Saint John Ability Advisory Committee

01/04/2026

Braille isn't just a system of tactile dots, it's a superpower that unlocks a world of possibilities for people who are blind, Deafblind or low vision.

Did you know January is also Braille Literacy Month? Let's celebrate braille and how it empowers people to learn, grow, and achieve their dreams! ✨

Image description: On a braille paper background, "World Braille Day" is spelled out in braille. A hand hovers slightly over the text, as if reading it.

01/04/2026

The Braille system is an essential tool for blind and partially sighted people, removing barriers to education, employment and participation in society.

On this World Braille Day, we’re helping to create a country where communication is open to everyone by expanding access to alternative reading formats.

This is why we have agreements with organizations to produce alternate format reading materials for Canadians with print disabilities.

Learn more about the progress underway to improve accessibility in Canada: https://www.canada.ca/en/employment-social-development/programs/disability-inclusion-action-plan/reports/annual-2025.html #:~:text=across%20Atlantic%20Canada-,Pillar%203%3A%20accessible%20and%20inclusive%20communities,-Accomplishments%20include%3A

Image description: Not everyone reads the same way. New agreements = more accessible reading materials. A person reading braille with their hands.

12/23/2025

12/18/2025

🎄 Extra Garbage Bags Allowed After the Holidays 🎄

The City of Saint John knows the holidays can mean extra waste. To help, we’re allowing two (2) extra garbage bags per household without a bag tag during the weeks after Christmas:
✅ Weekly pickup: Dec. 26 – Dec. 31
✅ Bi-weekly pickup: Dec. 26 – Jan. 7

Place your extra bags at the curb on your regular collection day.

♻️ Reduce holiday waste when possible:

Reuse gift bags
Choose recyclable wrapping paper
Compost food scraps
Recycle cardboard and plastic packaging

Styrofoam and flexible packaging can be recycled at Golden Mile Redemption, Pubs Redemption, and Fundy Redemption Centre.

https://saintjohn.ca/en/news-and-notices/city-allowing-extra-garbage-bags-holiday-season

12/04/2025

Together, CNIB and the Rick Hansen Foundation have created Classroom Accessibility Allies, a free resource that helps teachers introduce accessibility and inclusion concepts to primary-grade students and empower them to champion accessibility in their classrooms and communities.

From adjusting seating layouts and improving signage to rethinking how activities are presented, Classroom Accessibility Allies is designed to guide students through a structured, process of identifying, addressing and reflecting on barriers to accessibility.

Classroom Accessibility Allies makes accessibility approachable, showing students how even small changes, like adding tactile labels, improving contrast, or rethinking group work, can make a big difference.

Download the Classroom Accessibility Allies resource and start breaking down barriers with your students today: https://www.rickhansen.com/Accessibility-Allies

Image description: The front cover of the Classroom Accessibility Allies resource. The cover features a photograph of a busy, inclusive classroom where several students sit at tables working on an activity, while a teacher stands at the front holding a book. Above the photo, a bright yellow banner with bold black text reads “Classroom Accessibility Allies.” At the very top of the cover, the CNIB logo appears on a black background, alongside the Rick Hansen Foundation School Program logo on a blue background.

12/03/2025

The Saint John Ability Advisory Committee is proud to see this progress highlighted today.

Our volunteers have worked closely with City staff to bring accessibility forward at every stage of planning, and it’s encouraging to see these improvements taking shape across our community.

We’re committed to continuing this work, expanding equitable transportation options, and ensuring that people with disabilities remain centered in every decision.

There’s still more to do, and we’re ready to keep moving forward together!

The City of Saint John proudly marks the International Day of Persons with Disabilities by reaffirming its commitment to accessible transportation for all. Guided by the Saint John Ability Advisory Committee, and the vision of MoveSJ, the City’s Transportation Plan, our goal is to improve safety and accessibility for every mode of travel and for the abilities of all users.

To achieve this, the City has embedded accessibility into every stage of planning and construction:
• All new sidewalks include access ramps and saw-cut joints.
• Catch basins removed from crosswalks where possible to prevent hazards for mobility aids.
• Tactile warning indicators are installed at priority locations to assist visually impaired pedestrians.
• Crosswalk signals allow more time for pedestrians with varying mobility speeds.
• Accessible Pedestrian Systems (APS) are added whenever signalized intersections are reconstructed.
• The City’s Strategic Plan targets APS at 60% of signalized intersections by 2032, and two-thirds of this goal has already been achieved.
• All new Rectangular Rapid Flashing Beacon (RRFB) crosswalks include APS.
• Traffic calming projects prioritize areas serving persons with disabilities.
• On-street accessible parking spaces meet best-practice standards, with improved designs coming in 2026.
• The Saint John Ability Advisory Committee Transit Subcommittee assisted Transit staff to develop seating specifications for transit vehicles.

