For the first time, New Brunswick has launched a five-year accessibility plan for the province, meant to improve resources and break down existing barriers for people with a disability. According to Statistics Canada, about a third of New Brunswickers live with a disability, the second highest in the country. That data does not capture those living in long-term care facilities, according to Ability NB’s executive director and Accessibility Advisory board chair Haley Flaro. “Accessibility is a right, not a privilege,” she said. Post-secondary education, training and labour minister Jean-Claude D’Amours said there will be checks and balances through the Accessibility Act to ensure actions are made. The plan focuses on three goals: engagement to identify where there are barriers, removing the stigma and establish regulations. “People are watching and waiting for it...what we heard a lot from people that guidelines weren’t enough, they wanted to see regulatory standards,” Flaro said. D’Amours said an accessibility office had been established to lead the implementation of the plan. For more New Brunswick news, visit our dedicated provincial page.
