Seniors, Wellness and Social Development
May 29, 2015
Supporting Inclusive Communities
Over $205,000 Improves Accessibility to Buildings and Events
Fourteen community-based organizations throughout Newfoundland and Labrador have been awarded a total of $205,863 through the 2014-15 Inclusion Grants Program. The program provides funding for community-based organizations to create, or improve, the accessibility of the built environment, or provide disability-related supports at events and meetings.
�We know there are barriers in our communities that can restrict and impede the participation of people who have disabilities. That is why we established the Inclusion Grants Program in 2012. Over the past three years, about $600,000 has been provided to 43 organizations to make their facilities and events more accessible to all individuals and Budget 2015 allocates another $200,000 to continue our work in this area.�
- The Honourable Clyde Jackman, Minister of Seniors, Wellness and Social Development and Minister Responsible for the Status of Persons with Disabilities
Minister Jackman announced the grant recipients yesterday evening (Thursday, May 28) at the Annual General Meeting of the Coalition of Persons with Disabilities in Newfoundland and Labrador. The 2014-15 Inclusion Grants program includes a wide range of projects, from ramp installations, widening of doorways, and installation of door openers for accessible washrooms in public facilities, to offering sign language interpretation at public events.
A list of recipients is included in the backgrounder below.
�Having community facilities and events accessible to all people encourages and supports the message of inclusion. We have some dedicated community groups and organizations wishing to become more accessible to persons with disabilities, and it is good to see our Provincial Government supporting this effort through the Inclusion Grants Program.�
- Kelly White, Executive Director, Coalition of Persons with Disabilities - NL
Minister Jackman also participated in the presentation of the Coalition�s Inclusion Awards, among other awards and scholarships presented at the annual general meeting. For more information on the inclusion awards and other presentations made during the evening, visit the coalition�s website at: //codnl.ca/media/ .
Budget 2015 provides funding designed to advance accessibility and inclusion in Newfoundland and Labrador, including: $117.8 million to meet the needs of students with disabilities, $1 million to continue accessibility improvements to the province�s Arts and Culture Centres, $400,000 for the Accessible Vehicle Program (which includes $50,000 for accessible taxis), and more.
QUICK FACTS
- Fourteen community-based organizations throughout Newfoundland and Labrador have been awarded a total of $205,863 under the 2014-15 Inclusion Grants Program.
- The Inclusion Grants Program was introduced in 2012 as part of Access. Inclusion. Equality. A Strategy for the Inclusion of Persons with Disabilities.
- Over the past three years, the program has provided about $600,000 to 43 organizations throughout Newfoundland and Labrador to make their facilities and events more accessible to all people.
- Budget 2015 allocates an additional $200,000 for the Inclusion Grants Program.
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Media contacts:
Heather May Director of Communications Department of Seniors, Wellness and Social Development 709-729-0928, 697-5061 heathermay@gov.nl.ca |
Kelly White Executive Director Coalition of Persons with Disabilities � NL 722-7011 kwhite@codnl.ca |
Backgrounder
Inclusion Grants Program (2014-15)
Applicant Name | Town/City | Project Description | Approved |
Bonne Bay Cottage Hospital Heritage Corporation | Norris Point | Install ramp, widen doorways, repair railings; install automatic door opener and accessible washroom | $14,603.92 |
Botwood Heritage Society | Botwood | Install ramp, four automatic door openers and visual smoke alarms/ detectors | $17,195.09 |
Bridges Employment Corp. | Fortune | Install accessible washrooms, including accessible showers; accessible walkway | $20,732.08 |
Burin Senior Citizens 50+Club | Burin | Install ramp, accessible washrooms and automatic door opener | $25,000.00 |
Curling Lions Club | Corner Brook | Install ramp | $3,401.54 |
Golden Culture & Heritage Guardians | Trepassey | Install accessible doors, upgrade ramps with non-skid surface and railings; install accessible features to washrooms | $25,000.00 |
Holyrood Recreation Commission | Holyrood | Widen gateways and entrances to park; install pool ramp and accessible washrooms, canteen, and ticket booth | $18,189.49 |
Memorial United Church | Corner Brook | Install ramp, automatic door openers and accessibility features in washroom | $18,628.80 |
Municipalities NL | St. John�s | Install automatic door openers; repair ramp and install accessible parking | $10,690.00 |
NL Association of the Deaf | St. John�s | Provide American Sign Language interpretation for cultural events | $5,000.00 |
Sandwich Bay 50+Club | Cartwright, Labrador | Install assistive listening system | 4,123.57 |
Seniors Resource Centre NL | St. John�s | Provide American Sign Language interpreters for a training event | $4,686.00 |
St. Martin�s Cathedral Church | Gander | Install automatic door openers, accessible washrooms and widen doorways | $20,105.57 |
St. Mary the Virgin Church | Corner Brook | Install washrooms; install assistive listening system, automatic door opener and enhance lighting | $18,506.06 |
2015 05 29 9:35 a.m.