What is the Nova Scotia Accessibility Act?

Passed in April 2017, the Nova Scotia Accessibility Act, or Bill 59, aims to create an inclusive and barrier-free Nova Scotia by 2030. It focuses on developing standards in six areas: goods and services, information and communication, transportation, employment, built environment, and education.

What are the goals of the Nova Scotia Accessibility Act?

The goals of Bill 59 include ensuring equitable access to goods and services for people with disabilities, making the education system accessible to all students, and ensuring all people can receive, understand, and share information they need.

Will the Nova Scotia Accessibility Act apply to websites?

Yes, the Act includes provisions for digital accessibility, specifically under the “information and communication” standard. This will likely mean some requirements for general web accessibility, with compliance requirements for websites expected to be based on the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG).

What are the fines for non-compliance with the Nova Scotia Accessibility Act?

Organizations or individuals who fail to comply with the Act’s standards may be subject to fines up to $250,000.

What is the timeline for compliance with the Nova Scotia Accessibility Act?

Compliance timelines differ for each of the six components of the Act. The government of Nova Scotia is working towards achieving compliance gradually over the next decade.

What standards does the Nova Scotia Accessibility Act establish?

The Act establishes six accessibility standards, including information and communication, which covers website accessibility. The Government of Nova Scotia’s accessibility plan prioritizes the development of a more inclusive website meeting WCAG 2.0 AA requirements.

Does the Nova Scotia Accessibility Act require WCAG compliance?

While specific standards are still under development, it is expected that the Act will require WCAG 2.0 AA compliance for websites and digital content.

What is the role of the Accessibility Advisory Board in the Nova Scotia Accessibility Act?

The Accessibility Advisory Board is responsible for creating standards in the six areas outlined by the Act. The Board includes members with disabilities, business leaders, and other key stakeholders.

How is the government supporting organizations in complying with the Act?

The government is providing education and support to organizations required to comply with the Act, including targeted outreach about deadlines and requirements, resources, and training.

What is Nova Scotia’s plan to lead by example in accessibility?

The Government of Nova Scotia has introduced a multi-year accessibility plan, focusing on areas like awareness and capacity building, and information and communications, including website accessibility. The plan emphasizes collaboration and support, compliance and enforcement, monitoring and evaluation, and leading by example.