As part of its ongoing commitment to ensure equal opportunities for all members of society, the Provincial Government has announced consultations to develop a strategy for the inclusion of persons with disabilities.

"I am extremely pleased to announce these sessions and encourage input into the development of this very important strategy," said the Honourable Susan Sullivan, Minister of Human Resources, Labour and Employment and Minister Responsible for the Status of Persons with Disabilities. "These consultations will focus on how best to remove existing barriers and how to prevent new ones. The community has done extensive research to identify barriers and our government is ready to focus on addressing them."

Consultations will take place in the form of public meetings throughout the province. Direct input is also invited through written submissions, phone and TTY.

Public meetings will take place in 18 communities throughout the province — St. John's, Carbonear, Clarenville, Marystown, Bonavista, Conne River, Harbour Breton, Gander, Lewisporte, Grand Falls-Windsor, Deer Lake, Corner Brook, Stephenville, Port aux Basques, St. Anthony, Happy Valley-Goose Bay, Labrador City and Hopedale. Please see the backgrounder below for details of the scheduled meetings.

"I am glad that the Provincial Government is moving forward with this commitment to build a strategy towards inclusion," said Joanne MacDonald, Chairperson of the new Provincial Advisory Council for the Inclusion of Persons with Disabilities. "The Provincial Advisory Council encourages people with disabilities and others to participate in these consultations. This is a great opportunity to give input to the Provincial Government about solutions and how best to remove barriers. The advisory council will build on what is heard throughout the province and advise government as it develops a provincial strategy for inclusion."

"Having perspectives on solutions from the community of persons with disabilities across the province is essential as we develop this strategy," said Minister Sullivan. "These consultations will focus on solutions and will guide the Provincial Government as we work towards achieving inclusion in all aspects of society."

Individuals wishing to attend a public meeting or provide direct input are invited to contact the Disability Policy Office. A discussion paper Inclusion for All — Developing a Plan to Remove Barriers for People with Disabilities in Newfoundland and Labrador is available from the Disability Policy Office or its website. The paper provides information on the Provincial Government's commitment to inclusion and on barriers identified by community-based research. It includes an overview of some programs as well as questions to generate discussion during the consultations. This document is available in alternate formats.

For more information about the consultations to develop a strategy for the inclusion of persons with disabilities, please visit www.gov.nl.ca/DisabilityPolicy

Contact information for the Disability Policy Office:

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Media contact:

Bradley Power
Director of Communications
Department of Human Resources, Labour and Employment
709-729-0753, 699-5707
bradleypower@gov.nl.ca