Issue 5 | September 2018
Accessibility Tip
To ensure your print and digital documents are accessible to everyone, make sure there is good colour contrast between the text and background. Also, make sure the font (style of lettering) is easy to read. Popular accessible “sans serif” fonts include Helvetica, Calibri, and Arial.
A picture is worth a thousand words, if you can see it. Provide a short description or caption. That way, all your readers will get the message, including readers with low or no vision, who use screen-reading software. You may also wish to learn how to hide the captions, using alternative text (Alt text).
Don’t forget - November 2018 is the deadline for businesses, small municipalities and non-profit organizations to comply with Manitoba’s Accessibility Standard for Customer Service.
One in six Manitobans has a disability. Making your organization accessible for everyone is the smart thing to do. It’s also the right thing to do. As of November 1, 2018 it’s the law in Manitoba.
Standards under The Accessibility for Manitobans Act (AMA) set out who has to do what, and by when. If your organization has at least one employee, now is the time to meet the eight basic requirements of the Accessibility Standard for Customer Service.
Four-Year Review of The Accessibility for Manitobans Act
On June 20, 2018, the Disabilities Issues Office held a public forum to hear from stakeholders on what is working well and what to improve to ensure the effective implementation of the AMA.
To access a video recording of the forum, please visit http://www.accessibilitymb.ca/four-year-review-webinar.html.
If you would like to share your feedback regarding the AMA’s four-year review, please email reviewofama@gmail.com.
Change Makers Making Change for Accessibility
Manitoba beaches are becoming accessible, thanks to beach-friendly wheelchairs and beach access mats.
St. Malo Provincial Park is the newest Manitoba beach to offer accessibility features to its visitors. The first accessible space will be located on South Shores, which is on the East side of the park, near camping and accessible washrooms.
Last summer, Birds Hill Provincial Park also introduced new accessible pathways that allow better access to the beach.
Upcoming Events
2018 employABILITY Expo
October 1, 2018 at the Norwood Hotel
In Manitoba, October is Disability Employment Awareness Month (DEAM). DEAM is an annual opportunity to increase employment awareness and success for Manitobans with disabilities.
Join us at the 8th Annual employABILITY Expo, with a keynote address from Aliana Rozenek, Vice President of Human Resources, Communications and Sustainability for Home Depot of Canada.
For more information, please visit DEAM's event page.
Frequently Asked Question
What should my staff know about customers who are accompanied by a support person?
Staff and volunteers who work with the public should be aware that support persons are there to assist customers with disabilities. They should always speak directly to the customer and not to the support person, unless advised to do so.
Avoid charging an admission fee to support persons. If you are going to charge a fee, you must clearly state so in advance.
Workshops Resume in September
Friday, September 14, 2018
Friday, October 12, 2018
The Disabilities Issues Office holds monthly workshops for employers to learn how to meet the requirements of the Accessibility Standard for Customer Service.
Register now to learn how you can develop policies and practices to comply with Manitoba’s accessibility law. For information about workshops held outside Winnipeg, please contact the DIO.
Upcoming workshops will take place September 14, 2018 and October 12, 2018.
Where: Main Floor, United Way, 580 Main Street, Winnipeg
When: 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.
Accessibility Tool Kit
Need some help developing your Accessible Customer Service Policy? Let our new template guide the way.
Not sure if you are in full compliance with the Accessibility Standard for Customer Service? Use our new compliance checklist.
This newsletter is available in alternate formats upon request.
You subscribed to this newsletter on the www.AccessibilityMB.ca website.
Disabilities Issues Office
630 - 240 Graham Avenue
Winnipeg MB R3C 0J7
Phone: 204-945-7613
Toll free: 1-800-282-8069, ext. 7613
TTY: 204-948-2901
Email: dio@gov.mb.ca
Follow and join the #AccessibleMB conversation on social media.
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