Community ACCESS-ability Program--Cape Breton Region

Service Nova Scotia and Municipal Relations--Community ACCESS- ability Program--Cape Breton Region

Nova Scotia’s Community ACCESS-ability Program is making a difference for seniors and people with disabilities at Sydney’s Southend Community Centre.

The non-profit community centre provides recreational and leisure activities in addition to helping other non-profit organizations. An outreach program at the centre, run by the Community Involved for the Disabled, caters directly to people with disabilities. It provides job opportunities by helping with job searches and by holding workshops on topics like resume writing.

Chairman Rick Fraser found out about the program on the Internet and called Service Nova Scotia and Municipal Relations for more information. The centre’s application covered improvements to the centre''s washroom.

"In the community we have a number of individuals who have disabilities that use the building on a regular basis," said Mr. Fraser.

"We knew we had to upgrade the existing washrooms in the building. The washrooms were designed in 1952 as part of the building''s original plans. They didn’t meet the requirements for barrier-free accessibility."

Sponsor organizations, such as the centre, can receive $2 from the province for every dollar raised. Donations of labour and materials can be included in the sponsor’s share, which makes it easier for municipalities and community organizations to raise their portion.

Community ACCESS-ability was designed to help non-profit groups and municipalities eliminate barriers and open public facilities to a wider range of people. The four-year, cost-sharing grant program will invest $1.2 million in upgrading public buildings and facilities. Wheelchair ramps and lifts, accessible washrooms and automatic doors are just a few examples of the improvements made to community halls, recreational facilities, municipal offices and other locations.

"There is a significant need for this kind of program and we’ve been overwhelmed with the enthusiastic response," said Angus MacIsaac, Minister of Service Nova Scotia and Municipal Relations. "We have made important investments in making the province more inclusive and more open to all Nova Scotians; we will continue to do so."

Elsie Cholette, provincial co-ordinator of the Nova Scotia League for Equal Opportunities, agrees that the Community ACCESS-ability Program is making a difference. Ms. Cholette says, "The government is creating a better stage for equity for people with disabilities."

With the help of Service Nova Scotia, the Southend Community Centre is better able to offer services and training to people with disabilities.

Mr. Fraser thinks the program is a good opportunity for non- profit organizations to make their buildings more accessible to all facets of the community. "It was great for us to have access to funding for this kind of work. Otherwise, the improvements may not have been done for a long time."

Community ACCESS-ability has just wrapped up its first year and it has been a success. The recently announced 2001 funding brought the total number or supported projects to 87, worth almost $600,000.

"We’re halfway home but there’s still a lot to be done," said Mr. MacIsaac. "We''re looking forward to receiving more applications and to eliminating more barriers."

Applications are available from Access Nova Scotia Centres, on the Service Nova Scotia Web site at www.gov.ns.ca/snsmr or through the toll-free number 1-800-670-4357.