Seniors, Wellness and Social Development
June 26, 2015

Taking Action to Enhance Inclusion

Minister Invites Applications to Accessibility and Inclusion Programs

The Provincial Government is inviting applications for the 2015 Accessible Vehicle Funding Program and the 2015 Inclusion Grants Program, which have a combined total of $600,000 available to help individuals, non-profit organizations and community groups to improve accessibility and enhance inclusion for people with disabilities.

�Since the inception of the Accessible Vehicle Funding Program in 2012, the Provincial Government has helped more than 50 people purchase or retrofit a vehicle for accessibility and assisted with the introduction of two accessible taxi cabs. These are the kinds of investments that make a real difference in people�s lives and, as a government, we are proud of the progress we have made in this area.�
- The Honourable Clyde Jackman, Minister of Seniors, Wellness and Social Development and Minister Responsible for the Status of Persons with Disabilities

The $400,000 Accessible Vehicle Funding Program provides up to $25,000 to eligible individuals and families towards the cost of purchasing and/or installing accessibility features for a new or existing vehicle. Partial grants can also be applied toward the cost of a new vehicle manufactured with accessibility features incorporated in its design. The program also includes funding to continue the Accessible Taxi Pilot Project.

Applications are also being accepted for the 2015 Inclusion Grants Program, which allocates a total of $200,000 to eligible non-profit, community-based organizations to create or improve accessibility, such as installing ramps or visual fire alarms within buildings. The program also makes funding available to make events more accessible by providing assistive listening devices or sign language interpretation.

�Since the 2012 release of Access. Inclusion. Equality � A Provincial Strategy for the Inclusion of Persons with Disabilities, almost $1.5 million has been invested in these programs. The Accessible Vehicle Funding Program and the Inclusion Grants Program continue this year, to further support the development of a more inclusive society.�
- Minister Jackman

For more information on the Accessible Vehicle Funding Program, the Accessible Taxi Pilot Project, and the Inclusion Grants Program, see: www.swsd.gov.nl.ca/disabilities/index.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.

On June 19, 2015, the Provincial Government released an action plan to guide further implementation of Access. Inclusion. Equality � A Provincial Strategy for the Inclusion of Persons with Disabilities. The three-year action plan (2015-18) is a government-wide, coordinated approach to removing barriers that are attitudinal, physical, systemic and technological. It outlines 43 initiatives to improve accessibility and inclusion in Newfoundland and Labrador. For more information, see: www.gov.nl.ca/releases/2015/swsd/0619n09.aspx.

QUICK FACTS

• The Provincial Government is inviting applications for the 2015 Accessible Vehicle Funding Program and the 2015 Inclusion Grants Program, which have a combined total of $600,000 available to help individuals, non-profit organizations and community groups to improve accessibility and enhance inclusion for people with disabilities.
• The Accessible Vehicle Funding Program provides up to $25,000 to eligible individuals and families towards the cost of purchasing and/or installing accessibility features for a new or existing vehicle. The program also includes funding to continue the Accessible Taxi Pilot Project.
• Applications are also being accepted for the 2015 Inclusion Grants Programs, which provides funding to eligible non-profit, community-based organizations to create or improve accessibility, such as installing ramps or visual fire alarms within buildings, facilities and playgrounds.
• The program also makes funding available to make events more accessible by installing assistive listening devices or having sign language interpretation.
• For more information on the Accessible Vehicle Funding Program, the Accessible Taxi Pilot Project, and the Inclusion Grants Program, see: www.swsd.gov.nl.ca/disabilities/index.html.

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Media contact:

Heather May Director of Communications Department of Seniors, Wellness and Social Development 709-729-0928, 697-5061 heathermay@gov.nl.ca

2015 06 26                             11:20 a.m.