CANADIAN PARAPLEGIC ASSOCIATION (NOVA SCOTIA) Logo

ADVOCACY

Canadian Paraplegic Association (Nova Scotia) has contributed to the Province of Nova Scotia for many years as a result of its advocacy efforts. Its accomplishments include:
The Association continues to encourage and support initiatives to enhance the health and well being of Nova Scotians' with disabilities through its advocacy efforts. The Association has been continuing its efforts as a result of the concerns of its members. Support for these efforts is appreciated. Members of the Association are asked to be proactive by contacting government to make these efforts a reality.

ACCESSIBLE PARKING

Canadian Paraplegic Association (Nova Scotia) believes in strong enforcement of the Accessible Parking Law. It is concerned over the abuse of this benefit. It is the policy of the Association that:
  1. There shall be a minimum of 3% of the total number of metered public parking spaces provided by the municipality set aside as accessible parking zone spaces.
  2. There shall be a minimum of 3% of the total number of metered public, parking spaces provided by the municipality sat aside as accessible parking zone spaces.
  3. In business areas, day parking in the form of additional accessible parking zones spaces shall be granted to persons with disabilities requiring access to their place of work upon application.
  4. In residential areas, persons with disabilities shall be granted additional accessible parking spaces upon application.
  5. In winter months, snow removal shall be normally performed in accessible parking zone places within 24 hours after periods of snow.
  6. Accessible parking zone spaces shall be designed in accordance with barrier free design specifications.
  7. Parking violations in accessible parking zone spaces shall be penalized according to law.
Please encourage your municipality to utilize these as their policy.

Accessible parking permits are issued upon application from the Province of Nova Scotia. The policy of the Association includes:
  1. That a penalty or fine exists for persons using a spot for which they do not qualify either because they no longer meet the criteria or by utilizing the parking permit of some other individual who has previously qualified.
  2. That accessible parking permits include a photo (as does the drivers license) of the person who qualifies.
  3. That the current application, which holds the portion to be completed by a doctor, be removed. The portion to be completed by the doctor be sent under separate cover to the doctor by the Province of Nova Scotia.
  4. That every four years a report should be sent back to the doctor by the Province of Nova Scotia to reevaluate each permit holder.
Please contact the minister of the Department of Business and Consumer Services to support this advocacy effort at:

TRANSPORTATION

Canadian Paraplegic Association believes in an integrated public transportation service augmented by separately equipped accessible services to fill gaps where they exist . The Association supports:
  1. All regular urban transit vehicles should be accessible.
  2. Accessible taxis and ferries exist in municipalities offering the services.
  3. That all inter provincial buses be equipped for use by person's wheelchairs.
  4. That an accessible vehicle acquisition program be funded by the Province of Nova Scotia to share the high cost of private vehicle retrofit, as does exist in other provinces.
  5. That all other forms of transportation such as shuttle vehicles or vans have requirements to be integrated services.
Please support the association in these efforts. A request was made again with the Province of Nova Scotia for an accessible vehicle acquisition program in 1997. To support this initiative please contact the Minister of Transportation and Public Works at:
    Box 186
    Halifax
    Nova Scotia
    B3J 2N2

TECHNICAL AIDS

Canadian Paraplegic Association believes that wheelchairs and similar equipment and medical supplies should be provided as part of the provincial run medical coverage (MSI). The pursuit of this initiative began in 1997 with a submission to the Interdepartmental Committee on Government Programs for Disabled Persons of the Province of Nova Scotia.

This infrastructure is essential to the removal of disincentives to education and work as well as to increase the disposable income of persons with disabilities that have significantly lower income levels that the average population. Most persons without disabilities believe that this is the situation. A person can become paralyzed in Nova Scotia and pay for his own wheelchair but if he becomes an amputee, the prosthesis is paid for through a government program. Many other inequalities exist.

The lack of such a program keeps individuals with disabilities on social welfare program because of this high cost. It contributes significantly to the disincentive situation that contributes to a poor state of health and well being.

Please support the Association in its efforts to have a program introduced in the Province of Nova Scotia by writing the Minister of Health at: And the Minister of Community Services at:

APPEAL PROCESS UNDER NOVA SCOTIA BUILDING CODE

Canadian Paraplegic Association (Nova Scotia) has, for years, been concerned over the incidence of non-compliance to the Nova Scotia Building Code in the area to guarantee wheelchair access. At the time the present code was enhanced to create the present code requirements, the Association sought an appeal process for the code. This request was denied.

At present, the Nova Scotia Building Code gives the power of enforcement and final authority to building inspectors in all situations, other then in cases where a builder or contractor wishes to appeal a decision. These contractors or builders can appeal to the Department of Municipal Affairs for a second opinion that is binding.

The barrier free section of the Building Code was designed to protect the interests of persons with disabilities. Currently, following the issuance of an occupancy permit by building inspector,and individual has no recourse if there has been a mistake or omission.There is no appeal process.

In 1998, The Association has requested a reconsideration of this matter and that an appeal process be initiated under the Nova Scotia Building Code. The Association has requested that the mandate of the Building Code Advisory Committee be expanded to have a binding authority in these matters.

In the past the Association has taken the only route possible, that of the Nova Scotia Human Rights Act to turn violations. This process can take years for one violation. If you support the Association in having an appeal process established under the Nova Scotia Building Code, please contact Minister of Housing and Municipal Affairs at: We encourage your support of our activities by your contact with appropriate agencies and through your donations to the Association.

Canadian Paraplegic Association (NS)

nsnet.org
Supported by
Kings Regional Rehabilitation Centre
Technical Resource Centre