The Premier’s Council on Disabilities has released New Brunswick’s Disability Action Plan: A Strategy for Full Inclusion of Persons with a Disability. A Dec. 3 news release notes the action plan “identifies priority areas of concern,” outlines steps to increase “equitable access” and builds on progress made since the issuing of the last plan in 2020.
Council chair Nick Taggart spoke of both progress made and work to be done.
“While we have seen meaningful progress over the past several years, there is still much work ahead to ensure that all persons with a disability can fully participate in their communities,” said Taggart in a statement. “This new action plan is an important step toward achieving consistent, predictable and equitable access for all.”
The release describes a consultation process carried out by the council, which included “a provincial survey, a legislative lunch, one-on-one consultations and public meetings.” The council also reviewed progress reports, legislation, academic research and “innovative models” from other jurisdictions.
The action plan includes recommendations around employment, education, housing, transportation, recreation and general wellness — all areas in which those with disabilities face barriers, particularly in rural areas.
It placed a good deal of focus on poverty faced by many with disabilities.
“Poverty emerged as a major cross-cutting issue, highlighting the need to shift from survival-based systems to approaches that promote autonomy, dignity, and full citizenship,” it states.
With this, it made recommendations — but not without first pointing to the current situation.
“The rate of poverty among people with a disability has historically been much higher compared to the general population,” it states. “Additionally, people living with a disability require more supports, equipment, and programs to reach their full potential as citizens. These essential supports can be a costly resource that many living with a disability cannot afford.”
And it will only get worse as people get older.
“The rate of disability increases as a population ages. The aging of the provincial population means that every person will either be disabled or have a high potential of becoming disabled, and most will likely live in poverty at some point in their lives.”
The report notes the Canadian Survey on Disability for 2022 found that 27 per cent of Canadians 15 and older reported having at least one disability.
That number for New Brunswick was higher.
“New Brunswick reports one of the highest disability rates in the country, with 35.3 per cent of residents aged 15 and over … as having a disability, compared to 27 per cent nationally,” states the plan.
An objective of the council’s recommendations is to increase access to justice and “legal decision-making supports.”
One recommendation involves having utility rate subsidies for those with disabilities and increasing extended benefits rates to reflect both disability-related expenses and the cost of living.
Another calls on the province’s Department of Social Development to “actively support” people with disabilities in their opening of a Registered Disability Savings Plan (provided they are eligible for the federal Disability Tax Credit).
One recommendation is for the establishment of a dedicated budget for the funding of assistive devices and to address out-of-pocket expenses for equipment such as mobility aids, communication devices, screen readers and accessible software.
“Funding streams for adaptive and assistive equipment should be increased and stabilized across [the province]. This funding should be available to persons with a disability regardless of employment status.”
Another recommendation is for the overhaul of New Brunswick’s Disability Support Program (DSP), which is described as “overly complex and inaccessible, particularly for individuals with a disability affecting executive functioning or literacy.”
It also calls for the development of “mobile and telehealth” services for underserved areas.
“Mobile health units should be created and telehealth programs should be expanded to be tailored to the needs of persons with a disability, especially in rural and remote communities.”
Another recommends specialized housing options and the updating of direct-to-tenant rent supplements “to reflect the real cost of accessible housing and the unique needs of persons with a disability.”
In closing, the report notes New Brunswick’s small size and “strong community networks,” which provide a “unique foundation for accelerating progress.”
“With the province’s disability and aging rates among the highest in Canada, the need for coordinated, timely action is urgent. In offering concrete recommendations informed by lived experience and sectoral insight, the [council] is committed to a path forward that revolutionizes service delivery and ensures that accessibility becomes a shared and sustained provincial priority.”
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