Achieving Accessibility in Nova Scotia: Compliance with the Accessibility Act (Bill 59)

This course is designed to guide organizations in Nova Scotia through the requirements of the Nova Scotia’s Accessibility Act. Participants will learn to develop accessibility plans, comply with accessibility standards, and create inclusive environments by addressing barriers in policies, practices, and infrastructure.

The training will focus on understanding the Nova Scotia accessibility standards for customer service, employment, information and communications, transportation, and the built environment. It will also emphasize the importance of proactive planning, consultation with persons with disabilities, and fostering organizational accountability.

An office scene featuring a man in a wheelchair, highlighting accessibility efforts in Nova Scotia workplaces.
Contact Us

Course Overview

This course is designed to help organizations in Nova Scotia meet the requirements of the Accessibility Act (Bill 59). Participants will learn to identify, remove, and prevent barriers while fostering inclusivity in alignment with the province’s goal of becoming fully accessible by 2030. The training focuses on the six key areas outlined in the Act: goods and services, information and communication, public transportation, education, employment, and the built environment. 

Course Duration

    • 3 Days (24 hours)
      • Day 1: Legislative Framework and Accessibility Standards Overview (Modules 1–3)
      • Day 2: Accessibility Plans, Feedback Mechanisms, and Priority Areas (Modules 4–6).
      • Day 3: Monitoring, Reporting, and Fostering Organizational Change (Modules 7–8).

Format:

  • Virtual or In-person sessions.
  • Interactive workshops, case studies, and hands-on activities.

Assessment:

  • End-of-course quiz
  • Practical assignment: Drafting an accessibility plan

Learning Outcomes

By the end of this course, participants will be able to:

  1. Understand Nova Scotia’s Accessibility Act and its legal requirements.
  2. Develop and implement compliant accessibility plans.
  3. Establish feedback mechanisms to address and prevent barriers.
  4. Apply accessibility standards across the Act’s six priority areas.
  5. Monitor and report on accessibility efforts effectively.
  6. Foster a culture of inclusion and accessibility within their organizations.

Materials Provided:

  • Course slides and handouts
  • Compliance checklists and templates
  • Sample accessibility policies
  • Certificate of completion

This training ensures that organizations in Nova Scotia are prepared to comply with the Nova Scotia Accessibility Act, helping to create a more inclusive and barrier-free province.

Target Audience

Public Sector Employees
HR Professionals
A red circular icon with two user silhouettes connected by a curved line, representing communication or networking.
Accessibility Coordinators
A red circular icon with a white user silhouette and a gear, symbolizing user preferences or management settings.
Compliance Officers
Facility and Operations Managers

AODA/ACA Compliance Help

Is Your Organization Undergoing an Audit? Need Expert Help with Your Compliance Report?

Get Assistance Now!

Course Curriculum

Day 1: Foundations and Accessibility Standards

Module 1: Introduction to the Accessibility Act (Bill 59)

Objective: Understand the purpose, principles, and legal obligations of Nova Scotia’s Accessibility Act.

Topics Covered:

  1. Overview of Bill 59:
    • Enacted in 2017 to ensure Nova Scotia becomes fully accessible by 2030.
    • Focus on addressing systemic barriers to participation for persons with disabilities.
  2. Scope and Applicability:
    • Applies to public sector organizations and regulated private entities.
  3. Principles of the Act:
    • Dignity, independence, integration, and equality of opportunity.
  4. Enforcement and Compliance Mechanisms:
    • Penalties for non-compliance, inspections, and the role of the Accessibility Directorate.

Activities:

  • Group discussion: Impact of Bill 59 on Nova Scotia’s public and private sectors.

Module 2: Accessibility Standards Overview

Objective: Learn about the six key areas of accessibility and their associated standards.

Topics Covered:

  1. Six Priority Areas of Accessibility Standards:
    • Goods and Services: Accessible delivery of public and private services.
    • Information and Communication: Digital and non-digital accessibility.
    • Public Transportation: Equitable access to public and private transit systems.
    • Education: Removing barriers in educational institutions and programs.
    • Employment: Accessible hiring, retention, and workplace accommodations.
    • Built Environment: Accessibility in public spaces, buildings, and infrastructure.
  2. Phased Implementation of Standards:
    • Timelines for developing and implementing standards.
  3. Collaboration with Stakeholders:
    • Role of persons with disabilities in developing and applying standards.

