Disability Advocate Criticizes Lack of Accessibility at Provincial Awards Ceremony
Halifax, September 29, 2024: Nicole McDonald, a Halifax-based disability advocate, has spoken out after receiving a Provincial Volunteer Award at a venue in Truro that lacked full accessibility. McDonald, who uses a wheelchair, was honored for her work with organizations like Inclusion Nova Scotia and the Nova Scotia Association for Community Living.
The awards ceremony, held at the Rath Eastlink Community Centre, did not provide a ramp to the stage. As a result, McDonald had to accept her award on the floor in front of the stage.
“I am grateful, but the feeling of happiness has been overshadowed by inaccessibility and the sense of not being as important as other award winners,” McDonald wrote on social media.
McDonald expressed frustration, particularly given that Nova Scotia had committed to becoming an accessible province by 2030. She received an apology from provincial representatives, who promised to review their processes to ensure compliance with accessibility standards.
The Department of Communities, Culture, Tourism, and Heritage, which organized the event, stated, “We are deeply sorry for McDonald’s experience and will strive to ensure such oversights don’t occur in the future.”
McDonald hopes that speaking out will raise awareness and drive improvements in accessibility across the province.