Disability Employment Awareness Month
What is DEAM?
Disability Employment Awareness Month (DEAM) is a proclaimed period by provinces across Canada for recognizing the contributions of employees with disabilities. You likely manage employees who have seen and unseen disabilities, all of whom have unique experiences in the workforce.
Wondering About the State of Mental Health in Canada? 25/07/2024
Don't Miss Affirmative Ventures Major Clothing Swap Meet at IKEA, August 03-04/2024. More information to come! Check back regularly! 19/07/2024
There's a new thrift store on Dresden Row in Halifax!
Crisis Gets Attention 16/06/2024
Nova Scotia will soon have a non-police mental health intervention team to help alleviate the pressure on the current set up where police are traditionally the first responders to a mental health crisis.
There has been a huge increase in the number of mental health crisis calls since 2019. But the police who answered those calls want out, saying they are not trained to deal with such crisis. It is expected that a pilot community will be chosen and the system will be operating by September 1/24. More
There has been a huge increase in the number of mental health crisis calls since 2019. But the police who answered those calls want out, saying they are not trained to deal with such crisis. It is expected that a pilot community will be chosen and the system will be operating by September 1/24. More
New Centre for Addiction Care 13/06/2024
A new recovery support centre opens in downtown Halifax Thursday, June 13. (Communications Nova Scotia)
People with addictions, substance use and gambling disorders looking for support in Halifax can turn to a new outpatient recovery support centre opening Thursday, June 13.
“We want to make it as easy as possible for people living with substance use and gambling disorders to get the help they need, when and where they need it,” said Brian Comer, Minister of Addictions and Mental Health. “This new recovery support centre is located in downtown Halifax, helping make it easier for people to get the care they need in their community.”
Located on Fenwick Street, the centre will be staffed by a multidisciplinary team including a physician, registered nurses, social workers and administrative staff. Services include:
Staff will also help people develop recovery plans, learn to cope with cravings, create relapse prevention plans and improve their health and wellness. The centre can also connect clients to other supports or services, including inpatient withdrawal management and community supports.
Quotes:“Nova Scotians living with addiction deserve high-quality care delivered in a safe and supportive environment. As an addiction medicine physician, I am very pleased to provide this care at the Halifax recovery support centre.”
— Dr. Sam Hickcox, physician consultant, Office of Addictions and Mental Health
“People in Halifax living with an addictive disorder and their loved ones stand to benefit greatly from the opening of a recovery support centre in the downtown core. Holistic care in this hub is tailored to a person’s unique needs and delivered by a multidisciplinary team with expertise in managing addiction. Their goal is to provide evidence-based care to reduce harms related to these disorders, to do so in an accessible and respectful way and to provide care equitably based on goals that people establish for themselves.”
— Dr. Dave Martell, physician lead, addictions medicine, Mental Health and Addictions, Nova Scotia Health
Quick Facts:
Additional Resources: More information on recovery support centres is available at: https://mha.nshealth.ca/en/services/recovery-support-centre
Programs and supports for mental health, wellness and addictions: https://novascotia.ca/mental-health-and-wellbeing/
News release – New Centre for Addictions Care in North Sydney: https://news.novascotia.ca/en/2024/03/19/new-centre-addictions-care-north-sydney
News release – Centre for Addictions Care Opening in Dartmouth: https://news.novascotia.ca/en/2022/01/21/new-centre-addictions-care-opening-dartmouth
“We want to make it as easy as possible for people living with substance use and gambling disorders to get the help they need, when and where they need it,” said Brian Comer, Minister of Addictions and Mental Health. “This new recovery support centre is located in downtown Halifax, helping make it easier for people to get the care they need in their community.”
Located on Fenwick Street, the centre will be staffed by a multidisciplinary team including a physician, registered nurses, social workers and administrative staff. Services include:
- in-person assessments
- group programming
- harm reduction support
- outpatient withdrawal management
- recovery support.
Staff will also help people develop recovery plans, learn to cope with cravings, create relapse prevention plans and improve their health and wellness. The centre can also connect clients to other supports or services, including inpatient withdrawal management and community supports.
Quotes:“Nova Scotians living with addiction deserve high-quality care delivered in a safe and supportive environment. As an addiction medicine physician, I am very pleased to provide this care at the Halifax recovery support centre.”
— Dr. Sam Hickcox, physician consultant, Office of Addictions and Mental Health
“People in Halifax living with an addictive disorder and their loved ones stand to benefit greatly from the opening of a recovery support centre in the downtown core. Holistic care in this hub is tailored to a person’s unique needs and delivered by a multidisciplinary team with expertise in managing addiction. Their goal is to provide evidence-based care to reduce harms related to these disorders, to do so in an accessible and respectful way and to provide care equitably based on goals that people establish for themselves.”
