More access to the discussion on accessibility for Nova Scotians.
When the government announced Bill 59 – the Act Respecting Accessibility in Nova Scotia, it was roundly criticized for not going far enough.
Government stopped the process and vowed to ensure people most affected by the bill would be heard.
Several changes were made to get the feedback needed to construct a better bill.
The bill is now written in plain language.
Sign language interpreters will be present at the hearings.
As well, people who can’t make it to Halifax can present their concerns to the Law Amendments Committee via video conferencing a a nearby NSCC campus.
Ellen Johnson,an occupational therapist in Bridgewater feels these are positive steps.
“This idea of nothing about us, without us came up. I think that a lot of people with disabilities feel that being included in the decisions that are going to most affect us really makes sense.”
Craig Collins, principle of the Lunenburg Campus in Bridgewater says they’re happy to be able to provide the video conferencing services.
“That would allow an individual to be seen and be heard through our video conferencing technology. So they would put a face to a name and a voice and a face behind the words being shared.”
The hearings were meant to get underway today, but due to the storm will be rescheduled for a later date.
Law Amendments Committee Meeting Rescheduled https://t.co/BcgHQzzQ3W
— Nova Scotia Gov. (@nsgov) February 12, 2017
