Province establishes Accessibility Advisory Committee
A 15-person committee has been established to support the implementation of the Accessible Saskatchewan Act.
A release from the province said its first Accessibility Advisory Committee consists of diverse people from across the province who either have a disability, are a family member or support person of someone with a disability, or have worked for an organization that supports people with disabilities. Those appointed demonstrated knowledge and understanding of the barriers that exist in the province and the impact they have on people with disabilities.
The committee will give advice to the provincial government on proposed accessibility standards to prevent and remove accessibility barriers. It's also intended to promote public awareness and education initiatives.
“This depth of knowledge will ensure that those who are impacted by accessibility barriers remain at the forefront of our decision-making,” Social Services Minister Gene Makowsky said in the release.
The committee consists of Alejandra Van Dusen, Allard Thomas, Amy Alsop, Anne Robins, Barry Anderson, Bobbi Janzen, Cole Pringle, David Fourney, Dea Orendi, Julian Nahachewsky, Logan Tonge, Michelle Walsh, Patrick Chubb, Shannon Friesen and Tracy Johnson.
“The overwhelming interest from Saskatchewan residents who wanted to participate on this committee was inspiring,” Makowsky said, adding more than 180 people applied after the government first issued a call for applications in September 2023.
The release said committee members are appointed for terms of up to two years, and members can serve a maximum of two consecutive terms.
The Accessible Saskatchewan Act first came into force on Dec. 3, 2023, on International Day of Persons with Disabilities.
“Accessibility ensures persons with disabilities are able to fully enjoy their communities,” Makowsky said in a news release at the time.
“Nearly one quarter of Saskatchewan residents experience disabilities, and this number is expected to rise as the population ages. This is why it is important to identify barriers to accessibility and plan for ways to overcome those barriers.”
The Accessible Saskatchewan Regulations also came into effect on Dec. 3, 2023. The regulations identify organizations that are prescribed as public sector bodies and require them to develop and publicly post their own accessibility plans by Dec. 3, 2025. The province plans to lead by example and post its accessibility plan by Dec. 3, 2024 while also sharing the learnings and recommendations from its development.