Accessibility
Accessibility
This section focuses on laws, standards, plans, and policies that impact access to spaces and services for persons with disabilities in Newfoundland and Labrador.
Laws & Standards
Federal
Accessible Canada Act
The Accessible Canada Act (ACA) is a 2019 federal law aiming to create a barrier-free Canada by 2040 by identifying, removing, and preventing barriers for people with disabilities in areas under federal jurisdiction, like employment, transportation, and communication, guided by the principle “Nothing Without Us” (consulting people with disabilities).
Accessibility Standards Canada
Accessibility Standards Canada creates and reviews standards that apply to the federal government; and federally regulated entities. These standards will identify, eliminate and prevent barriers to accessibility. Links for published national standards of Canada are below:
CAN/ASC – EN 301 549:2024 – Accessibility requirements for ICT products and services
CAN-ASC-1.1:2024 (REV-2025) – Employment
CAN-ASC-2.8:2025 – Accessible Ready Housing
CAN-ASC-3.1:2025 – Plain Language
CAN-ASC-6.2:2025 – Accessible and Equitable Artificial Intelligence Systems
Provincial
Newfoundland and Labrador Accessibility Act
In December 2021, the Newfoundland and Labrador Accessibility Act became law. A key element of the Accessibility Act is establishing an Accessibility Standards Advisory Board. The Board will be responsible for advising and making recommendations to the Minister Responsible for the Status of Persons with Disabilities regarding the establishment and content of accessibility standards and the time periods for implementation.
Accessibility Standards Advisory Board
In June 2022, the Accessibility Standards Advisory Board was established with mandate to develop accessibility standards to remove barriers for persons with disabilities.
The first standard to be developed by the Accessibility Standards Advisory Board is Accessible Customer Service and following that standard will be Accessible Information and Communication standard.
Status of NL Accessibility Standards can be found on NL Social Support and Wellbeing Website titled “Meeting Summary Report” for Accessibility Standards Advisory Board
Buildings Accessibility Act
Recent amendments (Bill 52, 2023) to Newfoundland & Labrador’s Buildings Accessibility Act expanded accessibility requirements for buildings built before 1981. However advocates say this amendment fell short primarily because although it mandated accessibility to future renovations to these building, it failed to mandate full accessibility for these buildings as they exist today.
The amendments to the Newfoundland and Labrador Buildings Accessibility Act were also criticized by advocates for narrowing the definition of disability by reportedly removing sensory-related disabilities from the scope of the act.
The amendments have been passed in the legislature and waiting print. Click here for link to Buildings Accessibility Act Proposed Amendments and actual amendments stated in Bill 52 an act to amend the Buildings Accessibility Act.
2024 - 2026 Government of NL Accessibility Plan
In keeping with the Disability Act, the government has created an Accessibility Plan for the period of January 1, 2024 to December 31, 2026.
This Accessibility Plan will serve as a guide to identifying, preventing, and removing barriers to inclusion experienced by persons with disabilities related to Provincial Government policies, programs, practices, and services.
Accessibility Policies & Best Practices
Provincial
Provincial Strategy for the Inclusion of Persons with Disabilities
Access. Inclusion. Equality. Provincial Strategy for the Inclusion of Persons with Disabilities.
The strategy will remove and prevent barriers so that people can take part in opportunities and choices available throughout the province. This includes barriers that are attitudinal, systemic, physical and technological.
The strategy provides a framework to guide Provincial Government planning, policies and actions in the removal and prevention of barriers. As well, this framework will provide guidance to other stakeholders in taking action toward inclusion.
Department of Transportation and Infrastructure Universal Design Standard
NL Department of Transportation and Infrastructure has its own Universal Design Standard. This applies to:
Design and construction of new government facilities.
Retrofits and upgrades to existing infrastructure.
It includes principles such as equitable use, flexibility, simple and intuitive use — all core universal design tenets.
Universal Design Network of Newfoundland and Labrador
Formed in St. John’s Newfoundland 2004, the Universal Design Network NL (UDNNL) is a team of individuals from across many disciplines which focus on inclusion and accessibility. Our mission is to work with and educate governments, industry, and individuals on the benefits of Universal Design.