N.S. Accessibility Advisory Board releases recommendations on workplaces

By Terry Davidson ·

Law360 Canada (October 28, 2024, 4:32 PM EDT) -- Nova Scotia disability and accessibility officials have released recommendations they have made to the province’s government around workplace recruitment policies, emergency evacuation practices and job accommodations.

On Oct. 25, the Nova Scotia’s Accessibility Advisory Board made public its recommendations to the province for its accessibility employment standard.

The recommendations were developed by the board’s Employment Standard Development Committee, which, according to a news release, includes “people with disabilities and other experts in the field.”

The recommendations, the board states, are designed to “promote inclusivity and diversity in the workforce and to prevent and remove barriers that may prevent persons with disabilities from fully participating in the workforce.”

According to a summary of the recommendations, which have been made to Nova Scotia’s minister of justice, the board wants employers to “diversity their workforce” and “reduce disability discrimination” by providing recruitment materials, job descriptions and “orientation materials” in “accessible formats.”

“Employers must include a statement of commitment to accessibility in their recruitment materials, and tell candidates about accessibility and accommodations,” it states. “Job advertisements must focus on essential qualifications to reduce barriers for applicants with disabilities. It is recommended that employers must also use accessible digital platforms for recruitment to ensure job postings are easily accessible to all potential applicants.”

The board is also recommending the promotion of “ongoing career growth” within the workplace by providing “mandatory staff training and education initiatives to enhance disability awareness among staff involved in recruitment, supervision and policy.”

“To ensure fair treatment and opportunities for career development, personal development plans and career development opportunities must consider the accessibility needs of employees and recognize workplace accommodation plans.”

The board is also recommending employers have enhanced “emergency preparedness” measures, including up-to-date evacuation and “shelter-in-place plans that consider the specific needs of employees with disabilities.”

“These plans must be collaboratively developed, incorporating universal accessibility principles. Emergency response information must be available in accessible formats.”

It also calls for employers to develop a “workplace accommodation policy” in accordance with the Nova Scotia Human Rights Act and involve “employees with disabilities in discussions about individual accommodation plans and workplace accommodation.”

Also, employers should develop return-to-work policies for those coming back from extended absences — including absences caused by disabilities.

The board also had recommendations for the province’s government, including that it provides employers with “templates, resources, financial support, and guidance” in the name of setting accessibility standards. Also, it calls on the government to unify provincial employment programs, expand existing supports “across career stages” and ensure equitable pay.

“Every Nova Scotian deserves the chance to fully engage in the workforce,” said Nova Scotia Justice Minister Barbara Adams in a statement. “These recommendations will shape the standard regulations needed to make that a reality.”

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