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How to Participate in Access Awareness Week Nova Scotia
Recognize Access Awareness Week Nova Scotia (AAWNS) 2025 by getting involved locally, in your communities with organizations working to remove barriers to inclusion, including their local municipalities. Whether it is hosting an event, celebrating Nova Scotian leaders in accessibility, ordering an Access Awareness Week flag, or sharing resources to improve access, there are many ways to get involved in Access Awareness Week Nova Scotia.
- Take Action on Access Awareness!: Participate in AAWNS 2025
- Our Voices, Our Voices: Disability Rights in Action
- Disability Rights Advocacy
- The Right to Vote and the Importance of Voting
- Community Involvement
- Additional Resources
Take Action
How to Participate in Access Awareness Week Nova Scotia
Recognize Access Awareness Week Nova Scotia (AAWNS) 2025 by getting involved locally, in your communities with organizations working to remove barriers to inclusion, including their local municipalities. Whether it is hosting an event, celebrating Nova Scotian leaders in accessibility, ordering an Access Awareness Week flag, or sharing resources to improve access, there are many ways to get involved in Access Awareness Week Nova Scotia.
- Take Action on Access Awareness!: Participate in AAWNS 2025 (link to section on official page)
- Our Voices, Our Voices: Disability Rights in Action
- Disability Rights Advocacy (link to section on official page)
- The Right to Vote and the Importance of Voting (link to section on official page)
- Community Involvement (link to section on official page)
- Additional Resources (link to section on official page)
Actions
Take Action on Access Awareness
Plan an Activity or Event!
Plan an event to raise awareness and continue the conversation on the experiences of people with disabilities in your organization.
Having a public event in Nova Scotia for Access Awareness Week? Submit your event below.
Order an AAWNS Flag!
We have flags available for you to order to promote Access Awareness Week Nova Scotia (AAWNS) and help with your Access Awareness Week Nova Scotia event.
Share about Access Awareness!
Share the word about Access Awareness Week and the importance of improving access and disability inclusion in Nova Scotia
Follow NSLEO for Updates
Check Out Activities and Events!
There are many events that are happening from May 25th – 31st, 2025 from events hosted by PAANS to community events across the province. Check out the events that are happening during Access Awareness Week Nova Scotia!
Our Voices, Our Voices: Disability Rights in Action
Resources
Disability Rights Advocacy
How can my voice matter? Said 1 million individuals.
The Disability Rights movement exists due to the contributions of persons with disabilities, their families, and our allies advocating for a more accessible and inclusive society.
Persons with disabilities have advocated for their rights and brought key legislation to Nova Scotia and Canada.
United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD)
Steve Estey, Hon. Peter MacKay, and the Nova Scotia League for Equal Opportunities brought the UNCRPD to Canada and Nova Scotia towards ratification on March 11, 2010 due to their effective advocacy work. It was a significant step in shifting discussions to the rights of persons with disabilities.
Additional Resources
Nova Scotia’s Accessibility Act
Before it was the Accessibility Act we know now, it was Bill 59. When Bill 59 was originally proposed, it was criticized for putting businesses over the rights of persons with disabilities.
Comes in the work of the Bill 59 Community Alliance which was made up of persons with disabilities and disability organizations that took effective action. They brought the numbers, the expertise, and clear direction to the provincial government through the Principles to Redraft Bill 59: The Nova Scotia Accessibility Act.
The work towards an accessible Nova Scotia by 2030 is being done with the Accessibility Act and Access By Design 2030. With the Accessibility Advisory Board, there are 6 standards committees at different stages providing recommendations to improve accessibility in Nova Scotia.
- Built Environment (now a law!)
- Education
- Employment
- Goods and Services
- Information and Communications
- Public Transportation
Additional Resources
Human Rights Remedy
On August 1, 2014, a human rights complaint was filed by three individuals and the Disability Rights Coalition against the Province of Nova Scotia for systemically discriminating against persons with disabilities by denied services and supports to live in the community.
After receiving the landmark decision that the Province is systemically discriminating against persons with disabilities on October 6, 2021 to the Province appealing the decision on December 3, 2021, Supreme Court of Canada denied permission for the Province to appeal on April 14, 2022 allowing the Remedy to occur.
We are now in Year 3 of the 5-year plan that the Province is legally bound to to remedy the systemic discrimination. You can find all the details of the process of this action on the Disability Rights Coalition website.
