|
|
|
|
This newsletter is available in alternate formats on request.
|
|
|
|
Another Successful Manitoba Access Awareness Week
|
|
|
|
The Manitoba Accessibility Office hosted another successful Manitoba Access Awareness Week (MAAW).
|
|
Originally recognized in the 1980s, MAAW is celebrated annually each June. This weeklong awareness celebration promotes accessibility and inclusion. It also acknowledges the people who are working to prevent, identify and remove barriers to accessibility, while also raising awareness about accessibility issues within the province that affect people with disabilities and many others.
|
|
During this year’s weeklong festivities, four webinars on the more technical side of the Accessible Information and Communication Standard were hosted by the Manitoba Accessibility Office. In total 975, people logged in to attend the webinars. Webinars included topics on:
|
|
- An Overview of the Requirements under the Accessible Information and Communication Standard Regulation
- Getting Started with Accessible Communication and Marketing
- WCAG Requirements and Working with Web Developers to Create Accessible Websites
- Why Digital Accessibility Audits are Important and What’s Involved in the Process
|
|
Visit AccessibilityMB.ca to view the webinar videos, transcripts and the full questions and answers document from each webinar.
|
|
|
|
Spotlight on a Manitoba Accessibility Fund Project
|
|
This month, the Manitoba Accessibility Fund is proud to spotlight several grant recipients and their accessibility projects.
|
|
The Portage la Prairie Regional Library
|
|
The Portage la Prairie Regional Library is a cornerstone of our community, serving Portage la Prairie and surrounding areas in central Manitoba. We offer a vast collection of books, audiobooks, DVDs, and digital resources, along with programs and services for all ages. Whether our community is seeking the latest bestseller, a cozy reading nook for your child, or a public computer for research, the Portage Library is your one-stop shop for information and connection.
|
|
Recognizing the importance of inclusivity, with the support of the Manitoba Accessibility Fund, we recently embarked on a project to enhance accessibility services for patrons with disabilities. Our activities included staff training on disability awareness and assistive technologies, acquiring screen reader software for public computers, and expanding our collection of devices. These devices include Victor Readers, Envoy Connect readers, tablets, and hardware to make our computers easier to navigate. This focus on accessibility ensures everyone can enjoy the library's resources, fostering a more welcoming and equitable environment.
|
|
Looking ahead, we plan to continue expanding our accessible offerings. We are exploring implementing additional features on our website, how we can make our environment friendlier to those with sensory sensitivities and investigating assistive listening devices for public programs. By prioritizing accessibility, the Portage Library remains committed to serving the entire community, ensuring everyone has the opportunity to learn, explore and engage with the world through the power of information.
|
|
~ Article submitted by the Portage la Prairie Regional Library.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Boyne Regional Library is a public library in Carman, Manitoba serving the town, the RM of Dufferin and several surrounding communities. Many of our patrons request books in large print as they can no longer read regular print comfortably and want to continue reading. We offer tech help to the community, in the library and through an outreach program. This helps to remove barriers that seniors are facing in the ever-changing digital age.
|
|
With support from the Manitoba Accessibility Fund (MAF), we were able to expand our large print collection and purchase a fully accessible public workstation, an accessible high contrast keyboard, computer and a large monitor. Patrons without internet access at home can now comfortably access information, participate in continuing education and communicate through email. By providing help with our library reading apps, library users with accessibility barriers learned to access online eBooks and audiobooks, giving them a wider selection of reading materials in formats to meet individualized needs. Through an iPad lending program, patrons are also given access to apps and technology.
|
|
MAF funding enabled us to introduce Wonderbooks into our collection. Wonderbooks are print books with a ready to play audiobook inside. Each book is a customizable reading experience based on reading levels and abilities. Wonderbooks give young patrons who have vision and comprehension print impairments low tech and easy access to read-along audiobooks. The response for the Wonderbooks has been incredible with families and educators.
|
|
Our library and community have greatly benefited from MAF. The funding allowed us to improve and provide accessible library materials for all and inform staff about ways to recognize and proactively address accessibility barriers.
|
|
~ Article submitted by the Boyne Regional Library.
|
|
|
|
The Rural Municipality of Woodlands
|
|
|
|
The Rural Municipality (RM) of Woodlands provides local government services to six communities covering an area of 1,197.59 square kilometres with a population of 3,797 per the 2021 census. As other rural municipalities, the Reeve, Council, and staff work towards the development of a diversified economy, where residents of all abilities experience the social and cultural benefits of a progressive and modern community. Communities served include Woodlands, Warren (Local Urban District), Lake Francis, Marquette, Erinview and Twin Lakes Beach.
|
|
In early 2023, the RM Accessibility Committee saw an opportunity to remove a barrier identified in the previous two-year Accessibility Plan. The need for assistive listening devices had been identified for RM gatherings and facilities. In exploring options, the Canadian Hard of Hearing Association (CHHA) was instrumental with an invitation to a workshop on induction hearing loop systems. Unfortunately flooring in our facilities was not amenable for installation of a loop system, so again in consultation with CHHA, a DigiMaster system was selected as an alternative with a mobile induction hearing loop system at the reception counter. Both systems have been installed and are functional in their respective areas. We have communicated, with thanks to the Manitoba Accessibility Funding, through our local newspaper, newsletters and signage, availability of both the mobile induction loop and DigiMaster systems.