— Dr. Dave Martell, physician lead, addictions medicine, Mental Health and Addictions, Nova Scotia Health
Quick Facts:
- the new recovery support centre is located at 5633 Fenwick St., Halifax
- people can drop into the centre for services or make an appointment by calling 902-429-4229 from 8 a.m. until 4:30 p.m., Monday to Saturday; hours are expected to expand as the clinical team grows
- appointments can also be made by calling the provincial mental health and addictions intake service toll-free at 1-855-922-1122
- a referral from a healthcare provider is not required
- addictions support is available across the province, including recovery support centres in Dartmouth, Lunenburg, Middleton, New Glasgow, Evanston (Richmond County), North Sydney and Sydney
Additional Resources: More information on recovery support centres is available at: https://mha.nshealth.ca/en/services/recovery-support-centre
Programs and supports for mental health, wellness and addictions: https://novascotia.ca/mental-health-and-wellbeing/
News release – New Centre for Addictions Care in North Sydney: https://news.novascotia.ca/en/2024/03/19/new-centre-addictions-care-north-sydney
News release – Centre for Addictions Care Opening in Dartmouth: https://news.novascotia.ca/en/2022/01/21/new-centre-addictions-care-opening-dartmouth
New Cell Phone Directive for Nova Scotia Schools - 7/06/24
This fall, a new directive limiting the use of cell phones and other personal mobile devices in public schools provincewide will help students stay focused and support teachers.
Starting in the 2024-25 school year, all students will be required to turn off their personal mobile devices and store them out of sight during instructional time. Limited exceptions, like junior high and high school teachers allowing cell phone use in class for instructional purposes, will be available.
Under the directive, elementary school students must have their phones stored during the entire school day. Older students may have the option to use cell phones during lunch and other breaks depending on individual school rules.
“Our priority is doing what is best for students, informed by what we hear directly from students, school staff, families and communities,” said Becky Druhan, Minister of Education and Early Childhood Development. “We heard their concerns and, through this new directive, are ensuring students are concentrating on learning and building stronger interpersonal relationships without the distraction of cell phones.”
With this change, there will be processes in schools to ensure parents and students can get in touch if needed, including in an emergency. The directive will also be supported by curriculum resources that help students to use technology safely and responsibly as well as resources for school staff and parents.
Throughout the spring, the Department of Education and Early Childhood Development consulted with school advisory councils and ministerial advisory councils, as well as the Public School Administrators Association of Nova Scotia and the Nova Scotia Teachers Union on the use of cell phones in schools. The team also visited schools, spoke directly with principals and teachers and consulted with IWK public health experts. Responses overwhelmingly supported clear, consistent restrictions on cell phone use.
The new directive is available online: https://www.ednet.ns.ca/cellphones
Quick Facts:
- about 800 school advisory council members participated in a virtual town hall and overwhelmingly called for cell phone restrictions
- until now, individual schools set policies for student cell phone use
- for the 2023-24 school year, the Province purchased more than 10,000 new computers and other devices that support student learning
- Ontario, Quebec and British Columbia have provincewide restrictions around cell phone use in schools; New Brunswick plans to roll out restrictions in September
(From the Government of Nova Scotia)
Starting in the 2024-25 school year, all students will be required to turn off their personal mobile devices and store them out of sight during instructional time. Limited exceptions, like junior high and high school teachers allowing cell phone use in class for instructional purposes, will be available.
Under the directive, elementary school students must have their phones stored during the entire school day. Older students may have the option to use cell phones during lunch and other breaks depending on individual school rules.
“Our priority is doing what is best for students, informed by what we hear directly from students, school staff, families and communities,” said Becky Druhan, Minister of Education and Early Childhood Development. “We heard their concerns and, through this new directive, are ensuring students are concentrating on learning and building stronger interpersonal relationships without the distraction of cell phones.”
With this change, there will be processes in schools to ensure parents and students can get in touch if needed, including in an emergency. The directive will also be supported by curriculum resources that help students to use technology safely and responsibly as well as resources for school staff and parents.
Throughout the spring, the Department of Education and Early Childhood Development consulted with school advisory councils and ministerial advisory councils, as well as the Public School Administrators Association of Nova Scotia and the Nova Scotia Teachers Union on the use of cell phones in schools. The team also visited schools, spoke directly with principals and teachers and consulted with IWK public health experts. Responses overwhelmingly supported clear, consistent restrictions on cell phone use.
The new directive is available online: https://www.ednet.ns.ca/cellphones
Quick Facts:
- about 800 school advisory council members participated in a virtual town hall and overwhelmingly called for cell phone restrictions
- until now, individual schools set policies for student cell phone use
- for the 2023-24 school year, the Province purchased more than 10,000 new computers and other devices that support student learning
- Ontario, Quebec and British Columbia have provincewide restrictions around cell phone use in schools; New Brunswick plans to roll out restrictions in September
(From the Government of Nova Scotia)
Funding for New Community Centre in Portapique
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Joint Clothing Swap Deemed a Success! 7/06/24I was totally surprised by the attendance at this event.
