Success stories

The Nova Ramp Up initiative increased access to businesses and organizations by offering free, temporary access ramps for single-step storefronts. This pilot project built brightly colored, removeable, custom ramps for single-step entryways with a rise no higher than between 3 to 12 inches in height with an entryway least 32 inches in width. The ramps were custom designed to fit the height of the step. They were made of wood, are lightweight, treated with high-grade exterior paint and designed with handles so they could be easily transported. No permit is required for a portable ramp and when in use it is level and flush against the step with no gaps. When not in use, ramps are stored in a safe location. The pilot project provided businesses with a window sticker for the entrance so anyone passing by could request the ramp be brought out. Business could also add their ramp to the CANdid Access web map which indicates an accessible entrance. Upon receiving the ramp businesses signed a waiver to take on responsibility and any risk associated with using the ramp on a requested basis. For this pilot project, the ramps provided were a temporary solution to bridge the gap to permanent improvements. Funding was granted through the Business ACCESS-Ability Grant Program.

Nova Ramp Up concluded in October 2023, as was coordinated by the John Howard Society of Nova Scotia in partnership with, Nova Scotia Accessibility Directorate, the Northeast Nova Scotia Correctional Facility, the Planning for Equity, Accessibility and Community Health (PEACH) Research Unit at Dalhousie University, and Recreation Nova Scotia. 
 

Joe Rogers received the CSA Group 2023 Award of Merit, in recognition of his exceptional leadership, advocacy and outstanding dedication to the development of plumbing standards and accessible design for the built environment. Joe’s advocacy for the harmonization of requirements across multiple jurisdictions is driven by his concern for the greater public good and sustainable design practices.

View article on CSA Group Award of Merit

Hawks Dream Field opened in Dominion, Cape Breton, with an inclusive and accessible baseball field, accessible washrooms, walking track with benches every 30 feet, an accessible splash pad and more.

View story in pictures on Hawks Dream Field

View article on Hawks Dream Field

Candace Thomas, Deputy Minister of Justice, hosted a panel conversation on Disability in the Workplace for provincial Access Awareness Week 2022 and Nova Scotia Public Service Week. This conversation features the experiences of employees with disabilities and what workplaces can do to be more inclusive.

View video on Disability in the workplace

View video with ASL on Disability in the workplace

Allison Moz, owner, eyecandy SIGNS, was recognized with a Women in Signs Award from Signs of the Times, which helps to elevate the voices of impactful leaders whose gender is underrepresented in signage and graphics.

Nearly 200 people at the Flower Cart Group are doing everything from baking bread to building washer toss games. With the belief that everyone has the right to meaningful, challenging employment, the New Minas group has been providing supported employment and training opportunities to adults with diverse abilities for 45 years.