This newsletter is available in alternate formats on request.
|
|
|
|
Improved Accessible Information and Communication
|
|
The Accessible Information and Communication Standard Regulation removes and prevents barriers that exist digitally, in print or through interaction with technology or people. As of May 1, 2025, all Manitoba qualifying organizations will be required to comply with the standard.
|
|
|
|
The Accessible Information and Communication Standard improves accessibility by:
|
|
- building on existing requirements of The Human Rights Code
- requiring websites and web content to follow globally recognized Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.1 standard to a minimum level AA
- requiring organizations to provide information in an accessible format or through a communication support, if requested
- requiring organizations to develop a feedback process, implement policies and practices to enhance accessibility and provide training to relevant staff
- setting specific requirements for supporting the purchase of accessible library resources within public libraries and supporting accessible material for students at educational institutions
|
|
Training on the requirements of the Accessible Information and Communication Standard is available through the AMA Learning Portal. Presented in plain language, the training includes examples of how to comply, which organizations must comply, tips for best practices and other useful resources.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Manitoba Government Continues to Reduce Barriers Through Manitoba Accessibility Fund
|
|
|
|
Eligible Manitoba organizations can now apply for accessibility project funding of up to $50,000 through the Manitoba Accessibility Fund grant program, Families Minister Nahanni Fontaine, minister responsible for accessibility, announced on January 10, 2025.
|
|
“Our government is committed to making our province more accessible for every Manitoban,” said Fontaine. “The Manitoba Accessibility Fund supports organizations who share this commitment by supporting projects that help reduce barriers and make communities better for everyone.”
|
|
The minister noted eligible organizations, including registered charities, non-profit organizations, local businesses, on-reserve entities and municipalities based in Manitoba, can apply to receive up to 100 per cent of project costs, with a maximum of $50,000 per application.
|
|
Projects must target accessibility standards under The Accessibility for Manitobans Act to improve customer service, employment or information and communication, and must also 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
- removing barriers to information and communications electronically, in print and in person
|
|
To date, the Manitoba Accessibility Fund has awarded more than $2.4 million in funding to support 109 accessibility projects across Manitoba.
|
|
The deadline to apply is February 14. For more information on eligibility and the application process, visit AccessibilityMB.ca
|
|
|
|
Spotlight on a Manitoba Accessibility Fund Project
|
|
This month, the Manitoba Accessibility Fund is proud to highlight previous grant recipient River East Transcona School Division.
|
|
River East Transcona School Division Enhances Digital Accessibility
|
|
River East Transcona School Division is committed to providing high-quality education and fostering an inclusive environment for the over 18,000 students—and their families—within its 42 schools. The division is dedicated to ensuring all students, regardless of ability, have access to an equitable and supportive learning experience.
|
|
In recent years, River East Transcona School Division has undertaken several initiatives to enhance accessibility, aligning with its mission to promote inclusion for students with disabilities. This commitment extends beyond physical environments to include the digital realm.
|
|
In 2023, the school division launched a transformative project funded by the Manitoba Accessibility Fund to raise awareness of accessibility regulations and remove barriers to accessing digital and print communications. By employing a comprehensive approach—including audits, staff training, assistive technology installations, and digital platform enhancements—this project has ensured the division meets and exceeds the requirements of The Accessibility for Manitobans Act and the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG).
|
|
Looking ahead, River East Transcona School Division remains dedicated to fostering an inclusive and accessible learning environment for all. The impact of this project will continue to influence the division’s accessibility initiatives well into the future.
|
|
~ Article submitted by River East Transcona School Division
|
|
|
|
|
|
Service Animals: Did you know?
|
|
|
|
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, taking a cab, or renting an apartment. There are some restrictions like operating rooms or the kitchen of a food service establishment.
|
|
Did you know that there is no standardized certification, training program or registry for service animals in Manitoba?
|
|
|
|
Did you know as an organization offering goods or customer service, staff can ask: “Has this animal been trained to help with a disability-related need?”
|
|
Some handlers carry documentation, such as a letter, note or form from a regulated health professional that states that they require the animal because of a disability-related need. An organization may consider asking for documentation only when the service the animal is providing is not obvious.
|
|
No one, however, should ask for or require the handler to identify their diagnosis or demonstrate the animal’s ability to perform the task for which it is trained.
|
|
This also means service animals must always be under the control of their handler. If the animal is barking, misbehaving or demonstrating aggressive behaviour, an organization may ask the handler to remove the animal from the premise.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
When Dustin Thompson noticed a lack of support for people who don't have homes, he helped the only way he knew how: Once a month he leads a group of Deaf and hard of hearing volunteers to help people without housing.
|
|
|
|
|
|
It’s a busy lunch hour at Something Beautiful, a cafe and gift shop in Stonewall. Gary Lawson makes a fresh pot of coffee. Kyle Soroka washes dishes in the kitchen. Darrell Dempster helps set a table set aside for a reservation. They’re all clients of Community Living Interlake (CLI), an organization that supports adults living with disabilities. They’re also staff at Something Beautiful, a social enterprise CLI opened in 2016.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Applications Now Open for Municipal and Northern Relations Program, From the Ground Up
|
|
The From the Ground Up grant program supports community capacity building in three categories:
|
|
- community economic development
- well-being and recreation
- housing and safety co-ordination supports
|
|
Eligible applicants include non-profit organizations, municipal governments (other than the City of Winnipeg) and Northern Affairs Community Councils.
|
|
The deadline for applications is February 18. For more information about the grant program, eligible projects or to apply, visit gov.mb.ca/grants.
|
|
|
|
Upcoming Learning Opportunities
|
|
The Manitoba Accessibility Office is planning a series of webinar learning opportunities. Attend and learn more about a wide variety of topics relating to accessibility, The Accessibility for Manitobans Act and standards.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Webinars will be hosted virtually on Zoom from 1 to 2 p.m. and will feature accessibility measures such as American Sign Language interpretation (ASL) and live closed captioning.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Upcoming Awareness Celebrations
|
|
|
|
|
|
