The status report highlights several actions that have been taken, including:
- The interim report of the Select Committee on Accessibility in New Brunswick has recommended the province move forward with accessibility legislation. The government is working on a legislative framework for consultation and draft legislation will follow.
- Disability support services are currently being redesigned in response to recommendations made by the task force established to review programs offered by the Department of Social Development, including income support. The task force included representatives from primary and allied health care, the Premier’s Council on Disabilities, and the New Brunswick Disability Executives Network, as well as individuals and family members who have had first-hand experience with disability support services and programs.
- Between April 2022 and March 2023, a total of 939 anglophone inclusion support workers, educators, and operators completed the Tools for Inclusion training being offered in partnership with InclusionNB.
- Following extensive consultation with stakeholders and service providers, the Department of Post-Secondary Education, Training and Labour has implemented a new model of employment service delivery. Since April 2022, Employment Assistance Services have been outsourced to a new co-operative of third-party service providers who will work toward a common set of targets and performance measures.
- As part of the call to action to become a model employer, the Finance and Treasury Board has made enhancements to the Equal Employment Opportunity Program. This includes the implementation of LiveWorkPlay’s employment supports model for the public service, a current best practice with the federal government.
“Addressing the recommendations outlined in the disability action plan is an important step toward eliminating many of the barriers preventing persons with disabilities from fully participating in society,” said Allain. “The participation of persons with disabilities is crucial for building an inclusive, diverse, and equitable society.”
Released in July 2020, the action plan is a multi-year strategy that includes 43 recommendations with a focus on: employment, education, poverty, housing, disability support, accessibility, transportation, and recreation and wellness.
