Overview
The Premier’s Council on Disabilities is a body for consultation, study and information sharing, which was created by legislation to advise the provincial government on matters relating to the status of persons with disabilities. The Council reports directly to the Premier of the Province.
The Premier’s Council on Disabilities is mandated to address any type of disability and any issues that impact the lives of citizens with disabilities. Through its networks, the Premier’s Council connects with disability volunteers and organizations all around the province
The Council maintains a Directory of Services Offered to Persons with Disabilities in New Brunswick which contains a descriptive list of services and programs offered by community groups and government agencies to the people of the province with disabilities and their families.
Vision
A New Brunswick where all persons are accepted, included, and valued.
Mission
Provide dynamic leadership to improve the quality of life for all persons affected by disability in New Brunswick.
We accomplish by:
- Being a strong voice and role model for full community participation.
- Providing research, advice and direction to the Premier and Government.
- Education and increasing public awareness and the profile of individual rights, abilities, and values.
- Building strategic partnerships and networks.
- Facilitating support for individuals, families, caregivers, professionals, and communities.
Objectives
- To advise the Minister on matters relating to the status of persons with disabilities;
- To bring before the government and the public matters of interest and concern to persons with disabilities;
- To promote:
- prevention of disabling conditions,
- employment opportunities of persons with disabilities, and
- access by persons with disabilities to all services offered to the citizens of New Brunswick.
- To promote the awareness and enforcement of basic human rights for persons with disabilities.
Instructions
The Premier’s Council organizes several province-wide events as part of Disability Awareness Week (DAW), which takes place every year, starting on the last Sunday in May. The DAW awareness campaign targets the participation of communities large and small across New Brunswick to create positive changes in the lives of people with disabilities.
During DAW, a province wide 15-minute Walk and Roll Challenge is held at schools and other public locations in New Brunswick. Schools can register online through the The Premier’s Council on Disabilities website and join thousands of New Brunswickers as they walk and roll for 15 minutes to show support for persons with disabilities.
The Council also holds and annual event to promote the observance of the International Day of Persons with Disabilities (IDPD), which was proclaimed in 1992, by the United Nations General Assembly.
Celebrated on December 3rd, IDPD mobilizes support for critical issues relating to the inclusion of persons with disabilities, promotes awareness-raising about disability issues and draws attention to the benefits of an inclusive and accessible society for all.
The Council encourages civil society organizations, schools, and the private sector to support IDPD by collaborating with organizations for persons with disabilities to arrange events and activities.
Key Highlights
- The Council offers information, advice and/or intervention in cases where persons with disabilities are having difficulties in gaining access to needed services.
- The Council maintains information on subjects related to persons with disabilities and on any services/programs likely to be of interest to persons with disabilities.
- The Councils aims to raise public awareness of the barriers that prevent citizens with disabilities from full and equal participation in all aspects of their community.