One in five Nova Scotians are living with a disability, and as the population is aging this number is steadily increasing. By being accessible businesses are open to a growing market.

During Access Awareness Week 2004, Partnership for Access Awareness Nova Scotia (PAANS) highlighted that accessible is not only the “right” thing to do it but that it also makes good economic sense. The Tourism Industry of Nova Scotia (TIANS) recognized the key role accessibility had for the tourism industry and joined PAANS in hosting a day-long Forum. At the Forum it was decided a group needed to explore accessibility issues across the province. Accessible Nova Scotia was born.