Work underway to measure the quality of life of Nova Scotians with disabilities
Nova Scotia is home to a significant number of individuals living with disabilities, and efforts are being made to assess whether the province is making strides in improving their quality of life. The Nova Scotia League for Equal Opportunities (NSLEO) recently released the Quality of Life Index for Persons with Disabilities, a comprehensive set of 82 indicators that cover various areas of well-being and accessibility.
This index, developed in collaboration with input from individuals with disabilities, aims to track the well-being of the disability community and the progress of Nova Scotia’s Accessibility Act, which aims to achieve full accessibility in the province by 2030. Sherry Costa-Lorenz, the executive director of NSLEO, emphasized the holistic approach of the index, which considers factors such as access to recreation and physical activity.
Michelle Mahoney, who serves as the accessibility officer for the University of King’s College, understands the importance of staying active as a person with a disability. Mahoney, who was born with arthrogryposis, a rare condition affecting muscle development and joint mobility, found a new lease on life through downhill skiing with the help of adaptive equipment. She highlighted the transformative impact of sports on her well-being and emphasized the need for more opportunities for individuals with disabilities to engage in physical activities.
The Quality of Life Index is believed to be the first of its kind in North America, with plans to gather baseline data for the indicators to track progress. An upcoming survey, administered by Engage Nova Scotia, will provide insights into the well-being of all Nova Scotians, with a particular focus on individuals with disabilities. Danny Graham, head of Engage Nova Scotia, emphasized the importance of collecting data to better understand the experiences and needs of individuals with disabilities across the province.
With over one-third of Nova Scotians reporting one or more disabilities, the province has the highest rate of disability in the country. Costa-Lorenz acknowledged that data collection for some indicators may be challenging, but it will help identify areas requiring further attention and resources. Mahoney stressed the importance of recognizing individuals with disabilities as equals who deserve access to the same opportunities and supports as everyone else.
As efforts continue to assess and improve the quality of life for persons with disabilities in Nova Scotia, the collaboration between advocacy organizations, government entities, and individuals with disabilities will be crucial in driving positive change and fostering a more inclusive and accessible society.
