Persons with disabilities to benefit from amendments to Buildings Accessibility Act

Dianne Whalen, Minister of Government Services, today announced amendments to the Buildings Accessibility Act to improve future accessibility of public buildings for persons with disabilities. Some of these amendments appeared in the regulation published in the Newfoundland and Labrador Gazette on September 1 and come into effect on March 1, 2007. These are in addition to legislative amendments passed in the House of Assembly on May 19, 2006 which will also come into effect on March 1, 2007.

"The Buildings Accessibility Advisory Board spent considerable time reviewing the existing legislation. They presented a number of recommendations to government many of which we are pleased to introduce at this time," said Minister Whalen. "While this province already has one of the best buildings accessibility legislation in Canada, the amendments being implemented recognize the need to provide the greatest possible access to public buildings for people with physical disabilities. Every citizen should be able to live as independently as possible in Newfoundland and Labrador. Part of that ability is proper access to public buildings and facilities."

The Buildings Accessibility Act and Regulations were first enacted in December 1981. The mandate of the advisory board, largely composed of representatives of the community of people with disabilities, was to undertake a review of the legislation to ensure the needs of persons with disabilities were reflected. Following presentation of the board�s report government undertook a consultation process through distribution of the recommendations to other stakeholder groups and posting on its web site for public comment.

Amendments to the act and related changes to the regulations will apply to new buildings and those undergoing extensive renovations. The changes include: ensuring that voluntary accessibility upgrades to older buildings meet the safety and other standards of the legislation; increasing fines to ensure a sufficient incentive for compliance; ensuring separate employee entrances, in addition to main public entrances, are accessible; increasing the number of disabled parking spaces and accessible public telephones; increasing the number of spaces in public areas for wheelchair use; and increasing the number of barrier-free public washrooms.

These changes will have a six-month phase-in period and will be in effect March 1, 2007. This will allow the building design and construction industry to adapt to the new requirements, given that there is some lead time for design prior to construction.

"We are very pleased that this government has shown its support of people with disabilities in this province by introducing proposed changes to the Buildings Accessibility Act," said Cecilia Carroll, member of the advisory board. "These changes will enable people with disabilities to live more independently within their communities. Access to government buildings, private business, hospitals and schools is essential for everyone."

Minister Whalen also indicated that while we are moving ahead with some changes now, further consultations with the community representing persons with disabilities, the business community and the construction industry, as well as other key stakeholders, will be held on the remaining recommendations made by the advisory board. "This two-stage approach will ensure we take the needs and potential impacts of all affected parties into consideration and help to reach a clear understanding of the issues being faced by people with disabilities in our communities."

"We are pleased that many of the amendments put forward by the advisory board have been approved," said Marie White, president of the Coalition of Persons with Disabilities and advisory board member. "Through the upcoming consultations as well as at the advisory board level, we will continue to seek further amendments to the act which will ensure full access to public buildings for persons with disabilities."

These consultations will be held over the next two to three months with the goal of having additional recommendations brought forward for government consideration prior to the spring sitting of the House of Assembly if possible.

"People with disabilities are our family members, neighbours, co-workers and friends. Society as a whole benefits when the potential that lies within every person is maximized. I hope that these amendments can make a further contribution to helping people realize that potential," concluded Minister Whalen.

To view the act please visit //www.gov.nl.ca/hoa/statutes/b10.htm

To view the regulations please visit //www.gov.nl.ca/hoa/sr/

Media contact: Vanessa Colman-Sadd, Communications, (709)729-4860, 682-6593

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