Two older adults in a wheelchair looking at an outdoor signage map. A person in a yellow jacket is standing behind them also looking at the sign

Accessibility Standards

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

  1. Accessibility Advisory Board (AAB) creates Standard Development Committee (SDC)
  2. SDC drafts standard recommendations
  3. SDC seeks public feedback on draft recommendations
  4. AAB approves and submits recommendations to Minister of Justice
  5. Government shares AAB recommendations with public
  6. Government reviews recommendations and drafts standard (regulations)
  7. Government seeks public feedback on draft standard
  8. Government finalizes standard
  9. Standard becomes law
  10. Government shares information and tools, and monitors and enforces compliance

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