Accessibility | The Accessibility Standard for Information & Communication

The Accessible Information and Communication Standard focuses on removing and preventing barriers that exist digitally, in-print or through interaction with technology or people.

The Accessible Information and Communication Standard is the third standard under The Accessibility for Manitobans Act. Under this standard, organizations need to consider the ways in which Manitobans interact with or access information, including on websites, to develop measures, policies and practices providing barrier-free information and communication.

The Accessibility Standard for Information and Communication:

• builds on existing requirements of Manitoba's Human Rights Code
• helps organizations identify, reduce and remove barriers for website users and members of the public trying to access information or contact them
• adopts globally recognized web content accessibility guidelines as a minimum requirement
• applies to all organizations in Manitoba with one or more employees

Requirements

To comply with the Accessible Information and Communication Standard, all employers must meet the following requirements:

1. Web applications - If an organization is launching or significantly refreshing a web application it must meet WCAG 2.1 level AA, at minimum.
   • Web application is defined as a software application that is run on a web server and accessed by a user through a web browser (does not include mobile apps).
   • Significant refresh means an update to an existing web application that changes the functionality, user base or purpose.
2. Website content - If an organization is publishing or updating website content, it must meet WCAG 2.1 level AA guidelines.
   • This applies to any website content published on or after this standard comes into force.
   • Older website content must be updated, if it is required in order to access information related to an organization's goods and services.

   ^* Please note that these requirements also apply to intranet networks for all public sector organizations (excluding small municipalities).

3. Requesting accessible information - Organizations must:
   • inform the public and employees that they can request information through a communication support or accessible format
   • this may include information related to emergency procedures or public safety
   • consult with the person making the request to identify a support or format that removes the barrier and provide it in a timely manner - ask what is needed
   • not charge the person making a request more than what would be charged to someone who didn't make a request
4. Feedback process - Organizations must:
   • must have a process to receive and respond to feedback about accessible information and communication
   • process must be appropriate to the circumstances and suitable for people with disabilities
   • must document resulting actions and make that documentation available on request
   Organizations must provide training to:
   • a person who communicates directly to the public or to another organization in Manitoba on behalf of the organization, including employees, agents and volunteers
   • if the organization is an educational institution, a person who is an educator
   • a person who develops or maintains the organization's web content
   • a person who purchases or procures information technology or communication tools
   • a person who develops or implements the organization's measures, policies and practices respecting accessible communication
5. Training content must include:
   • how to identify, prevent and remove barriers to accessible communication
   • how to provide information through a communication support or accessible format
   • a review of The Human Rights Code, The Accessibility for Manitobans Act and this standard
   • must provide training to a person as soon as reasonably possible after that person is assigned the applicable duties
   • ongoing training needs to be provided whenever an organization updates or changes their accessible communication policies, measures or practices
6. Documentation - Certain organizations are required to:
   • write down all policies, measures and practices related to accessible information and communication, including the content and timeframe for training.
   • make these documents publicly available.
   • Documentation requirements apply to:
     • Public sector organizations (including Manitoba government)
     • Educational institutions.
     • Libraries
       • Library resource procurement - A library must consider the accessibility needs of its users when procuring or purchasing library resources.
       • Duty to notify: library resources - A library must take appropriate measures to inform its users of each library resource that is currently available through a communication support or accessible format and the types of supports or formats that are available with respect to that resource.
     • Private organizations, including businesses and non-profits with 50+ employees
     • Small municipalities with 50+ employees

Exceptions

The Accessible Information and Communication Standard includes some exceptions that may apply to the requirements to:

• Provide information through a communication support or accessible format.
• Provide library resources through a communication support or accessible format.
• Meet WCAG 2.1 AA standards for accessible web content.
• Meet WCAG 2.1 AA standards for accessible web applications.

Requirements do not apply if one or more of the following conditions is met:

• It is not technically feasible to meet the requirement.
• The technology required to meet the requirement is not readily available.
• Meeting the requirement would cause the organization undue hardship.
• The organization does not have direct control over the requested information, library resource, web content, or web application.
• The information, library resource, web content, or web application relates to product labels or other product information.

Exceptions do not apply to requests received by an educational institution to provide educational materials through a communication support or accessible format. If educational material cannot reasonably be provided through a communication support or accessible format, the educational institution must provide a comparable resource to the person who made the request. Educational material includes:

• Textbooks
• Supplementary learning resources, including reference books, workbooks, and educational kits
• Student records
• Information regarding class, lesson, workshop, or programs including: descriptions, availability, scheduling, and requirements