Supporting Inclusion for Strong Communities

Provincial Government to Mark United Nations International Day of Persons with Disabilities

This coming Tuesday, December 3, is the United Nations International Day of Persons with Disabilities, an opportunity to foster understanding of disability-related issues and respect for the rights of persons with disabilities. This year’s theme is Break Barriers, Open Doors: for an inclusive society and development for all.

“The Provincial Government released Access. Inclusion. Equality. in April 2012, a strategy for the inclusion of persons with disabilities. The strategy is designed to bring about substantive change within polices, services, programs and attitudes. Efforts are being made to advance inclusion, resulting in the removal and prevention of barriers, and moving us closer to our goal of an inclusive society where everyone has a role to play to ensure equal opportunities and choices.”
- The Honourable Kevin O’Brien, Minister Responsible for the Status of Persons with Disabilities

The Government of Newfoundland and Labrador recognizes that accessibility and inclusion help all citizens of the province. On December 3, Minister O’Brien will join the Independent Living Resource Centre at an event in St. John’s recognizing this important day.

“Through partnerships with persons with disabilities – and through our policies and initiatives – the Provincial Government is working towards the ultimate goal of full inclusion. Our government recognizes the invaluable advice and input from the Provincial Advisory Council for the Inclusion of Persons with Disabilities, and community organizations.”
- Minister O’Brien

The Government of Newfoundland and Labrador is committed to supporting important social programs, strong communities and the health and well-being of children, families and seniors.

QUICK FACTS

• The Provincial Government recognizes December 3 as the United Nations International Day for Persons with Disabilities.
• Budget 2013 included over $12 million in funding for the Labour Market Agreement for Persons with Disabilities to help individuals successfully prepare for, enter or remain in the workforce.
• The provincial Inclusive Education Initiative has been implemented in 174 of 263 public schools, with another 30 scheduled to be added in the spring of 2014.
• Accessibility improvements, such as installation of ramps, doors and walkways, washrooms, and the addition of assisted listening devices and parking lot enhancements, are continuing at Confederation Building and Arts and Culture Centres.
• In April 2012, Newfoundland and Labrador Housing Corporation made Universal Design features mandatory for all new affordable and social housing constructions.

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Media contact:
John Tompkins
Director of Communications
Department of Advanced Education and Skills
709-729-0753, 728-7762
jtompkins@gov.nl.ca 

2013 11 29                                     10:40 a.m.