Service NL
Seniors, Wellness and Social Development
March 4, 2015

Promotion of Accessible Parking Spaces Strengthens Communities

Accessible Parking Education and Awareness Campaign Begins

An awareness campaign to provide guidelines to businesses and municipalities on accessible parking has been launched through a partnership between Service NL and the Coalition of Persons with Disabilities � Newfoundland and Labrador (the Coalition). The campaign includes brochures for business owners, pamphlets for accessible parking permit holders and presentations to various organizations such as building design and construction industries and municipalities. The campaign promotes education and awareness of the proper designation of accessible parking spaces, including the correct installation of signage, as well as the proper use of the accessible parking permit.

�We were very happy to work with the Coalition of Persons with Disabilities � Newfoundland and Labrador to develop a campaign targeted towards business owners, municipalities and industry associations representing the building design and construction sectors. Targeting specific groups ensures that everyone is aware of what is required to properly identify accessible parking spaces. I also thank the Buildings Accessibility Advisory Board which was instrumental in working with the Coalition in development of this campaign.�
- The Honourable Tony Cornect, Minister of Service NL

The Provincial Government, through the Department of Seniors, Wellness and Social Development, works with members of the community of persons with disabilities with the goal of establishing a fully inclusive society. Partnerships to develop campaigns to raise awareness of the regulations for accessible parking help strengthen that goal.

�As Minister Responsible for the Status of Persons with Disabilities, I am pleased to see this campaign come to fruition. There was clearly a need to educate and reinforce the importance of providing proper accessible parking spaces. When it comes to the design, provision and utilization of accessible parking, we all need to be on the same page to ensure we are meeting the needs of persons with disabilities.�
- The Honourable Clyde Jackman, Minister Responsible for the Status of Persons with Disabilities

Brochures have been sent to municipalities to be included in municipal building permit applications and the Coalition is scheduling presentations for industry sector associations and municipalities to ensure there is an understanding of what the accessible parking regulations require.

�The Coalition will work in partnership with Service NL to ensure proper design of Accessible Parking Spaces. We are available for consultation and to deliver presentations to contractors, the building industry and to municipalities. With more than 19,000 accessible parking permits issued across our province, we know that accessible parking is vital to persons with disabilities.�
- Kelly White, Executive Director, Coalition of Persons with Disabilities

The Buildings Accessibility Advisory Board, which reports directly to the Minister of Service NL, provided advice and guidance to the Coalition in developing the campaign.

�I am very pleased that Service NL is partnering with the Coalition of Persons with Disabilities on this very important awareness campaign. Accessible parking spaces and permits are essential to the independence and full inclusion of persons with disabilities in our communities."
- Cecilia Carroll, Chairperson, Buildings Accessibility Advisory Board

Copies of the brochure and the pamphlet for existing permit holders can be viewed at www.servicenl.gov.nl.ca/licenses/building/.

QUICK FACTS

• An awareness campaign to provide guidelines to businesses and municipalities on accessible parking has been launched through a partnership between Service NL and the Coalition of Persons with Disabilities � Newfoundland and Labrador (the Coalition).
• The partnership was established in September 2014 with a contract totalling $25,800. Using this funding, the Coalition has developed promotional materials and is hosting information sessions for businesses, building industry groups and municipalities.
• Changes to the Buildings Accessibility Regulations were made in 2012 to clarify the requirement for signs identifying designated accessible parking spaces to be permanent and kept in good repair.

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2015 03 04                              2:20 p.m.