Coalition of Persons with Disabilities Newfoundland and Labrador

12/03/2025

✨ Ways We Can All Support Accessibility:
1⃣ Create accessible spaces — improve lighting, add ramps, reduce noise, and design environments everyone can navigate.
2⃣ Listen and communicate — give people with disabilities (and their support persons) the space to share what they need.
3⃣ Keep learning — support ongoing public education about disability inclusion and accessibility.

12/03/2025

💙 Ways to Support Cross Disability
🔹 Create accessible spaces Improve lighting, add ramps, reduce noise, offer clear signage, and make digital content accessible for everyone.
🔹 Ask, don’t assume Every disability is different. Respect people’s unique access needs and let them share what works best for them.
🔹 Use inclusive communication Offer multiple ways to communicate—spoken, written, visual, ASL, assistive tech—so everyone can participate.
🔹 Practice patience and empathy Give others the time, space, and support they need without judgment.
🔹 Advocate for accessibility Speak up for accessible policies, workplaces, schools, and community spaces.
🔹 Learn continuously Disabilities can be visible or invisible. Keep learning about different experiences and how to be a better ally.

12/03/2025

Inclusion is a verb. What action will you take today? 🤝
International Day of Persons with Disabilities

Today we celebrate the one billion people worldwide living with disabilities. But celebration needs to be paired with action. Universal Design isn't just about ramps and elevators; it's about mindset. It’s about ensuring that everyone can participate fully in our communities, workplaces, and culture.

We challenge you today: Look at your spaces, your events, and your content. Who is excluded? How can we open the door wider?

Together, let’s make NL the most accessible place to live, work, and play.

12/03/2025

What Is Cross Disability? ℹ️ Cross Disability means recognizing and supporting all types of disabilities— physical, sensory, intellectual, mental health–related, visible, and invisible. It focuses on inclusion, understanding that every person’s access needs are different, and creating spaces where everyone belongs.

10/20/2025

We were so moved by the powerful stories and insights shared at our 'Discussion on Disability' event. Thank you to everyone who contributed! If you missed the live discussion or simply want to watch it again, we're happy to share the complete recording.

This recorded forum provided a platform to discuss key policy concerns, program gaps, and systemic barriers that affected the lives of persons with disabilit...

09/29/2025

Thank you to VOCM for sharing information about the public forum
happening tonight at the Holiday Inn on Portugal Cove Road.
https://vocm.com/2025/09/28/280938/
We are also offering a Zoom and Facebook live broadcast of the event.
Zoom users can register here: https://us02web.zoom.us/.../reg.../ZOOgMvICRleTWbha1ofz3A...
Facebook live available here: https://www.facebook.com/share/16rnosDYP8/

An organization which speaks for those who have trouble getting around has invited the three political leaders...

09/25/2025

Coalition of Persons with Disabilities – NL to Host Public Forum on Disability and Provincial Policy
COD-NL is inviting persons with disabilities, disability-related organizations, and all interested members of the public to attend this important community event. The forum will provide a platform to discuss key policy concerns, program gaps, and systemic barriers that affect the lives of persons with disabilities.
What: Public Forum on Disability, Policy & the Provincial Election
When: Monday, September 29, 2025, at 7:00 p.m. NST
Where: The Holiday Inn, 180 Portugal Cove Road, St. John’s, NL
Zoom registration Link:
https://us02web.zoom.us/.../reg.../ZOOgMvICRleTWbha1ofz3A...
Facebook Live:
https://www.facebook.com/events/1495564398437299/?rdid=LThPAiaALNW1NSei&share_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.

09/25/2025

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 24, 2025

Coalition of Persons with Disabilities – NL to Host Public Forum on Disability and Provincial Policy
St. John’s, NL – With a provincial election just weeks away, the Coalition of Persons with Disabilities –
Newfoundland and Labrador (COD-NL) is hosting a public forum to bring attention to the issues that
impact persons with disabilities across the province.
COD-NL is inviting persons with disabilities, disability-related organizations, and all interested members
of the public to attend this important community event. The forum will provide a platform to discuss key
policy concerns, program gaps, and systemic barriers that affect the lives of persons with disabilities.
While invitations were extended to the leaders of each provincial political party to participate in a
dedicated leadership debate on disability issues, scheduling challenges have prevented full participation.
In response, COD-NL is moving forward with a public forum to ensure the voices of persons with
disabilities are heard ahead of the election.

