Executive Council
Advanced Education and Skills
November 16, 2012

Provincial Government Provides $650,000
to Launch Initiatives that Support Inclusion

Increased accessibility and inclusion for persons with disabilities will be further supported as a result of new Accessible Vehicle Funding and Inclusion Grants. The Provincial Government is providing $650,000 for these initiatives, which complement the provincial strategy for the inclusion of persons with disabilities, Access. Inclusion. Equality., released earlier this year.

“Both the Accessible Vehicle Funding and Inclusion Grants will work to make a real and positive difference in people’s lives throughout our province,” said the Honourable Joan Burke, Minister of Advanced Education and Skills and Minister Responsible for the Status of Persons with Disabilities. “These initiatives are a direct reflection of ideas and solutions we heard from individuals with disabilities. We will continue to engage individuals as we move forward with the implementation of the strategy.”

Accessible Vehicle Funding will support individuals and families to purchase, repair and install eligible accessibility features for a new or existing personal vehicle. Funding to a maximum of $25,000 will be provided to eligible applicants with annual net incomes of $46,500 or less. Eligible applicants with an annual net income between $46,500 and $64,000 will qualify for partial funding. Accessibility features include items such as hand controls, steering devices, lifts and ramps, door alterations, left-foot gas pedals, wheelchair securing systems and customized seating.

Inclusion Grants will provide funding to non-profit, community-based organizations, supporting the removal of barriers through two categories: Accessibility Grants and Disability-Related Accommodations Grants. Accessibility Grants are for renovating or retrofitting buildings to be more accessible through alterations such as installing automatic door openers or lowering sinks and counters. Disability-Related Accommodations Grants are for providing supports at community events and activities. This includes sign-language interpretation, captioning and audio support for assistive-listening devices.

“Improving accessibility so everyone can participate in community opportunities will ultimately enhance the social, economic and cultural fabric of our province,” said the Honourable Keith Hutchings, Minister of Innovation, Business and Rural Development and Minister Responsible for the Office of Public Engagement. “The new Inclusion Grants program will help create a more inclusive environment within community-based organizations across our province as they continue to improve the lives of Newfoundlanders and Labradorians.”

Applications for Accessible Vehicle Funding and Inclusion Grants are available, including alternate formats, at www.aes.gov.nl.ca/disabilities/default.html or upon request at 709-729-6048, toll-free 1-888-729-6279, TTY 1-888-729-5440.

Ministers Burke and Hutchings emphasized how inclusion is essential for creating a dynamic and strong province. It means having access and choices on an equal basis with others. This includes access to opportunities or events that happen within any community.

The Provincial Government recently introduced other initiatives to advance inclusion, including introduction of the progressive Service Animals Act, which expands the types of animals that can be used as service animals and protects the right of access for persons with disabilities; legislative amendments that help adults with intellectual disabilities access Registered Disability Savings Plans; increased fines for illegal parking in blue zone spaces, and; stronger requirement for blue zone parking spaces to be clearly identified, with signage permanently mounted and kept in good condition.

Budget 2012: People and Prosperity provided $6.5 million for initiatives that complement the provincial strategy for the inclusion of persons with disabilities, including Accessible Vehicle Funding and Inclusion Grants.

- 30 -

Media contacts:

2012 11 16                      3:10 p.m.