"The Great Halifax Clothing Swap" saw literally hundreds of people flocking in to get a great deal on some second hand lovelies. According to organizers, the swap was attended by over 450 people in the four hours it was in operation at the Halifax Forum. Here's how it works. If you bring a donation, then you get in for $15. You can bring a bag with you and fill it to the brim with anything at the swap. If you do't bring a donation, the entry fee is $25, but you can still bring your bag and fill it up to the brim. I saw so many people carrying huge bags of clothing, both in and out of the swap. Before the doors opened for business, a line of around 100 people snaked around the outside corner of the building. I thought I would generate some interest with 20% off coupons to Venture Thrift, one of the organizing charities for the swap. "The clothing that is left over after the swap goes to Big Brothers and Big Sisters Halifax," said one of the organizers. "It's a great way to support our community." To top off the day, there was a raffle for a quilt that was hand-made by a swap meet attendee. The quilt was made entirely out of gently used men's dress shirts. It was quite lovely, and it was won by an attendee who couldn't have been more excited about winning. At the end of the day, it was tabulated that over 450 people attended the swap - quite a large number for the swap volunteers. If you missed this spring clothing swap, don't worry. Another one is scheduled to go off in September, just in time for back to school fashions. For more information about the clothing sway and how you can help out at the next one, come into Venture Thrift on Dresden Row in Halifax and speak with the staff or contact Lori at Affirmative Ventures, one of the official swap sponsors. |
AbilityRadio.ca Launches Soon With Live Shows, Original Content- 23/05/24
AbilityRadio.ca will be launching officially in the coming months. AbilityRadio.ca is a community-centric stream that strives to showcase information, entertainment, news and policies that directly or indirectly effect the population of consumer-survivors (people who have lived experience) in the HRM, the province of Nova Scotia and Canada as a whole. It is our intention to give a louder voice to those who need it. All are welcome at AbilityRadio.ca and we're happy to say that AabilityRadio.ca is both diverse in nature, focused and ready to serve our community. Watch and listen as we bring everyone in the broad sense together in an environment of understanding and no judgement.
2023 Public Awareness Opinion Research on Accessability Results - Nova Scotia- 23/05/24
37.9% of Nova Scotians aged 15 and older live with one or more disabilities. That's the highest rate of people living with one or more disabilities in the country.
74% are comfortable telling others they have a disability.
-74% in 2022
56% experience barriers due to their disability
-54% in 2022
-53% in 2021
The most common barriers are experienced in:
-the built environment
-employment
-stigma and negative attitudes on disability
47% have experienced discrimination in the past two years
42% have asked for employment supports or accommodations at work
Of these-
-One third (32%) did not receive any supports
-One quarter (25%) received some of the supports
-Four in ten (42%) received all of the suupports
In 2023, among Nova Scotians…
89% know that accessibility is a human right
• 90% in 2022
• 85% in 2021
• 88% in 2020
52% know Nova Scotia has a goal to be accessible by 2030
• 60% in 2022
• 59% in 2021
92% know that disabilities can be visible and invisible
• 97% in 2022
• 93% in 2021
73% say accessibility is very important to them
In 2023, among Nova Scotians…
82% know there are barriers other than accessing buildings
and public spaces
• 86% in 2022
• 83% in 2021
26% interact daily with someone who has a disability
• 34% in 2022
• 25% in 2021
How would you rate accessibility in Nova Scotia?
(1 is poor and 10 is excellent)
2023 6.0
2022 5.9
2021 6.3
2020 5.9
2019 5.7
(2023 Public Opinion Research on Accessibility Results)
74% are comfortable telling others they have a disability.
-74% in 2022
56% experience barriers due to their disability
-54% in 2022
-53% in 2021
The most common barriers are experienced in:
-the built environment
-employment
-stigma and negative attitudes on disability
47% have experienced discrimination in the past two years
42% have asked for employment supports or accommodations at work
Of these-
-One third (32%) did not receive any supports
-One quarter (25%) received some of the supports
-Four in ten (42%) received all of the suupports
In 2023, among Nova Scotians…
89% know that accessibility is a human right
• 90% in 2022
• 85% in 2021
• 88% in 2020
52% know Nova Scotia has a goal to be accessible by 2030
• 60% in 2022
• 59% in 2021
92% know that disabilities can be visible and invisible
• 97% in 2022
• 93% in 2021
73% say accessibility is very important to them
In 2023, among Nova Scotians…
82% know there are barriers other than accessing buildings
and public spaces
• 86% in 2022
• 83% in 2021
26% interact daily with someone who has a disability
• 34% in 2022
• 25% in 2021
How would you rate accessibility in Nova Scotia?
(1 is poor and 10 is excellent)
2023 6.0
2022 5.9
2021 6.3
2020 5.9
2019 5.7
(2023 Public Opinion Research on Accessibility Results)
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