[April 5, 2023]
The Manitoba government is seeking meaningful input through public engagement as part of ongoing efforts to enhance accessibility for all Manitobans, Families Minister Rochelle Squires, minister responsible for accessibility, announced today.
“Accessibility is a basic human right, yet many people in our province still face significant barriers in their communities and workplaces,” said Squires. “Our government is committed to increasing accessibility and hearing from the public is an important part of this work. I’m pleased Manitobans will have the opportunity to help us improve the effectiveness of the Accessibility for Manitobans Act and its regulations.”
The minister noted the consultation is part of a comprehensive five-year review of the Accessibility for Manitobans Act, which became law in December 2013 and provides a clear and proactive process for identifying, preventing and removing barriers. Physical, communication and systemic barriers prevent a significant portion of Manitobans from fully participating in society. The act aims to eliminate barriers by developing accessibility standards for government, public and private-sector organizations including municipalities, businesses and not-for-profit organizations.
The mandatory review will focus on initiatives already taken under the act and the structures that support it. The public engagement will help Sarah Lugtig, who is leading the review, report on the effectiveness of the act and make recommendations to the minister.
Manitobans are invited to provide feedback at http://engagemb.ca/accessibility-for-manitobans-act before May 26.
In-person public forums held this spring will provide accessibility measures such as braille documents, ASL, closed captioning and personal care attendants to assist those with lived experience to participate and share perspectives. An accessible virtual forum will be held later in May.
The forums will be held across the province at three sessions including:
- Brandon – April 20 from 1 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. (Keystone Centre, 1-1175 18th St.);
- Thompson – May 2 from 1 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. (Ma-Mow-We-Tak Friendship Centre, 4 Nelson Rd.); and
- Winnipeg – May 15 from 1 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. (Viscount Gort Hotel, 1670 Portage Ave.)
For more information on the Accessibility for Manitobans Act, visit www.accessibilitymb.ca/.
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https://news.gov.mb.ca/news/index.html?item=58637&posted=2023-04-05