A new program by Ability New Brunswick will give businesses and organizations across the province access to free accessibility reviews.
In a news release, Ability NB, a non-profit advocating for New Brunswickers with a mobility disability, said the Accessible NB program would help organizations and businesses reach a new customer base.
Officials said it would also help attract tourists and bring in potential new employees from an “untapped labour market of persons with a disability.”
“This new formalized program is a great example of public, private and community partnerships with significant potential for social and economic impact,” said Haley Flaro, executive director at Ability NB, in a news release.
Ability NB says accessibility reviews unlock significant social and economic benefit to New Brunswick, noting that the province holds second-highest rate of disability in Canada.
The program can be found on Ability NB’s website and includes information on the actual accessibility reviews, FAQs, and contact information to dedicated staff.
Stephanie Cadieux, Canada’s first chief accessibility officer, said it’s encouraging to see the rollout of accessibility reviews across New Brunswick.
“We know that in order for Canada to truly be barrier-free, change also needs to happen at all levels of government, throughout communities and the private sector,” said Cadieux.
“Kudos to Ability NB for leading the charge and offering this important program.”