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Human Resources, Labour and Employment
December 8, 2010

The following statement was given today in the House of Assembly by the Honourable Joan Burke, Acting Minister of Human Resources, Labour and Employment and Minister Responsible for the Status of Persons with Disabilities:

Provincial Government Highlights Progress on Development of Strategy
for the Inclusion of Persons with Disabilities

As Minister Responsible for the Status of Persons with Disabilities, I rise today to inform this Honourable House that our government has recently completed consultations on the development of a strategy for the inclusion of persons with disabilities.

In September, our government initiated an ambitious public consultation process to further develop a strategy that would make our province a more inclusive society. I�m proud to say we have not only met our goal, but are moving forward with the same enthusiasm and commitment as we develop a strategy that speaks to fairness, dignity and accessibility - benefiting all Newfoundlanders and Labradorians.

While we have undoubtedly gained valuable insight into how to address barriers that exist for persons with disabilities from the over 600 participants at our public consultations, we have also enhanced our policies and processes for holding truly inclusive public consultation sessions.

The Canadian Hard of Hearing Association of Newfoundland and Labrador recently awarded us with an Accessibility Award, for the inclusion of assistive listening devices and captioning technology during the sessions.

The accessible nature of the consultations has given what some participants have heralded as a first time opportunity for them to fully participate in a public meeting. The provision of real time captioning, sign language translation, assistive listening devices and ensuring all materials are written in clear language and provided in alternate formats has made this initiative truly inclusive.

This recognition from such a respected organization within the community is indeed an honour.

Our recent success is a good example of what we want to achieve through the strategy itself. We look forward to drafting a what-we-heard document early in the New Year, and a strategy during the spring of 2011.

And finally, last Friday this province celebrated December 3 as the International Day of Persons with Disabilities as declared by the United Nations. The purpose is to promote a better understanding of disability issues and foster respect for the rights of people with disabilities. It is a time to celebrate achievements of the disability rights movement and remember how inclusion benefits everyone.

Our government believes firmly in those values and we are moving forward with the community, in consultation every step of the way, to break down barriers and help make our province a truly inclusive and accessible place for persons with disabilities to work, live and prosper.

2010 12 08                                                 2:25 p.m.
 


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