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"one-stop" Internet site for persons with disabilities April 25, 2001 OTTAWA, ONTARIO-For the first time, persons with disabilities across Canada have a dedicated Internet site, Disability WebLinks (www.disabilityweblinks.ca), that will provide them with quick access to information on government-related disability programs and services. Disability WebLinks was announced today by the Honourable Jane Stewart, Minister of Human Resources Development Canada and the Honourable Harry Van Mulligen, Minister of Saskatchewan Social Services on behalf of Federal/ Provincial/Territorial Ministers Responsible for Social Services. Developed in consultation with persons with disabilities and service providers, the site contains information on disability related programs, services and initiatives, as well as key contacts. Information on the site is categorized under key topics such as: accessibility, education, employment, health, financial and personal support, housing and residential services, tax programs, and transportation. Staff at all levels of government and others who serve persons with disabilities and have access to the Internet will also be able to use the site as a quick, convenient, supplementary information resource to assist their clients. "I am very pleased that all governments across Canada are participating in this initiative," said Minister Stewart. "Disability WebLinks is a collaborative and practical tool that helps ensure persons with disabilities and other Canadians have access to an easy-to-use Internet resource that gives them quick and up-to-date information on disability related programs and services." Human Resources Development Canada is managing the site under the direction of the Federal/Provincial/Territorial Ministers Responsible for Social Services. The site has been specifically developed for persons with disabilities and the site design, layout and technical features reflect the requirements identified by members of the community and internationally accepted guidelines for accessibility. "The Internet is a growing communication and information tool that more and more Canadians are using," said Minister Van Mulligen. "It is important that governments and other information providers ensure the needs of persons with disabilities are reflected when making information available on the Internet. Disability WebLinks is a very good site and I hope others will follow this example." To ensure Disability WebLinks remains relevant for persons with disabilities, comments submitted on the site and other feedback mechanisms will be used as part of an ongoing evaluation process. - 30 - Alternate formats of this news release can be obtained through InfoTouch.
For more information: Shannon Thrussell
Ghyslain Charron
Bill Carney
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