Issue 1 December 2017
Welcome to the first issue of Accessibility News. Accessibility News will give you:
- updates on The Accessibility for Manitobans Act
- tips on how to create accessibility in your business or organization
- answers to frequently asked questions
- useful accessibility practices from across Manitoba
- upcoming events
For more information on The Accessibility for Manitobans Act, the act’s standards, and for a range of resources on how to eliminate barriers for everyone, visit www.AccessibilityMB.ca.
Accessibility Tip
If you notice someone having difficulty accessing your services, start by asking them: How can I help you? Focus on removing the barrier, not identifying the disability.
The Accessibility for Manitobans Act is Now in Play
Almost four years ago, the Manitoba government made a commitment to make Manitoba more accessible for everyone. With all party support, The Accessibility for Manitobans Act (pdf) (AMA) was proclaimed in December 2013. The main goal of this legislation is to identify, prevent and remove barriers to participation.
In consultation with businesses and the community, AMA standards lay out who has to do what, and by when. These standards focus on five areas of daily living:
- Customer Service (enacted November 2015)
- Employment (give us your feedback on the proposed standard)
- Information and Communication (in development)
- Transportation
- Built Environment (Public Spaces)
Rather than focus on disabilities, the AMA is about removing barriers. Barriers may result from inaccessible structures and spaces or how information is delivered. Barriers can be created, increased or reduced through technology. Policies and common practices can create systemic barriers, but negative attitudes are often the greatest barrier of all.
Accessibility Standard for Customer Service Private and Non-profit Businesses – The Deadline is November 1, 2018
In just under a year, all Manitoba businesses and organizations with at least one staff member must comply with the Customer Service Standard, the first standard to be rolled out as part of The Accessibility for Manitobans Act. Learn more:
Accessibility Standard for Customer Service: Employers’ Handbook (pdf)
Proposed Accessibility Standard for Employment
Share your views on the Proposed Accessibility Standard for Employment (pdf) before Friday, January 12, 2018.
Change Makers Making Change for Accessibility
Closing the Gap on One-step Barriers in Carman
Denis Magotiaux recently became interested in StopGap. StopGap is an Ontario organization that builds ramps to make buildings more accessible. Magotiaux is a straw purchase manager for SWM, an international flax purchasing and processing plant in Carman, Manitoba. Magotiaux suggested to his supervisor that the company build ramps for businesses and Magotiaux, together with his fellow SWM employees, built more than 13 ramps for their community.
Challenge: Can you identify a barrier preventing customers from accessing your services?
Changes to Manitoba Legislative Chamber
Can you spot the difference?
Raising the floor of the 96-year-old Manitoba Legislative Chamber makes the majority of the room accessible to people who use wheelchairs.
The first and last rows of the government and opposition benches are now wider and a ramp was installed, allowing wheelchairs access to the floor of the chamber. The chamber's sound system was upgraded during the renovation as well.
Upcoming Events
How Accessibility Legislation Affects You
January 11, 2018 February 14, 2018
Register for our free two-hour workshops in Winnipeg and in other regions of the province by request. At these workshops, you will learn how to develop policies and actions to ensure your organization complies with the Customer Service Standard.
Where: Main Floor, United Way, 580 Main Street, Winnipeg
When: 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.
Frequently Asked Question
Why do we need accessibility legislation?
Nearly every Manitoban either has a disability, knows someone with a disability, or will have a disability in the coming years. According to Statistics Canada, nearly one in six Manitobans has a disability. This number will grow as our population ages. Improving accessibility is the right thing to do. It is also the smart thing to do.
Accessibility Tool Kit
Top tool: This chart on barriers and solutions will help you identify and consider options for accessibility.
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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