Empowering the Disability Community in Nova Scotia
Welcome to The Disability Partnership, where we’re dedicated to fostering collaboration, breaking down barriers, and creating a strong, united disability community in Nova Scotia. Join us in our mission to promote inclusivity, accessibility, and equity for all.
About us
Learn more about The Disability Partnership and our commitment to creating a barrier-free Nova Scotia. As a convenor of disability service organizations, we prioritize Education and Training, Communication, Capacity Building, and Informing Policy. By bringing together diverse voices and experiences, we work towards a more inclusive society where everyone can thrive.
What We Do
For decades, disability organizations across Nova Scotia have been working tirelessly to create an equitable province for persons with disabilities. We are the working partnership of many of those organizations.
Become a Member
Become a part of our collaborative efforts to make a difference in the lives of individuals with disabilities. Membership is open to non-profit and registered charity organizations. By joining The Disability Partnership, you gain access to valuable resources and opportunities for collaboration in our priority areas: Education and Training, Communication, Capacity Building, and Informing Policy.
Priority Areas
The Partnership members come together to collaborate and advocate around four key areas that impact the lives of people with disabilities in Nova Scotia.
Education and Training
To increase engagement, knowledge and skills on cross-disability issues, across all sectors.
Communication
To increase public awareness of systemic barriers, social diversity, inclusivity across the disability community.
Capacity Building
To increase the understanding and importance of disability representation in all levels of community.
Informing Policy
To increase knowledge and understanding of emerging and evidence based practices across all sectors.
FAQ
Find answers to commonly asked questions about disabilities, our organization, and available resources. Explore how we’re breaking down barriers, promoting inclusivity, and empowering the disability community in Nova Scotia.
What is the purpose of the Disability Partnership?
The purpose of the Disability Partnership to be a convenor of disability service organizations across Nova Scotia with support of a staff specifically dedicated to coordinating the efforts of group members, facilitating opportunities for connection and collaboration, and creating a strong, united disability community within Nova Scotia. The four key areas of focus are: Education and Training, Communication, Capacity Building and Informing Policy.
How is a person with a disability defined in Nova Scotia?
The UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities describes persons with disabilities as those who have long-term physical, mental, intellectual or sensory impairments which in interaction with various barriers may hinder their full and effective participation in society on an equal basis with others. This is further supported by Nova Scotia’s Accessibility Act.
What is a barrier for persons with disabilities?
The World Health Organization (WHO) describes barriers as being more than just physical obstacles. Barriers are “factors in a person’s environment that, through their absence or presence, limit functioning and create disability. The Nova Scotia Accessibility Act defines a barrier as “anything that hinders or challenges the full and effective participation in society of persons with disabilities including a physical barrier, an architectural barrier, an information or communications barrier, an attitudinal barrier, a technological barrier, a policy or a practice.”
How do I join the Disability Partnership and what is the benefit?
If you are a non-profit or registered charity, please complete a membership form. Benefits include a unique opportunity for members to collaborate on shared goals within any of the four priority areas: Education and Training, Communication, Capacity Building and Informing Policy. The intent is to connect the disability community and create a hub of resources and connect community with government for two-way communication. For more information, please see the Terms of Reference.
Are there membership fees or dues to join the Partnership?
There is no cost for community disability service organizations to join the Partnership.
Get in Touch
Have questions or want to learn more about The Disability Partnership? Reach out to us! We’d love to hear from you and discuss how you can get involved in our mission to create a barrier-free Nova Scotia.