This newsletter is available in alternate formats on request. |
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Guide Development of the Accessible Outdoor Spaces Standard |
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| The Manitoba government is developing a draft of the Accessible Outdoor Spaces Standard Regulation and is looking for your input. |
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Whether it’s creating safer streetscapes, re-imagining bike lanes, or taking a wider approach to designing communities for people of all ages and abilities, let’s collaborate to ensure our outdoor spaces are accessible for everyone. |
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Take this survey to share your feedback on the current state of Accessible Outdoor Spaces |
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Survey Closes: April 23, 2026 |
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Additional Ways to Share Your Experiences |
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If you need assistance taking the survey or would prefer to provide your comments and feedback by speaking directly with someone, please contact the Manitoba Accessibility Office at (204) 945-7613 or by email at MAO@gov.mb.ca. |
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Spotlight on an Accessibility Project in the Community |
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Featured Project – Menno Home for the Aged Inc. |
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Menno Home for the Aged is a faith-based not-for-profit long-term care facility affiliated with the Southern Health-Santé Sud health region and operating in Grunthal, MB since 1964. Originally opened by several community churches, the facility is home to 40 seniors and employs 80 staff. |
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A grant provided by the Manitoba Accessibility Fund allowed us to redesign and create an accessible website offering information to families and friends of residents. The website offers information about programs and services, location, current news, upcoming events, job postings and includes a contact us page for general inquiries. The website also gives leadership and the board of directors a face, helping alleviate the concern of the unknown experienced by many elders and families when a loved one requires long-term care. |
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The accessibility of resources is particularly important in rural locations where people may have to travel long distances to receive services. An accessible web presence allows individuals to know what services are available and who to contact, and we will continue to build on the accessibility of the site. Click to view the accessible website. |
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Thank you, Manitoba Accessibility Fund. |
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~ Article provided by Menno Home for the Aged Inc. |
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Accessible Public Events – What to Know |
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Manitoba’s Accessible Customer Service Standard Regulation sets out specific requirements for the government and other public sector bodies in the province to make the public events they hold accessible. Public sector bodies in Manitoba include crown corporations, municipalities, cities, health authorities, school divisions, universities and colleges. |
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What is considered a Public Event? |
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A "public event" includes a public meeting, a public hearing and a consultation process required under an enactment. Examples may include, but are not limited to, community forums, town halls or council meetings that are open to the public. |
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How to Make Public Events Accessible |
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When holding a public event, reasonable measures must be taken by public sector bodies to: |
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give notice of the event in an accessible manner inform persons that they may request relevant accessibility supports to participate in the event hold the event in a meeting space that is accessible upon request, meet the physical and communication needs of persons disabled by barriers
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Remember: Other organizations and businesses may choose to adhere to the above accessibility measures as a recommended practice when holding events. |
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American Sign Language Interpretation Now Available for Broadcasts of House Proceedings |
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The Manitoba Legislative Assembly has taken an important step towards greater accessibility and inclusion. As of December 3, 2025, all broadcasts of the legislative proceedings feature picture-in-picture live ASL interpretation. |
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This enhances the proceedings for Deaf and hard-of-hearing Manitobans as they can now follow the debates in real time. It removes a communication barrier and makes the democratic process more accessible to people across the province. Â |
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When people think about attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), they often picture a hyperactive young boy running around a classroom, not the quiet girl daydreaming in the corner, the chatty student who can’t finish her work or the mother who is chronically late and constantly searching for her keys. |
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Imagine approaching a curb in a wheelchair. The step is only a few inches, but for some of us, it might as well be a wall. Now imagine that wall turned into a slope. With that single design change, movement becomes possible again. |
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Learn About Manitoba’s Accessibility Regulations |
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The Manitoba Accessibility Office is hosting a series of educational webinars. Join and learn more about The Accessibility for Manitobans Act and its accessibility standards. |
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May 19, 2026: Creating Accessible Documents September 22, 2026: Understanding Service Animals Accessibility in Manitoba November 17, 2026: Driving Inclusion: Understanding Manitoba’s Accessible Transportation Standard Regulation
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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. |
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Save the Date: Manitoba Access Awareness Week |
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Manitoba Access Awareness Week runs May 31 to June 6, 2026. 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. |
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