Activities:

  • Case study: Reviewing accessibility standards from other provinces and lessons for Nova Scotia.

Module 3: Practical Application of Accessibility Standards

Objective: Develop practical skills to implement accessibility standards.

Topics Covered:

  1. Identifying Barriers:
    • Types of barriers (attudinal, systemic, physical, technological).
  2. Best Practices for Removing Barriers:
    • Proactive measures for compliance.
  3. Preparing for New Standards:
    • Anticipating future requirements and integrating accessibility into long-term planning.

Activities:

  • Workshop: Conducting a mock barrier identification audit in small groups.

Day 2: Accessibility Plans and Priority Areas

Module 4: Developing Accessibility Plans

Objective: Learn to create, implement, and monitor accessibility plans.

Topics Covered:

  1. Legal Requirements for Accessibility Plans:
    • Components: goals, timelines, and strategies for addressing barriers.
  2. Stakeholder Engagement:
    • Consulting persons with disabilities and other stakeholders.
  3. Maintaining and Updating Plans:
    • Regular reviews and updates to ensure ongoing compliance.

Activities:

  • Hands-on activity: Drafting an outline of an organizational accessibility plan.

Module 5: Establishing Feedback Mechanisms

Objective: Develop systems for collecting and addressing accessibility feedback.

Topics Covered:

  1. Accessible Feedback Mechanisms:
    • Designing systems for receiving feedback in accessible formats.
  2. Encouraging Participation:
    • Strategies to engage employees, customers, and community members.
  3. Addressing and Documenting Feedback:
    • Responding to feedback and integrating it into planning.

Activities:

  • Group activity: Designing a feedback mechanism for a specific industry (e.g., retail, education).

Module 6: Implementing Accessibility in Priority Areas

Objective: Address barriers across the six priority areas.

Topics Covered:

  1. Goods and Services:
    • Accessible customer service training and service delivery.
  2. Information and Communication:
    • Ensuring digital accessibility (e.g., WCAG compliance).
  3. Public Transportation:
    • Accessibility features in vehicles and service communication.
  4. Education:
    • Removing barriers in physical spaces, curricula, and online learning.
  5. Employment:
    • Recruitment and workplace accommodations.
  6. Built Environment:
    • Designing accessible public spaces and infrastructure.

Activities:

  • Scenario analysis: Identifying and resolving accessibility challenges in each priority area.

Day 3: Compliance and Organizational Change

Module 7: Compliance Monitoring and Reporting

Objective: Develop strategies for tracking progress and reporting compliance.

Topics Covered:

  1. Monitoring Compliance:
    • Tools and techniques for tracking organizational accessibility efforts.
  2. Reporting Requirements:
    • Submitting annual progress reports to the Accessibility Directorate.
  3. Preparing for Inspections:
    • Best practices for responding to compliance audits.

Activities:

  • Workshop: Conducting a mock compliance audit and drafting a sample progress report.

Module 8: Building an Accessible Organizational Culture

Objective: Foster a culture of accessibility and inclusion within your organization.

Topics Covered:

  1. Training and Awareness:
    • Educating staff and leadership on accessibility principles and practices.
  2. Stakeholder Engagement:
    • Partnering with disability organizations and community groups.
  3. Sustaining Accessibility:
    • Embedding accessibility into policies, operations, and culture.

Activities:

  • Brainstorming session: Strategies for fostering an inclusive culture.

This course structure ensures organizations in Nova Scotia are fully prepared to meet the requirements of the Nova Scotia Accessibility Act, fostering accessible and inclusive environments for everyone.

Contact Us

Frequently Asked Questions

The goal of this training is to help organizations understand and meet the requirements of the Nova Scotia Accessibility Act, promoting accessible and inclusive environments for all.

We offer both online and in-person training options to provide flexibility and convenience for your team.

Non-compliance can result in significant fines:

  • Up to $50,000 per day for individuals.
  • Up to $100,000 per day for corporations.

Our training program simplifies the process by offering practical insights and step-by-step guidance. It is tailored to meet the needs of different organizations, ensuring employees understand their responsibilities and how to implement accessibility practices effectively.

Small businesses can achieve compliance by:

  1. Training their staff.
  2. Creating an accessibility plan.
  3. Following the customer service standard.
  4. Ensuring communication and websites are accessible.

    Our training program provides tailored solutions for small businesses.