Seniors, Wellness and Social Development
July 20, 2016
Enhancing Accessible Transportation
Grant Proposal Submissions Invited for Accessible Taxi Program
Submissions are being invited for the 2016-17 Accessible Taxi Program to expand accessible transportation options in Newfoundland and Labrador. The program responds to transportation issues identified by the community of persons with disabilities and provides grants to assist taxi operators improve accessibility in their vehicle fleets.
�Our government is committed to enhancing the inclusion of persons with disabilities throughout Newfoundland and Labrador. We recognize that accessible transportation is essential for persons with disabilities to travel within their own communities and throughout the province. The Accessible Taxi Program helps to create additional accessible transportation options for people who require such services in our province.�
- The Honourable Sherry Gambin-Walsh, Minister of Seniors, Wellness and Social Development and Minister Responsible for the Status of Persons with Disabilities
The Accessible Taxi Program will provide two grants of up to $25,000 each in 2016-17 to individuals, companies or agencies that commit to delivering an accessible taxi service in Newfoundland and Labrador.
Grants will be provided to successful candidates to assist with costs of retrofitting a taxi vehicle to meet accessibility standards or to assist with the purchase of a new taxi vehicle which can accommodate passengers with mobility devices such as wheelchairs and scooters. Grant recipients will be selected based on who can best demonstrate local demand for an accessible taxi along with their ability to provide such a service.
�Through the Accessible Taxi Program the Provincial Government is investing in the inclusion of persons with disabilities, and transportation is a major cornerstone for access to services, participating in social activities, going to work and school, and the ability to participate in a full life. The Coalition of Persons with Disabilities � Newfoundland and Labrador is glad to see the continuation of such an essential program that supports individuals, companies or agencies to make the provision of these services possible.�
- Emily Christy, Executive Director, Coalition of Persons with Disabilities - Newfoundland and Labrador
More information on the Accessible Taxi Program, including program guidelines, is available at: www.swsd.gov.nl.ca/disabilities/accessible_taxi_program.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 guidelines are available in alternate formats upon request.
QUICK FACTS
- The Provincial Government is inviting submissions for the 2016-17 Accessible Taxi Program which will provide two grants of up to $25,000 each to individuals, companies or agencies that commit to delivering an accessible taxi service in Newfoundland and Labrador.
- Grants will be provided to successful candidates to assist with costs of retrofitting a taxi vehicle to meet accessibility standards or to assist with the purchase of a new taxi vehicle which can accommodate passengers with mobility devices such as wheelchairs and scooters.
- Grant recipients will be selected based on who can best demonstrate local demand for an accessible taxi along with their ability to provide such a service.
- For more information on the Accessible Taxi Program, including program guidelines, visit: www.swsd.gov.nl.ca/disabilities/accessible_taxi_program.html.
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Media contacts:
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Roger Scaplen Director of Communications Department of Seniors, Wellness and Social Development 709-729-1928, 697-5267 rogerscaplen@gov.nl.ca |
Emily Christy Executive Director Coalition of Persons with Disabilities � Newfoundland and Labrador 709-722-7011 ed@codnl.ca |
2016 07 20 9:45 a.m.