Accessibility Plan 2024-2027

Actions

1. Assess all physical spaces managed and maintained by Build Nova Scotia. The assessment will identify barriers, solutions, and prioritize actions to remove the barriers.
2. Diverse voices will be included from start to finish on all projects to ensure the identification and removal of barriers.
3. During the planning and design for new builds or major renovations, we will apply and evaluate the project using the principles of universal design, which are:
   Equitable use: The design should work well for everyone and look attractive. It should not separate, label, or isolate anyone.
   Flexibility in use: The design is flexible and caters to different preferences and abilities. It offers choices, adjusts for right- or left-handed use, and accommodates varying speeds.
   Simple and intuitive use: The design is easy to understand, regardless of a user’s experience, knowledge, language skills, or concentration level.
   Perceptible information: The design ensures that information is clearly communicated to users, no matter the environment or their sensory abilities. It achieves this through various methods like pictures, audio, spoken words, touch, and by ensuring good visibility.
   Tolerance for error: The design minimizes the negative outcomes of accidental actions. It arranges elements to lower risks.
   Low physical effort: The design allows for comfortable use without causing fatigue.
4. Work with local partners, landlords, neighbouring property owners, and municipalities to ensure accessibility standards are consistent between properties.
5. Ensure continued access is maintained for buildings, parking, and public spaces, during temporary disruptions like construction or seasonal weather such as snow, ice, and flooding.
6. Ensure that emergency evacuation systems, policies, procedures, communication, and training accommodate safe and efficient evacuation for person(s) with a disability.

Employment

Commitment

Eliminate barriers to employment for person(s) with a disability to ensure fairness across the entire hiring and employment lifecycle.

Actions

1. Assess current employment and hiring standards to identify barriers, solutions, and prioritize actions to remove the barriers.
2. Work with applicants and employees to address accessibility barriers, provide accommodations, and ensure inclusive job advertisements and recruitment platforms.
3. Create fair policies to promote the recruitment, retention, and advancement of person(s) with a disability, allowing for flexible training and onboarding.
4. Support the development of a culture of respect and inclusion for person(s) with a disability or others who experience barriers to accessibility.
   
   
   

Goods and Services

Commitment

Ensure universal access to goods, services, and public spaces, promoting equal opportunity for all.

Actions

1. Assess current goods and services procurement practices to identify barriers, solutions, and prioritize actions to remove the barriers.
2. Establish a Supplier Diversity Plan, outlining Build Nova Scotia’s dedication to fostering minority supplier growth initiatives.
3. Standardize accessibility requirements for Build Nova Scotia’s Request for Proposals (RPF) process.
4. Guarantee equitable access to all goods and services provided by Build Nova Scotia.
5. Deliver employee accessibility training to cultivate a culture of inclusion and diversity, improving the customer service experience.

Information and Communication

Commitment

Ensure all individuals can access, understand, and share information communicated by Build Nova Scotia.

Actions

1. Assess current information and communication practices to identify barriers, solutions, and prioritize actions to remove the barriers.
2. Use plain language in our communication that mirrors the community and people we serve.
3. Create communication guidelines for plain language and accessibility across all formats, including print, digital signage, video, and audio. Ensure inclusive events with on-site interpreters, online access, recorded content, and described audio as necessary.
4. Ensure the Build Nova Scotia website properties meet the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) standards.
5. Ensure Build Nova Scotia offices and public spaces can be accessed and navigated by inclusive signage and wayfinding tools.
6. Establish a feedback system using plain language to address all inquiries.

Implementation, Monitoring and Evaluation

Actions

Build Nova Scotia is ready to realize our commitment to accessibility. Here are the steps Build Nova Scotia will take:

1. Conduct an annual internal review to update our accessibility plan.
2. Conduct a comprehensive review every three years to ensure Build Nova Scotia’s plan aligns with the Nova Scotia Accessibility Act and our mandate.
3. Establish mandates and form Accessibility Working Groups for each focus area:
   • Built Environment
   • Employment
   • Goods and Services
   • Information and Communication
4. Develop visual project timelines, milestones, and deadlines for clarity and organization.

Budget and Resources

Action

Build Nova Scotia will work closely with government partners to secure additional financial resources to fulfill our commitments.