Government Supporting Community Accessibility Initiatives
Government is supporting efforts to make an elementary school playground in Timberlea, Halifax Regional Municipality, more accessible.
Timberlea-Prospect MLA Iain Rankin, on behalf of Community Services Minister Joanne Bernard, announced the support today, Oct. 15, at Beechville Lakeside Timberlea Elementary School. The school received funding from the Community Access-Ability Program.
The province is providing almost $10,000 to add playground equipment, such as an accessible basketball area for children with mobility challenges, vertical play panels accessible in a quiet area for children with autism or developmental disabilities and buddy benches to encourage inclusion for all children.
"I'm a parent and I've met many children with disabilities while volunteering with the school," said Tara Rourke, from the local parent-teachers group. "From the school library, I'd look out the window at the playground, which is not accessible, and think this just isn't fair."
"Partnerships like this don't just help individual schools or communities, they help us as a province," said Mr. Rankin. "Playing is part of learning. No child should have to sit on the sidelines and watch because they have a physical or other type of challenge.
"A more accessible province, one where everyone can live, work and play, no matter what their situation, is a stronger province."
Government has committed to introducing Nova Scotia's first accessibility legislation in 2016.
The Community Access-Ability Program offers grants to community groups for accessibility-related capital improvements, such as renovations to entrances, doorways, washrooms and building ramps.
The grants covers up to two-thirds of the costs of renovations, to a maximum of $10,000. The organization must raise at least one-third of the funding, and can receive funding for one project per year.
More projects will be announced in the coming weeks.
For more information, visit www.novascotia.ca/coms/disabilities/communityaccessability.html .