Province Improves Accessibility, Introduces Updated Plan

The Province’s 2025-2028 Accessibility Plan sets ambitious goals for the next three years and provides an update on progress that’s been made to date.

The plan, released today, May 6, includes government-wide commitments across eight priority areas including actions to advance accessibility in employment, service delivery, information and communication, and public transportation.

“We are building on years of hard work and momentum to build a more accessible province for today and generations to come,” said Attorney General and Justice Minister Becky Druhan. “By continuing to innovate, collaborate and lead by example, we will achieve our goal for creating a more accessible Nova Scotia.”

Progress made on the 2022-2025 plan includes adopting the Built Environment Accessibility Standard, the first of six accessibility standards. The standard will help ensure the spaces where people live, work, learn and play across Nova Scotia can be enjoyed by people with disabilities.

Quotes:

“The Government of Nova Scotia is continuing to demonstrate its ongoing commitment to creating an accessible province and delivering services, policies and programs that meet the needs of Nova Scotians with disabilities. The Accessibility Advisory Board will continue to provide advice and recommendations, based on lived experience, that will help advance this important work.”
— Max Chauvin, Chair, Accessibility Advisory Board

Quick Facts:

• this is the third multi-year plan released under the Accessibility Act; it reflects collaboration across all 29 government departments
• 38 per cent of Nova Scotians over the age of 15 report living with a disability
• once developed, Nova Scotia’s six accessibility standards will be enacted as regulations under the Accessibility Act
• standards under development include education, employment, goods and services, public transportation and information and communication

Additional Resources:

2025-2028 Accessibility Plan: https://novascotia.ca/accessibility/plan/

Accessibility Act: https://nslegislature.ca/sites/default/files/legc/statutes/accessibility.pdf

News release – Nova Scotia’s First Accessibility Standard Addresses Outdoor Spaces, Recreation Buildings: https://news.novascotia.ca/en/2025/03/17/nova-scotias-first-accessibility-standard-addresses-outdoor-spaces-recreation

More information on accessibility standards in development: https://accessible.novascotia.ca/creating-accessibility-standards

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