|
|
This project offers significant benefits to increase accessibility and facilitate communication for individuals with hearing impairment within the RM facilities. We are looking forward to finding additional opportunities for use within the RM as both systems are mobile.
|
|
~ Article submitted by the Rural Municipality of Woodlands.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Feedback processes help organizations and businesses in Manitoba to identify and remove barriers to accessibility. They can also provide a way for the public to comment on great initiatives and service.
|
|
Two of the enacted accessibility regulations, the Accessible Customer Service Standard Regulation and the Accessible Information and Communication Standard Regulation, require businesses and organizations to have a process for the public to give feedback about accessibility as contained in that regulation.
|
|
The Accessible Customer Service Standard Regulation is currently in force for all organizations in Manitoba. It requires organizations, including businesses, to offer members of the public a way to give feedback, including complaints, on the accessibility of their goods and services.
|
|
The Accessible Information and Communication Standard Regulation is currently in force for the Manitoba government, government agencies, health authorities, large municipalities (i.e. cities), educational institutions and libraries. This regulation requires these organizations to offer members of the public a way to give feedback, including complaints, on the degree to which the information they provide and the way they communicate are accessible.
|
|
Please note: On May 1, 2025, the Accessible Information and Communication Standard Regulation will come into force for all other organizations subject to the Accessibility for Manitobans Act, including the private sector.
|
|
What are the Requirements?
|
|
An organization’s feedback process must be suitable for people with disabilities. Once feedback has been provided, organizations must document the resulting actions arising from the feedback (e.g., actions taken to resolve the complaint) and make that information available to the individual upon request.
|
|
What can my organization do?
|
|
Your business or organization must track any actions taken as a result of feedback received. As an employee you can help by:
- Telling customers or service recipients about the feedback process and how they can comment in writing or in a way that is accessible for them.
- Taking note of any feedback you receive in person and sharing it with your manager.
- If the feedback involves a request for follow-up, telling customers or service recipients about the anticipated waiting period for receiving information about what the organization did in response to the feedback.
|
|
Remember: There are many ways people access goods and services and/or information and communication because of their differing abilities to see, hear and understand. Removing barriers within your organization and presenting information in a variety of ways will make things more accessible for everyone.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
While a disability advocate says Winnipeg Transit Plus's new booking system will make it easier for riders to schedule trips, they worried that one problem will still remain: a lack of trip options available to book.
|
|
|
|
|
|
CBC/Radio-Canada recently launched its 2023–2025 National Accessibility Plan. This new three-year plan, Breaking Barriers, provides a framework for the national public broadcaster to better serve people with disabilities, better represent them in its content, and become the accessible public broadcaster that all Canadians deserve.
|
|
|
|
|
|
The Stanley Cup Final will mark the first time a major sports league airs games in ASL, with each game of the series between Edmonton and Florida featuring deaf broadcasters doing play by play and colour analysis.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Kenny Huynh has re-joined the Manitoba Accessibility Office as the Manitoba Accessibility Fund Manager. Welcome back, Kenny!
|
|
Chandra Hofer has joined the Manitoba Accessibility Office in a STEP position over the summer as a Research Assistant.
|
|
Kelsey Margraf has completed her Leaders in Training Internship with the Accessibility Compliance Secretariat. The team extends its heartfelt gratitude to Kelsey for all her hard work and attention to detail. Kelsey’s contributions will certainly be missed! The Accessibility Compliance Secretariat wishes Kelsey success in her next internship with The Department of Environment and Climate Change.
|
|
|
|
|
|
New Accessibility Funding Opportunities Available from Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC)
|
|
New Funding opportunities are available for the following federal programs:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Disabled Producers Lab: Women in View and the National Screen Institute launch new Disabled Producers Lab
|
|
Women in View and the National Screen Institute have partnered to create the Disabled Producers Lab, a new program aimed at challenging and reshaping industry norms, promoting accessibility and building producing skills.
|
|
Developed with Disabled filmmakers Ophira Calof and Michelle Asgarali, the lab is designed for Disabled producers across Canada aged 18+ marginalized by gender including transgender women, cisgender women, transgender men, non-binary people and many other gender identities.
|
|
Up to five participants with a completed short film script ready to develop will be paired with industry mentors to create a comprehensive production binder featuring a realistic schedule, budget, accessibility plan and pitch package.
|
|
Over 12 weeks, participants will join virtual sessions once or twice a week to learn the essentials of producing from industry experts. Topics covered will include:
- Pitching and packaging
- Script to schedule planning
- Hiring cast and crew
- Business aspects of film, including funding and development
- Distribution and marketing
- Accessibility and disability-forward productions
|
|
A public case study report will be created from the program findings to help develop industry best practices.
|
|
Applications are accepted until July 22, 2024.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
This newsletter is available in alternate formats on request.
You subscribed to this newsletter on the AccessibilityMB.ca website.
Manitoba Accessibility Office
630 - 240 Graham Avenue
Winnipeg, MB R3C 0J7
Phone: 204-945-7613
Toll-free: 1-800-282-8069, ext. 7613
Email: mao@gov.mb.ca
Follow and join the #AccessibleMB conversation on social media.
If you wish to unsubscribe from the newsletter, please visit: unsubscribe page
|
|
|
|
|