Standards
An important part in creating an accessible Nova Scotia by 2030 is the development of accessibility standards. The Accessibility Advisory Board establishes committees that work to make recommendations for accessibility standards.
What is an accessibility standard?
An accessibility standard is a regulation under the Accessibility Act. It is a set of rules that the provincial government, public sector organizations, businesses and others must follow. Government will provide education and tools to these organizations to help them follow the standards, including information about deadlines, requirements, resources, and training.
What is the process to develop accessibility standards?
An infographic describing the accessibility standards development process is available for download in English and French
- Accessibility Advisory Board (AAB) creates Standard Development Committee (SDC)
- SDC drafts standard recommendations
- SDC seeks public feedback on draft recommendations
- AAB approves and submits recommendations to Minister of Justice
- Government shares AAB recommendations with public
- Government reviews recommendations and drafts standard (regulations)
- Government seeks public feedback on draft standard
- Government finalizes standard
- Standard becomes law
- Government shares information and tools, and monitors and enforces compliance
Built Environment Accessibility Standard Now Law
These standard outlines requirements that organizations need to follow to prevent and remove barriers to accessibility in the built environment. The built environment includes the spaces where people live, work, learn and play across Nova Scotia.
The standard includes planning requirements for organizations to develop maintenance plans for accessible entrances and parking spaces, as well as standards for snow and ice control of pedestrian facilities and fire emergency evacuation plans for small apartments.
Organizations must comply with the Built Environment Accessibility Standard Regulations as of 1 April 2026.
More Information:
Built Environment Accessibility Standard - Government of Nova Scotia, Canada).
Built Environment Accessibility Standard Regulations – Plain language (PDF)
Standard Development Committees
As stated in the Accessibility Act, the Accessibility Advisory Board will establish committees that will draft recommendations for accessibility standards in the following areas:
- the built environment
- education
- employment
- goods and services
- public transportation
- information and communication
Built Environment Standard Development Committee
Helped the Board make recommendations on an accessibility standard for the built environment.
Education Standard Development Committee
Helped the Board make recommendations on an accessibility standard for education.
Employment Standard Development Committee
Helped the Board make recommendations on an accessibility standard for employment.
Goods and Services Standard Development Committee
Helps the Board make recommendations on an accessibility standard for goods and services.
Public Transportation Standard Development Committee
Helps the Board make recommendations on an accessibility standard for public transportation.
Information and Communication Standard Development Committee
Helps the Board make recommendations on an accessibility standard for information and communication.