Improving Accessibility in Workplaces

Recommendations from the Accessibility Advisory Board for the Province’s accessibility employment standard were released today, October 25.

The board’s Employment Standard Development Committee, which includes people with disabilities and other experts in the field, developed the recommendations. They address employment barriers faced by people with disabilities in the areas of recruitment, retention, advancement, workplace accommodations and emergency preparedness and will be used to inform an accessibility standard for employment.

The standard will be shared publicly for comment.

“Every Nova Scotian deserves the chance to fully engage in the workforce. These recommendations will shape the standard regulations needed to make that a reality. I extend my heartfelt gratitude to the Employment Standard Development Committee and the Accessibility Advisory Board for their unwavering commitment to this vital mission,” said Justice Minister Barbara Adams, Minister responsible for the Accessibility Act.

The board is recommending that employers have:

• a workplace accessibility policy that ensures recruitment practices are accessible
• evacuation and shelter-in-place plans to ensure employees with disabilities are safe during an emergency
• reasonable workplace accommodations so that everyone has what they need to do their job.

It recommends a phased approach, which may include exemptions depending on employer size.

The recommendations are another step toward the creation of a more equitable and accessible province for all Nova Scotians, ensuring that everyone has equal access to programs, services, information and infrastructure.

The accessibility standard for employment is one of six accessibility standards being developed as part of the Access by Design 2030 strategy. People with disabilities, representatives of disability-focused organizations, and employers from private, public and non-profit sectors were consulted on this work.

Quotes:

“Accessible employment is important because it ensures that all Nova Scotians can fully participate in our workforce, and employers across Nova Scotia are supported to prevent and remove barriers to employment faced by persons with disabilities. The Accessibility Advisory Board is pleased to see another milestone accomplished that advances accessibility in Nova Scotia.”
— Max Chauvin, Chair, Accessibility Advisory Board

Quick Facts:

• October is Disability Employment Awareness Month
• 55.5 per cent of adults aged 25-64 with disabilities are employed, compared with 76 per cent of working-age adults without disabilities
• Nova Scotia’s Accessibility Act sets a goal of an accessible Nova Scotia by 2030; employment is the third standard area to be developed under the Accessibility Act, following built environment and education

Additional Resources:

Recommendations for an accessible employment standard: https://novascotia.ca/accessibility/employment-committee/

More information about work to develop accessibility standards in other areas: https://novascotia.ca/accessibility/

Access by Design 2030: https://novascotia.ca/accessibility/access-by-design/