These policies have led to real progress:
• 46 APS units are installed citywide.
• 42% of signalized intersections now include APS.
• 60% of mid-block “half signal” crosswalks include APS.
• Recent upgrades include APS at Charlotte Street and King Square North.
• New APS installations at intersections such as Garden Street at City Road, Westmorland at McAllister, and Rothesay Avenue at Retail Drive.
• APS with RRFB crosswalks added at locations including Charlotte Street at King Street, Broad Street at Sydney Street, and Main Street at Douglas Street.
• Five new accessible parking spaces will be added Uptown in 2026.
• With assistance from the SJAAC Transit Subcommittee, a new name and brand for was introduced for Saint John Accessible Transit/Transit Accessible Saint John (SJAT)
• Implementation is underway to enable technology for voice and visual automated announcement systems and real time tracking in Saint John Transit vehicles (CAD/AVL).

We remain committed to building an inclusive community where everyone can move safely and confidently. These improvements reflect our dedication to equity and accessibility for all residents and visitors.

12/03/2025

Good Day as we honour and celebrate Persons With Disabilities.

Today we celebrate the life of Gerry (Gerald) Harris, who passed away last night.

Gerry was a member of the Saint John Ability Advisory Committee for a number of years in the early 2000s.

He was a strong advocate for those with sight loss and others with disabilities. He also chaired the local CCB Canadian Council of the blind and was involved in national and provincial committees and consultations.

He was a founding board member of NBCPD NB Coalition for PWD. In addition, he did some work with AMI.

Gerry loved antique car shows, his beautiful wife Melissa and his family and friends.

We will miss Gerry greatly and we will always remember his service to the disability community.

R.I.P Gerry.
We Celebrate you today.

Saint John Ability Advisory Committeee

12/03/2025

Hello everyone!

Due to the winter weather advisory for Tuesday/Wednesday, we have decided to cancel the Human Library event at the Market Square Free Public Library for December 3, 2025.

There is no postponement date, but we anticipate putting on this event in 2026, and welcome additional ideas.

Everyone's safety is our main concern. Please accept our apologies and thank you so much for all the interest in this event!

Sincerely,

SJAAC Event Planning Committee

12/03/2025

The City of Saint John proudly marks the International Day of Persons with Disabilities by reaffirming its commitment to accessible transportation for all. Guided by the Saint John Ability Advisory Committee, and the vision of MoveSJ, the City’s Transportation Plan, our goal is to improve safety and accessibility for every mode of travel and for the abilities of all users.

To achieve this, the City has embedded accessibility into every stage of planning and construction:
• All new sidewalks include access ramps and saw-cut joints.
• Catch basins removed from crosswalks where possible to prevent hazards for mobility aids.
• Tactile warning indicators are installed at priority locations to assist visually impaired pedestrians.
• Crosswalk signals allow more time for pedestrians with varying mobility speeds.
• Accessible Pedestrian Systems (APS) are added whenever signalized intersections are reconstructed.
• The City’s Strategic Plan targets APS at 60% of signalized intersections by 2032, and two-thirds of this goal has already been achieved.
• All new Rectangular Rapid Flashing Beacon (RRFB) crosswalks include APS.
• Traffic calming projects prioritize areas serving persons with disabilities.
• On-street accessible parking spaces meet best-practice standards, with improved designs coming in 2026.
• The Saint John Ability Advisory Committee Transit Subcommittee assisted Transit staff to develop seating specifications for transit vehicles.

These policies have led to real progress:
• 46 APS units are installed citywide.
• 42% of signalized intersections now include APS.
• 60% of mid-block “half signal” crosswalks include APS.
• Recent upgrades include APS at Charlotte Street and King Square North.
• New APS installations at intersections such as Garden Street at City Road, Westmorland at McAllister, and Rothesay Avenue at Retail Drive.
• APS with RRFB crosswalks added at locations including Charlotte Street at King Street, Broad Street at Sydney Street, and Main Street at Douglas Street.
• Five new accessible parking spaces will be added Uptown in 2026.
• With assistance from the SJAAC Transit Subcommittee, a new name and brand for was introduced for Saint John Accessible Transit/Transit Accessible Saint John (SJAT)
• Implementation is underway to enable technology for voice and visual automated announcement systems and real time tracking in Saint John Transit vehicles (CAD/AVL).

We remain committed to building an inclusive community where everyone can move safely and confidently. These improvements reflect our dedication to equity and accessibility for all residents and visitors.

12/03/2025

December 3rd, International Day of Persons with Disabilities.

Today, we honour the strength, talent, leadership, and lived experiences of people with disabilities in our community. Accessibility isn’t a luxury, it’s a right, and it makes our city stronger, kinder, and safer for everyone.

⛔️ Human Library Update

Due to today’s snowstorm, our Human Library event is cancelled for now and will be rescheduled in the new year.

We’ll share the new date as soon as it’s confirmed.

In the meantime, please take care of yourselves.

If you need to be out in this storm, travel safely.

If you can stay home, do.

Thank you for supporting accessibility in Saint John, today and every day.

———

Image Description:

A clean white background features a colourful circular emblem on the left.

The emblem is formed by four curved, hand-like shapes in green, orange, red, and blue, wrapping around a small blue circle that represents a person.

To the right of the emblem, bold text reads “International Day of Persons with Disabilities”

Below the text, the date “3 December” appears in bright blue.

The overall design is simple, modern, and vibrant.