Advanced Education and Skills
May 14, 2014
Advancing Inclusion and Accessibility for Prosperous Communities
Provincial Government Provides $600,000 to Continue Accessible Vehicle Funding and Inclusion Grants
The Government of Newfoundland and Labrador is committed to fostering inclusion and supporting persons with disabilities. Today, at the Independent Living Resource Centre, the Honourable Kevin O’Brien, Minister Responsible for the Status of Persons with Disabilities, provided details on $600,000 for the continuation of Accessible Vehicle Funding and Inclusion Grants.
“These programs will continue to make a real difference in people’s lives and are a part of our strategy to enhance inclusion and accessibility in Newfoundland and Labrador. I am pleased to announce the continuation of both programs as we move forward in creating a more inclusive society in this province.” - The Honourable Kevin O’Brien, Minister of Advanced Education and Skills
Accessible Vehicle Funding provides up to $25,000 to eligible individuals or families to purchase or modify personal vehicles. Accessible Vehicle Funding has been enhanced this year so that previously purchased vehicles that have already been retrofitted are eligible for partial grants toward the already completed value of the retrofit. A partial grant can also be applied toward the cost of a new vehicle manufactured with accessibility features incorporated in its design. This program removes barriers and increases transportation options for individuals with disabilities across the province.
Funding for Inclusion Grants up to $25,000 is available for eligible non-profit, community-based organizations to create or improve accessibility such as installing ramps or visual fire alarms within buildings, facilities and playgrounds. Up to $5,000 is available to make events more accessible such as installing assistive listening devices or having sign language interpretation.
“The Provincial Advisory Council for the Inclusion of Persons with Disabilities is very pleased that both of these important programs will continue as a result of this funding and help us build on the substantive progress to advance inclusion across the province. Since its inception in 2009 the council has emphasized the importance of supporting initiatives that increase access and inclusion for persons with disabilities throughout Newfoundland and Labrador. Accessible Vehicle Funding and Inclusion Grants will continue to make real and substantive change in the lives of persons with disabilities.” -J. Paul Walsh, Chair of the Provincial Advisory Council for the Inclusion of Persons with Disabilities
Budget 2014: Shared Prosperity, Fair Society, Balanced Outlook includes $12.6 million to advance inclusion and support employment opportunities for persons with disabilities.
The Strategy for the Inclusion of Persons with Disabilities was released in April 2012 and is a multi-year, government-wide, coordinated approach to removing barriers that are attitudinal, physical, systemic and technological.
More information and applications for Accessible Vehicle Funding and Inclusion Grants are available, at //www.aes.gov.nl.ca/disabilities/ig.html and //www.aes.gov.nl.ca/disabilities/avf.html or upon request at 709-729-6048, toll-free 1-888-729-6279, TTY 1-709-729-5000 or toll-free TTY 1-888-729-5440. Information and applications are also available in alternate formats upon request.
QUICK FACTS
- The Provincial Government is providing $600,000 to continue Accessible Vehicle Funding and Inclusion Grants.
- Under changes to Accessible Vehicle Funding this year, previously purchased vehicles that have already been retrofitted are eligible for partial grants toward the already completed value of the retrofit.
- Partial grants are applied toward the cost of a new vehicle manufactured with accessibility features incorporated in its design.
- Budget 2014 includes $12.6 million to advance inclusion and support employment opportunities for persons with disabilities.
- 30 -
Media contacts:
| John Tompkins Director of Communications Department of Advanced Education and Skills 709-729-0753, 728-7762 jtompkins@gov.nl.ca |
J. Paul Walsh Chair Provincial Advisory Council for the Inclusion of Persons with Disabilities 709-690-2767 acadean@gmail.com |
2014 05 14 11:20 a.m.