Additional Resources
Canada Disability Benefit
In June 2023, the federal government unanimously passed the Canada Disability Benefit. This new benefit aims to provide financial security and improve the quality of life for working-age Canadians with disabilities.
Regulations have been finalized to provide a maximum benefit amount of $2,400 a year, or $200 a month (depending on income and other factors) is scheduled to roll out July 2025.
However, there are still concerns regarding the Canada Disability Benefit due to low amount, restrictive eligibility criteria, separate application process, and the risk of provincial clawbacks. Advocacy work is still being done to improve the benefit that would actually lift people with disabilities out of poverty.
Additional Resources and Advocacy Work
Your voice matters
You can go and shape your community with your lived experience, passion, and expertise.
- You can learn about your rights as a person with a disability by learning about the UN CRPD, the Accessibility Act (NS), and the Accessible Canada Act.
- You can contact your government representative of issues in your community. Check out the list below.
- Find your local Nova Scotia municipality, district, county, or town
- Find your Nova Scotia Member of Legislative Assembly (MLA)
- After the Federal Election on April 28th, find your Member of Parliament (MP)
- There are disability organizations that have advocacy resources
- Provide Your First Voice Accessibility Advice to Nova Scotia Government
- Go and vote for the federal election on April 28th, 2025. Check out our voting (link to next section) resources.
- Get involved in your community! (link to last section)
Resources
The Right to Vote and the Importance of Voting
Go and vote!
The federal election is happening on April 28, 2025.
Search for your voting information here.
Election Canada is an independent, non-partisan agency that conducts the federal election. There are many barriers that exist for persons with disabilities. Elections Canada has made an effort to have accessible voting polls and many tools and services available for persons with disabilities. Check out the Electors with Disabilities page and their Accessibility page.
It’s your voice, your right
Voting is an easy way to be active in your community. Your vote will impact who will be in office making key decisions in your community.
For persons with disabilities, the accessibility of voting is a concern. The decisions of government officials, candidates, election workers and agencies can impact the access to vote.
The recent elections in Nova Scotia have shown improvements and barriers in the process.
Elections Nova Scotia introduced Supportive Voting Locations as part of their IDEAS strategy to create a more inclusive and accessible experience.
However, there were situations that created barriers to vote.
Not sending voter cards for the 2024 Provincial Election created confusion on where to vote in a snap election. As internet access and ability to use the internet is an accessibility concern.
In the 2024 municipal elections, voters with disabilities were originally denied the right to vote due to the returning officer making assumptions of the voters with disabilities ability to make a choice. After numerous complaints, the voters with disabilities were called back to cast their ballot.
Improve Accessibility in Voting and Elections
More work still needs to be done to improve the accessibility of voting for persons with disabilities. Community organizations and election agencies have provided resources and information for accessible voting.
- Accessible Elections, CNIB
- How to find candidates in an election, Brain Injury Canada
- Accessibility, Elections Canada
- Accessibility, Election Nova Scotia (Currently not available due to temporary website)
Do you know of any resources on accessible voting or voting resources to help persons with disabilities, please email them to programs@nsleo.com
Resources
Community Involvement
Be a voice for your community
Getting involved in your community is a great way to help improve issues locally with your time, knowledge, and expertise.
Important Note: Openings for volunteers can change throughout the year depending on the needs and requirements of the positions.
Apply to be on Agencies, Board, Commissions, and Committees!
Governments are always looking for community input to help improve their process that best fits the community’s needs.
- Applying for Agencies, Boards and Commissions (ABCs) | Government of Nova Scotia
- Apply to join the Accessibility Advisory Board
- Municipalities Boards and Committees
- The best option is to connect with your municipality. Below is what can be found online.
- Halifax Regional Municipality
- Cape Breton Regional Municipality
- Region of Queens Municipality
- County of Annapolis
- District of Barrington
- County of Richmond
- District of Yarmouth
- Town of Antigonish
- Town of Berwick
- Town of Bridgewater
- Town of Kentville
- Town of Truro
- Town of Westville
- Town of Wolfville
- Town of Yarmouth
Volunteer for Organizations!
Community organizations are always looking for volunteers to help their mission for the community they serve. You can volunteer for their programs, services, Board of Directors, committees, and events!
Below are volunteer boards and volunteer pages for listings.
