Issue 69 | July 2026

This newsletter is available in alternate formats on request.

Disability Pride Month is a movement recognized each July, empowering people with disabilities. It's a time for community members and advocates to join to reflect and speak out against societal barriers.

First celebrated in July 1990, today Disability Pride Month is recognized around the world. This month, take some time to celebrate Disability Pride Month by reflecting on the role society plays in removing barriers while reflecting on the multiple intersecting identities within our community.

Spotlight on an Accessibility Project in our Community

Breaking Down Barriers at The Pas Regional Library - A Past Manitoba Accessibility Grant Recipient Improves Access at Regional Library

With support from the Manitoba Accessibility Fund, our recent project opened our eyes to the challenges-and opportunities-of making our services more inclusive for people of varying abilities and language backgrounds. One of the biggest hurdles we faced was finding affordable, high-quality resources to support patrons with different learning and reading needs. Materials designed for those with challenges often cost significantly more than standard resources, and not everything suited a shared library space. Some items were better suited to home environments, making it harder to justify their purchase within our limited budget. Supporting families, parents, and guardians with take-home literacy activities was another area we identified as needing more accessible, budget-friendly options.

When it came to visual accessibility, library staff had the chance to learn directly from people with vision impairments. This was incredibly valuable, especially in understanding how design choices on social media and our website affect visibility. For example, colour combinations that work well for users with vision challenges might be overwhelming or even painful for those without. We've since begun training staff to add descriptive text to images and organize information on our website in a way that's more compatible with screen readers and other assistive technologies.

Braille resources also posed an unexpected challenge due to their increased cost and the fact there are different types of Braille formats. After research and community input, we opted for the newer Braille standard that is currently taught in schools.

One of the most meaningful conversations during this process was with a community member who shared how seeing signage in Cree will make them feel more welcome. That simple change will help transform the library from a place of service into a place of belonging.

These efforts are small steps, but they're part of a broader commitment to making the library more inclusive and accessible for everyone in our community.

~ Article provided by The Pas Regional Library.

Announcement: Audit of Accessible Employment Policies for Public Sector Bodies

The Accessible Employment Standard Regulation was enacted under The Accessibility for Manitobans Act in 2019 and came into force for the public sector in 2021. This regulation requires organizations with one or more employees in Manitoba to take standardized measures to ensure they establish and implement accessible policies and practices throughout the employment cycle.

The Accessibility Compliance Secretariat will be conducting a dedicated audit of the policies respecting accessible employment that have been developed by organizations in the public sector. This formal compliance audit is anticipated to begin in September 2026.

Which organizations are impacted by this audit?

Public sector organizations, which include health authorities, school divisions, post-secondary institutions, cities and crown corporations, are required to develop and implement documented policies that cover the various requirements of the Accessible Employment Standard Regulation.

What are the Requirements?

Requirements include, but are not limited to:

• implementing accessible hiring processes

• taking into account barriers during performance management and career development

• ensuring completion of workplace accommodation training

• developing individualized accommodation plans for employees who request them

What can my organization do if it is part of the public sector?

Although the audit is not scheduled to begin until September 2026, you may submit your organization's accessible employment policy for a compliance review and feedback to the Accessibility Compliance Secretariat at any time before the audit commences.

Remember: The secretariat's compliance framework starts with education. If you have any questions or concerns, or require assistance to develop your policy, please contact accessibilitycompliance@gov.mb.ca.

Want More information?

There are resources available on the Manitoba Accessibility Office's website to help you comply with policy requirements.

• A checklist that outlines the specific requirements under the regulation.

• A handbook, developed to support organizations to understand and comply with accessible employment requirements.

• A sample accessible employment policy that can be adopted as-is or built upon to fit your organization's operations.

In the News

"First mini cabins in Manitoba parks set to open in St. Malo by early summer" posted on CBC News (cbc.ca)

Mini cabins are being built in Manitoba provincial parks, and the first six are expected to be available to rent in St. Malo early this summer and they're wheelchair accessible.

Read the full article

"Celebrate National AccessAbility Week 2026 with CBC" posted on CBC News (cbc.ca)

National AccessAbility Week is an annual celebration recognizing the contributions of people with disabilities in Canada. It’s an opportunity to promote a barrier-free, inclusive society.

Read the full article

Accessible Canada - National AccessAbility Week Funding

Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC) has launched a new call for proposals under the Accessible Canada Fund – National AccessAbility Week (NAAW) stream.

This funding opportunity will support projects that promote the implementation of the Accessible Canada Act and its regulations through NAAW activities delivered in 2027, 2028 and in 2029. It will fund projects that highlight the contributions of persons with disabilities, raise awareness, and promote accessibility and inclusion in communities and workplaces across Canada.

The call for proposals is open until July 28, 2026, at 3:00 p.m. (EDT).

How to Apply

To apply, or get more information about how to prepare your application, visit the following links:

• NAAW funding landing page

• What this program offers

• Who can apply

• Prepare to apply

• How to apply

ESDC will hold virtual information sessions to provide an overview of the application process for organizations interested in applying for funding. Sessions will be accessible with sign language interpretation and Communication Access Realtime Translation (CART). Please click below and select the date and language of your choice to register online for an information session:

• July 8, 2026, at 1:00 p.m. EDT (French session)

• July 9, 2026, at 1:00 p.m. EDT (English session)

If you require an accommodation to participate, please send an email to EDSC.AC.NAAW-SNA.CA.ESDC@hrsdc-rhdcc.gc.ca 10 business days prior to the information session.

Upcoming Accessibility Webinars

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.

Upcoming Webinar Topics:

• September 22, 2026: Understanding Service Animals Accessibility in Manitoba

  • Register to Attend

• November 17, 2026: Driving Inclusion: Understanding Manitoba's Accessible Transportation Standard Regulation

  • Register to Attend

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.

Visit AccessibilityMB.ca to learn more about these webinars or to register to attend.

Upcoming Awareness Dates

• Disability Pride Month (July)