Seniors, Wellness and Social Development
October 30, 2015

Investing in Inclusion for Everyone

Additional Accessible Taxis Cover New Ground

Getting a taxi at a moment�s notice just got easier for more people in Newfoundland and Labrador with the awarding of three grants, valued at $25,000 each, under the Accessible Taxi Pilot Project. The grants have helped enable three taxicab companies to acquire, or retrofit, existing taxis which are accessible to persons with mobility disabilities.

�I am pleased to see proponents come forward from different parts of the province to take advantage of the second round of grants dispersed under this pilot project. Reducing barriers to transportation is a vital part of our government�s strategy to achieving full inclusion and I look forward to seeing the Accessible Taxi Pilot Project expand even further throughout the Newfoundland and Labrador.�
- The Honourable Clyde Jackman, Minister Responsible for the Status of Persons with Disabilities

The The 2015-16 successful proponents are Albert Newell of Newfound Cabs in St. John�s; Julia Blagdon of Blagdon�s Taxi in the Grand Falls-Windsor area, and William Newhook of Jovanax Taxi in Dildo. Mr. Newell also received two grants under the 2014-15 program. A total of $125,000 has been provided for five accessible taxi grants since the project was launched last year.

�Running my cab company as an accessible taxi service is something that is near and dear to my heart. I believe in it, and I enjoy hearing my new customers talk about the positive change it has made to their lives. Right now I have eight accessible taxis and I do calls for about 500 rides a month for passengers with mobility disabilities. These are people who call for rides to work, to hockey games or concerts, to appointments and people who just want to go out to a restaurant at a moment�s notice.�
- Albert Newell, Newfound Cabs, St. John�s

Accessible taxis can be accessed by all individuals, including people with mobility disabilities. In addition to passing required provincial inspections, all accessible taxis must meet Canadian Standards Association requirements for retrofitting and securing systems for wheelchairs and scooters.

�Transportation was always an obstacle for me and having this service available will change things a great deal. I can be more spontaneous when determining where I am going, and when. It will give me more freedom and independence.�
- Thomas Burge, Consumer, Bishops Falls

The Provincial Government supports other initiatives designed to improve inclusive transportation options for citizens, including the Accessible Vehicle Program (www.swsd.gov.nl.ca/disabilities/index.html) and the Age-Friendly Newfoundland and Labrador Transportation Project (www.swsd.gov.nl.ca/grants/age_friendly_transport.html).

QUICK FACTS:

• The Provincial Government has awarded three grants, valued at $25,000 each, under the 2015-16 Accessible Taxi Pilot Project program.
• The grants have helped enable three taxicab companies to acquire, or retrofit, existing taxis which are accessible to people with mobility disabilities.
• The successful proponents are: Albert Newell of Newfound Cabs in St. John�s; Julia Blagdon of Blagdon�s Taxi in the Grand Falls-Windsor area, and William Newhook of Jonavax Taxi, in Dildo.
• A total of $125,000 has been provided for five accessible taxi grants since the project was launched last year.
• The Accessible Taxi Pilot Project was initiated as part of Access. Inclusion. Equality. A Provincial Strategy for the Inclusion of Persons with Disabilities. To view the inclusion strategy and action plan, visit: www.swsd.gov.nl.ca/disabilities/index.html.

- 30 -

Media contacts:

2015 10 30                             1:35 p.m.