Excerpt
This report examines accessibility barriers experienced by Nunavummiut across multiple areas of daily life, including transportation, housing, employment, education, communication, and access to services. The findings contribute to a growing understanding of accessibility within Northern and remote contexts and provide recommendations for improving accessibility across Nunavut.
Summary
Accessibility standards for Nunavut need to reflect Inuit knowledge, local conditions, and the realities of each community. This report is based on engagement with 543 Nunavummiut in all 25 fly-in communities. People identified urgent barriers in transportation, safe and accessible housing, recreation and social programs, health care, and other services.
The report explains that disability and accessibility are shaped by geography, infrastructure, language, culture, and access to supports. Standards for Nunavut need to account for these conditions.
The report calls for Nunavut-specific accessibility legislation and standards developed with Nunavummiut. It recommends using Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit, supporting culturally appropriate communication, and involving people with disabilities, families, communities, and service providers throughout the process. It also highlights the need for better internet access, transportation infrastructure, accessible buildings, and more reliable services so people can take part in community life.