LATEST UPDATES
Manitoba Government Accessibility Plan and Policies
The Manitoba Government Accessibility Plan (MGAP) (PDF) for 2023 and 2024 is now available. This two-year plan supports improving accessibility in departments across government, and outlines specific actions to make government workplaces, products and services accessible to all Manitobans.
The MGAP will build upon and strengthen efforts underway through the following six priority areas:
- Accessible Customer Service
- Accessible Employment
- Accessible Information and Communications
- Enhanced Training and Education
- Enhanced Accessibility of the Built Environment
- Leadership in Advancing Accessibility
The Manitoba government is committed to ensuring equal access for persons with disabilities who are recipients of government services, as well as for employees. The government is also committed to the principle of inclusion, which involves the prevention and removal of barriers to maintain dignity and equity for all people.
Under The Accessibility for Manitobans Act (AMA)(PDF), public sector organizations, including the Manitoba government, are required to update their accessibility plans every two years.
If you have questions about the MGAP, please contact accessibility@gov.mb.ca.
Second Intake of Manitoba Accessibility Fund Opens on January 30, 2023
The Manitoba Accessibility Fund will be launching the next intake of the grant program at the end of January. Project applications must propose activities and initiatives that either remove barriers, raise awareness, and/or support compliance with accessibility standards addressing customer service, employment, information and communications or the Accessibility for Manitoba Act.
The intake period opens on Monday, January 30, 2023 and closes on Friday, March 10, 2023.
Take note:
- Eligible organizations can request up to a maximum of $50K to complete a project over a one-year term.
- MAF does not fund capital projects or requests related to physical upgrades.
- Each organization can submit one application per intake period. Organizations are able to be listed as project partners on submissions for other organizations.
- MAF grant recipients from 2022 can submit an application, if it is a new project proposal.
- All applicants need to complete a Project Budget Estimate Form and attach to the Application Form, which will be available on Monday January 30, 2023.
The MAF application guidelines, frequently asked questions, glossary of terms, application form and project budget estimate form are available at: https://accessibilitymb.ca/fund.html.
Please contact MAF@gov.mb.ca, if you have additional questions
The Accessibility Standard for Information and Communications is Now Law in Manitoba
On May 1, 2022, the Accessibility Standard for Information and Communication became the third standard under the Accessibility for Manitobans Act.
Learn more about the Accessibility Standard for Information and CommunicationsNew - Why Make Your Print & Digital Documents Accessible? (WORD)
New - Why Make Your Print & Digital Documents Accessible? (PDF)
New - General Directions for Creating Accessible PDFs (WORD)
New - General Directions for Creating Accessible PDFs (PDF)
New - Accessible Excel Document Checklist (WORD)
New - Accessible Excel Document Checklist (PDF)
New - Tips for Creating Accessible Word Documents (WORD)
New - Tips for Creating Accessible Word Documents (PDF)
New - MAO Reminder List – Accessible Word Documents (WORD)
New - MAO Reminder List – Accessible Word Documents (PDF)
International Day of Persons with Disabilities 2022
Read the IDPD Proclamation (PDF)
The Minister's Annual Update 2022: Implementing Recommendations from the Accessibility Advisory Council's Five-Year Review of the Accessible Customer Service Standard for the period October 2021 to October 2022 is available online.
Minister's Annual Update 2022 (PDF)
The latest edition of Accessibility News has been published. Read the electronic newsletter:
2021/22 Minister’s Annual Report: The Accessibility for Manitobans Act (AMA)
Each year the Minister responsible for Accessibility releases an Annual Report on AMA implementation.
Read the 2021/22 Minister’s Annual Report (PDF)New Online Learning Portal
The Manitoba government encourages organizations to meet their employee accessibility training requirements by completing standard-specific learning modules on its new online learning portal. Complete this free training anytime from anywhere.
Plain language content explains the requirements of the Accessibility Standard for Customer Service, with examples on how to achieve compliance, tips for best practices, and useful resources. Signify employee compliance with a certificate upon completion of the module.
To access the online learning portal, visit: AMALearningMB.ca.
Stay tuned for the LMS version (Learning Management Software) and a second module to support training for the Accessibility Standard for Employment.
Accessibility during COVID-19
Increasing numbers of Manitobans will receive COVID-19 vaccinations in the coming months. Nevertheless, safety measures to reduce the impact of COVID-19, and the return to work can present new barriers, especially for people with disabilities.
Learn more about accessible service, keeping employees safe, the impact of COVID-19 on people with disabilities, as well as tips, tools, & resources.
View more information about Accessibility during COVID-19
Customer Service Standard Regulation Public Consultation & Review
The Accessibility Advisory Council hosted two online consultations on May 13, 2021 to hear from Manitobans about their experiences with the Customer Service Standard Regulation, the first accessibility standard established under The Accessibility for Manitobans Act.
The Council sought to understand how Manitobans face barriers to customer service, including how the Accessibility Standard for Customer Service affects Manitobans and their workplaces, universities, organizations or businesses.
Manitoba Accessibility Awards (MBAA)
The Manitoba Accessibility Awards recognize leaders in our communities who have shown their commitment to inclusion and equity for Manitobans with disabilities.
Congratulations to the 2020 MBAA Winners!
- Large business – Winnipeg Airports Authority, Winnipeg;
- Small business – Red Apple, Stonewall;
- Urban non-profit organization – Gateway Church, Winnipeg;
- Rural non-profit – Woodlands Pioneer Museum, Woodlands;
- Large municipality – City of Selkirk; and
- Small municipality – Rural Municipality of Victoria Beach.
All MBAA 2020 resources, including the webinar recording, PowerPoint, and transcript are now available online!
View more information about the Manitoba Accessibility Awards