Access Canada is a program designed to meet the needs of seniors and people with disabilities using accommodation in Nova Scotia. Participating establishments will display the Access Canada logo with their designated level.

Highlights of the four Access Levels are outlined below and address four disability groups:

Agility: People who have difficulty with moving, climbing stairs, dressing, fine motor coordination, etc.
Vision: This includes people with partial site and no sight.
Hearing: Those who have partial hearing or total hearing loss.
Mobility: Those who cannot walk unaided.

To facilitate the Access Canada program, the following is taken into consideration:

Training: Staff will be trained in customer service requirements, accommodation needs, information, equipment usage and safety.
Equipment: Availability of some major equipment may require 48 hours notice. Please inquire when you make a reservation.
Information: Participating properties will have specific information on services and facility features available on site for your use.

Here is a list of accessible accommodations within Nova Scotia.

• A Fact Sheet with Large Print, Feedback Card, Egress Plan 
• Physical Features: Good lighting, easy to open doors, even pathways and slip resistant flooring 
• Guest Rooms: Bedside Telephone, Bathtub with good access, slip resistant, grab bar for shower 
• Portable Equipment: Non-slip bath mat, clamp-on bar for tub, phone with large number pads, bath board

• Central Reservation with Fact Sheet & Meeting Room Checklist Physical Features: Easy to open washroom door & lock, easy-to-operate lamp switch and visible environmental controls 
• En-suite Bathroom with lever hardware and grab bar in tub/shower 
• Alternative Health Menu 
• Portable Equipment: Bath & tub seat, phone with amplification option, hand held shower, height/sensor light

For people with advanced agility, hearing, mobility and vision disabilities, independent wheelchair users
Features from Level 1 & 2, plus:

• Accommodation/Room Orientation Available 
• Physical Access: paths of travel for wheelchair/ramps, easy to open accessible doorways, accessible phone, alternative registration area at wheelchair height, lowered elevator buttons/raised lettering symbols 
• Guest Rooms: lowered peephole, lit light switch/flashing fire alarm, lowered controls/wall plugs/shelves/safety hasp and safety hasp operative with closed fist
• En-suite Bathroom: Wheelchair maneuverability/accessories 
• Listening system in Meeting Areas 
• Portable Equipment: Bath transfer bench, walker with tray

For people with severe disabilities
Features include criteria from Level 1,2 & 3, plus:

• Tape player/cassette or alternative; TDD/external service/amenities information 
• Physical Access: Inside/underground parking alternative; power door at main entry or alternative; public area washroom with raised door signage; floor level urinal; flashing visual alarms; sound/voice indicator inside elevator for public & accessible room floors. 
• Guest Rooms: phone jack/plug in within one meter for TDD; open bed frame with lockable wheels 
• En-suite Washroom: phone or call bell to front desk; roll-in shower 
• Pool Entry Ramp or Lift Readily Available 
• Accessible Change Room/Overhead Lockers 
• Portable Equipment: Closed captioned TV decoder; wheelchair; phone TDD; overhead bed trapeze; floor to ceiling pole; visual emergency alarms; touch lamps; on/off indicators.

Should you have any questions regarding ACCESS Canada, please contact:

Quality Visitor Services
P.O. Box 28007
Dartmouth, NS   
B2W 6E2

Telephone:  (902) 406-4747
Fax:  (902) 406-4748
E-mail: eastlink.ca
www.qvs.ca

For more information on accessibility in Nova Scotia, please see our FAQ section.