Event Details:
What: Public Forum on Disability, Policy & the Provincial Election
When: Monday, September 29, 2025, at 7:00 p.m. NST
Where: The Holiday Inn, 180 Portugal Cove Road, St. John’s, NL
Virtual: Register copy link (https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/ZOOgMvICRleTWbha1ofz3A #/registration) for Zoom and stream live on our page via the events section
Hosted by: Coalition of Persons with Disabilities – Newfoundland and Labrador

“This is an important time for our province,” says Nancy Reid, Executive Director of COD-NL. “With over
31% of our population identifying as persons with disabilities, our voices must be part of the
conversation. This event is about listening, learning, and working together to build a more inclusive and
equitable Newfoundland and Labrador.”
The forum will be conducted in a respectful and inclusive environment where all individuals and
organizations are welcomed and treated with dignity. COD-NL aims to foster dialogue that helps political
leaders and policymakers better understand the needs of the disability community, and encourages
collaborative solutions that support full inclusion.

Media Contact:
Nancy Reid
Executive Director, COD-NL
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 709-722-7011
Website: www.codnl.ca

COD NL is a provincial, cross-disability organization that systemically advocates for an inclusive and equitable society for all Newfoundlanders and Labradorians living with disabilities.

08/19/2025

Minister Korab has met with the Coalition as he promised! It was a great session and we look forward to the continuation with Minister Davis and welcome him to the community.

The minister responsible for persons with disabilities says he no longer wants the Disability Advocate to fall...

06/16/2025

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 16, 2025

COD-NL Executive Director Affirms Positive Experience with NLAD Staff and Leadership

As Executive Director of the Coalition of Persons with Disabilities Newfoundland and Labrador (COD-NL), I am writing to affirm my professional experience working with staff at the Newfoundland and Labrador Association of the Deaf (NLAD), particularly Myles Murphy and Renee Phair Healey.
In my role advocating for the rights and inclusion of persons with disabilities throughout the province, I have had the privilege of working closely with both Myles and Renee over the past several years. Across a range of initiatives and settings, their dedication to accessible communication, cultural respect, and community empowerment has been unwavering.
Whether through consultations on American Sign Language (ASL) interpretation, facilitating Video Relay Service (VRS) calling, reviewing adaptive technologies, or deepening understanding of Deaf culture within our broader accessibility work, Myles and Renee have consistently served as pillars of wisdom and direction. Their leadership has strengthened cross-sector collaboration and advanced the rights of Deaf individuals in Newfoundland and Labrador.
At a time when community partnerships and mutual respect are vital to progress, I can say with confidence that my experiences with the NLAD staff—particularly Myles Murphy and Renee Phair Healey—have been marked by clear, appropriate, and professional communication and action.
COD-NL values the ongoing collaboration with NLAD and recognizes the critical role that Myles Murphy, Renee Phair-Healey, and the broader NLAD team play in advancing accessibility and inclusion in Newfoundland and Labrador.

Media Contact:
Nancy Reid
Executive Director
Coalition of Persons with Disabilities NL
[email protected]
709-722-7011
www.codnl.ca

05/22/2025

📣 Big News: A Step Forward for Disability Advocacy in NL!

We’re thrilled to share that a bipartisan agreement has been reached to establish a Disability Advocate within our House of Assembly! 🎉

This is a historic moment for the disability community in Newfoundland and Labrador. The creation of this role means that the voices of persons with disabilities will have a stronger, independent presence in our legislature — something COD-NL and our community have long called for.

🔗 Read more here: https://vocm.com/2025/05/22/270514/

So what’s next for COD-NL?
✅ Collaborate with government and community to ensure the position is truly independent and effective
✅ Advocate for a transparent hiring process that includes persons with disabilities
✅ Push for adequate resources so the Advocate can deliver real impact
✅ Engage our community — your voice matters in shaping this role!

We’ll be hosting information sessions soon to hear your thoughts and keep the momentum going.

Together, we’re making change happen. 💪

Two passionate disability advocates were among those who unanimously supported Helen Conway Ottenheimer's priv...