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Issue 42 | February 2024 |
This newsletter is available in alternate formats on request. |
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Providing Accessible Information and Communication |
Did you know as of May 1, 2024, all Manitoba public sector organizations, including large municipalities, libraries and educational institutions must provide accessible information and communication? |
The Accessible Information and Communication Standard Regulation is the third standard under The Accessibility for Manitobans Act to come into force. This standard focuses on removing and preventing barriers that exist digitally, in-print or through interaction with technology or people. |
Requirements of the Accessible Information and Communication Standard: |
Websites: Must meet Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.1 level AA, at minimum, for new web content or if it is required to access an organization’s goods and services. Web Applications: Must meet Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.1 level AA, at minimum, for new or significantly updated web applications. Accessible Information and Formats: Inform the public and employees that they can request information through a communication support or accessible format. Providing Accessible Information: When requested, consult with the person to identify the support or format that would remove the barrier and provide the information in a timely manner at no or equal cost. Feedback Process: Develop a process to receive and respond to feedback about accessible information and communication, document responding actions, and provide on request. Training: Provide timely and ongoing accessible communication training to any employee assigned applicable duties within the organization.
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Today, the Accessible Information and Communication Standard is already in force for the Manitoba government, with additional organizations to follow over the next two years. |
Upcoming Compliance Deadlines: |
Public Sector organizations, Libraries and Educational Institutions: May 1, 2024 Private Sector, Non-Profit Organizations and Small Municipalities: May 1, 2025
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Resources: |
The Manitoba Accessibility Office offers several resources to help organizations understand the requirements of the Accessible Information and Communication Standard. |
Learn more about the Accessible Information and Communication Standard at AccessibilityMB.ca. |
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Eligible Manitoba Organizations are Invited to Apply for the Manitoba Accessibility Fund |
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The Manitoba government is now accepting applications for the 2024/25 Manitoba Accessibility Fund, which offers grants up to $50,000 to projects improving accessibility and removing barriers for Manitobans living with disabilities. |
Eligible organizations must have been in operation for one year prior to application and may include: |
registered charities; non-profit organizations incorporated and registered with the Companies Office; non-profit organizations that have a bank account and can verify activity for at least one year; local businesses or corporations based in Manitoba providing services to Manitobans that are registered with the Companies Office; on-reserve businesses and organizations that meet all other eligibility requirements; municipalities and local authorities such as planning districts and Northern Affairs Community Councils; and universities, colleges and school divisions.
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Application projects must address accessibility standards under The Accessibility for Manitobans Act, tackling barriers to customer service, employment or information and communication. Projects must fulfil one of three objectives including: |
raising awareness about the prevention and removal of barriers; developing tools, resources and training to support compliance with legislated standards; or removing barriers to information and communications electronically, in-print and in person.
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The Manitoba Accessibility Fund, managed by The Winnipeg Foundation, was launched in 2021 with an initial $20-million investment. Since 2021, the program has supported increased compliance with The Accessibility for Manitobans Act through $1.6 million worth of funding for 72 projects across the province. |
The application deadline is February 16, 2024. For more information on accessibility in Manitoba and the Manitoba Accessibility Fund, visit AccessibilityMB.ca. |
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Spotlight on a Manitoba Accessibility Fund (MAF) Project |
This month, the Manitoba Accessibility Fund is proud to spotlight Manitoba Possible and their accessibility project. |
Manitoba Possible |
Manitoba Possible is a non-profit organization breaking down barriers to full and equal participation. Through collaboration and innovation, we provide a diverse range of programs and services to children, youth, and adults with disabilities through three Winnipeg locations and six regional offices across Manitoba. |
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Manitoba Possible is excited about the creation of the Community Education HUB – a project supported by the Manitoba Accessibility Fund. The Community Education HUB is an online learning portal designed to provide courses on accessibility and inclusion. As part of the initial launch of this project, courses are provided for the Accessible Customer Service Standard and the Accessible Employment Standard. Participants accessing these courses can receive course content in written form, audio format, or through American Sign Language. At the end of the course and after completing the quiz materials, the course will generate a certificate of completion. |
This project promotes accessibility by providing the instruction of the courses in multiple formats. It further grows the offering of our Community Education and Training program that seeks to educate our community on the barriers experienced in our society and how we can work together to create an accessible and inclusive society. This portal will support future courses on accessibility and inclusion and will serve as a hub of information and stories from the community. The Community Education HUB can be found at educationhub.manitobapossible.ca.
Article submitted by Manitoba Possible. |
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Service Animals - What to Know |
Manitoba’s Accessible Customer Service Standard Regulation requires organizations in the province to allow service animals to accompany their handler.
This means service animals must be allowed to accompany their handler when shopping at a store, eating at a restaurant, staying at a hotel, attending a medical appointment, or renting an apartment. There can be exceptions to this rule, like operating rooms or the kitchens of food service establishments. |
What is a Service Animal? |
A service animal is an animal that has been trained to help a person with a disability that relates to that person's disability.
There is no standardized certification, training program, or registry for service animals in Manitoba. Any animal that has been trained, including self trained, to provide disability related tasks for a person with a disability may be considered a service animal under The Accessibility for Manitobans Act and The Manitoba Human Rights Code. |
What should your Business or Organization know about Service Animals? |
Staff in organizations offering goods or customer service have the right to ask, “has this animal been trained to help with a disability-related need?”. |
Representatives from some organizations, such as landlords or employers may also request information, such as a medical note, to clarify the disability related need. No one, however, should require the handler to identify their diagnosis or demonstrate the animal’s ability to perform the task for which it is trained. |
Remember: Service animals must always be under the control of their handler. If the animal is barking, misbehaving, or demonstrating aggressive behavior, an organization may ask the handler to remove the animal from the premise. |
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In the News: |
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A man who attempted to board a Porter Airlines flight at the Calgary airport on January 21, is calling for clearer disability policies for airlines, after he was told he could not board the aircraft with his powerchair.
Read the full article |
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Kids who wouldn't be able to play hockey are getting the chance to do so thanks to a new program in Winnipeg. Volt Hockey is starting up in Winnipeg and gives kids living with disabilities the chance to try the sport that so many Canadians love.
Read the full article |
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Employers in Canada recognize that having inclusive businesses and workplaces is a business imperative. A culture of diversity and inclusion is required to attract and retain the best talent, and to foster the growth and vitality of a business.
Launched as part of the celebrations for International Day of Persons with Disabilities, the Canadian Business Disability Network’s key mission is to empower its member organizations to embrace disability-inclusive best practices that not only enhance their businesses but also contribute positively to their employees and customers.
Read the full article |
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Job Opportunity: |
The Manitoba Accessibility Office is seeking a highly organized and motivated individual to join their team as a Manitoba Accessibility Fund Manager.
Advertisement Number: 42190
Learn more about this opportunity and how to apply by visiting Manitoba Government Job Opportunities. |
Funding Opportunity: |
Manitoba Accessibility Fund: |
Grants of up to $50,000 available to help improve accessibility. Application deadline is February 16, 2024.
Visit AccessibilityMB.ca to learn more or to apply today. |
Awareness Dates: |
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