- Volunteer Nova Scotia | Volunteer Board
- Charity Village | Volunteer and Job Board
- Volunteer | Autism Nova Scotia
- Volunteer | CNIB
- Volunteer | Immigrants Services Association of Nova Scotia
- Volunteer | Independent Living Nova Scotia
- Volunteer | March of Dimes Canada
- Volunteer | Nova Scotia Health
- Volunteer | Prescott Group
Not all organizations have the capacity to maintain a listing of volunteer opprtunities. That does not mean that volunteers are not needed. You can reach out to organizations to offer your time, skills, and interest to see if there can be an opportunity available.
- Inclusion Nova Scotia
- Easter Seals Nova Scotia
- Find Community Services | 211 NS to find different organizations across the province to reach out to.
Learn More
Additional Resources
Government of Nova Scotia Resources
Accessibility Directorate Resource Hub
Resources such as Access Includes Everyone campaign materials, posters, Microsoft Teams backgrounds, and email signatures.
Accessibility Directorate Website
For more information on what the Accessibility Directorate is and their role for accessibility legislation.
Impacts of COVID-19 Infographics
Check the inforgraphics below for information from the Accessibility Directorate and the Government of Nova Scotia on the impacts of COVID-19 on Nova Scotians with disabilities.
Accessibility is Important to Nova Scotians
Information about Infographic
Source: Public opinion research survey conducted by telephone, February and March 2022
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9 out of 10 know that accessibility is a human right
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80% say that accessibility is very important to them
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6 out of 10 know we have a goal to be accessible by 2030
Barriers experienced by Nova Scotians with disabilities
Information about Infographic
Source: Public opinion research survey conducted by telephone, February and March 2022
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Most common barriers faced by respondents with disabilities are Built Environment, Stigma/Attitudinal, Supports for Daily Living, Employment, and Communication.
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86% of Nova Scotians know there are barriers other than accessing buildings and public spaces
Awareness of Disability and Inclusion
Information about Infographic
Source: Public opinion research survey conducted by telephone, February and March 2022
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3 out of 4 Nova Scotians feel comfortable telling others they have a disability
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96% of Nova Scotians know disabilities can be visible and invisible
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1 out of 3 Nova Scotians interact daily with someone who has a disability
The Impact of COVID-19 on people with disabilities
Information about Infographic
Source: Public opinion research survey conducted by telephone, February and March 2022
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Four in five people with disabilities say COVID-19 has negatively impacted them
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Top three negative impacts: Isolation/lack of social interactions / Employment/financial impact / Mental health impact
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Overall health and wellbeing for people with disabilities is 21% worse than before COVID-19
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Mental and emotional wellbeing for people with disabilities is 23% worse than before COVID-19
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Financial situation for people with disabilities is 24% worse than before COVID-19
National AccessAbility Week Resources
National AccessAbility Week is happening the same week as Access Awareness Week Nova Scotia. Check out some of the organizations that contribute to the national initiative.
Rick Hansen Foundation
National AccessAbility Week was founded as ‘National Access Awareness Week’ in 1988 and inspired by Rick Hansen’s Man In Motion World Tour.
Easter Seals Canada
Red Shirt Day is hosted by Easter Seals Canada that is happening during National AccessAbility Week. Learn how to participate below.
reachAbility
In Nova Scotia, reachAbility lead National AccessAbility Week. Check out what they are doing in the province to connect with the national intiative.
Government of Canada Resources
Accessibility Standards Canada
Check out resources relating to accessible communications for COVID-19 and accessible and inclusive workplace guidelines.
Employment and Social Development Canada
Learn more about the Accessible Canada Act (ACA) and what the Government of Canada is working on for an Accessible Canada.
NSLEO Resources
Book List
Check out some book recomodations relating to disabilty experience and access awareness.
Emergency Prepareness
Preparing for an emergency is important, especially with the increasing weather events that has been happening in Nova Scotia.
Communications
Want to learn how to improve your communications practices for persons with disabilities, check out some resources below.
Halifax Public Libraries Resources
Accessibility
Check out some book recomodations, events, and resources relating to disabilty experience and access awareness.
AMANS Municipal IDEAS Resources
Education and Training
Check out some education, training, tools and resources related to accessibility
get involved
Access Awareness Week Nova Scotia
Access Awareness Week Nova Scotia is driven by a single goal; to change the narrative for persons with disabilities by doing our part in raising awareness and taking action on disability issues. The events and initiatives hosted during this week are informed by first voice using a disability lens to ensure inclusion and accessibility for everyone.