minister Barbara Adams. “I want to thank all the individuals who applied to serve on the committee and congratulate them on contributing to our goal towards a more accessible Nova Scotia.”
The Information and Communication Standard Development Committee will develop recommendations for the government to remove and prevent barriers to accessing information and communication. Committee members come from across Nova Scotia and most identify as persons with disabilities.
The recommendations will result in a standard to help ensure everyone can receive, understand and share the information they need. This includes addressing communication barriers that exist digitally, in print or through interactions with technology or people.
Information and communication is the sixth standard area to be developed under the Accessibility Act, following the built environment, education, employment, goods and services, and public transportation.
Quotes:
“Accessible information and communication is important because it ensures that people with disabilities have equal access to information and can fully participate in society. Without it, people with disabilities may be excluded from important information and opportunities, which can have a negative impact on their quality of life.”
— Max Chauvin, Chair, Accessibility Advisory Board
Quick Facts:
- the Accessibility Advisory Board reviewed the applications and recommended members to the Minister of Justice
- the Province’s accessibility strategy, Access by Design 2030, outlines how the government will achieve its goal of an accessible province by providing people with disabilities equitable access to programs, services, information and infrastructure
Additional Resources:
Information and Communication Standard Development Committee: https://novascotia.ca/accessibility/information-communication/
Access by Design 2030: https://novascotia.ca/accessibility/access-by-design/
Members of the Information and Communication Standard Development Committee:
- Jeff Overmars, Dartmouth, Chair
- Linda Campbell, Halifax, Vice-Chair
- Ashar S. Ahmed, Halifax
- Michelle Bartram, Sydney
- Natasha Benincasa, New Glasgow
- Judy Lewis, Halifax
- Catherine Buckie, Dartmouth
- Ashley Campbell, Halifax
- Debbie Cavers, Westville
- Adam Fine, Dartmouth
- Brian Foran, Halifax
- Caroline Kovesi, Halifax
- Heather McCallum, Lunenburg
- Etta Moffatt, Halifax
- Christine Muise, Halifax
- Michael Noonan, Halifax
- Laura Offman, Halifax
- Zoh Qureshi, Halifax
- John Smith, Bridgetown
- Emily Towns, Hubbards
- Barbara Welsford, Mahone Bay
- Michelle Zou, Halifax