December 2, 2016
Manitoba Celebrates International Day of Persons with Disabilities by Improving Accessibility for All
– – –Consultation to Take Place in New Year: Fielding
A new Manitoba government accessibility plan that removes barriers and improves access to provincial services is being launched on the United Nations International Day of Persons with Disabilities, and consultations on an accessibility standard on employment will commence in the new year, Families Minister Scott Fielding announced today.
“Our government remains committed to making Manitoba the most improved province in Canada and this commitment includes repairing the services relied upon by all of our citizens, in every region of the province,” said Fielding. “This new accessibility plan will help ensure that all Manitobans have barrier-free access to government services.”
Under the Accessibility for Manitobans Act, as of 2016, the provincial government, all larger public sector organizations and municipalities must develop a multi-year accessibility plan that will identify barriers in their policies, programs and services and propose ways to eliminate them.
“As a community, we should take pride in this work because we all play an important role in making Red River College an open and accessible community that helps foster success for all students,” said Paul Vogt, president, Red River College.
In accordance with the legislation, accessibility standards are being developed to help eliminate physical, communication and other barriers. These standards will apply to all organizations and businesses in Manitoba with at least one employee, and are being developed through extensive input and consultation to ensure a clear understanding of the obligations, Fielding said. He added the public sector will lead the way in complying with the new standards, before they affect the private sector.
“We are pleased to reaffirm our commitment to the development and implementation of accessibility standards that improve the independence and inclusion of Manitobans everywhere,” said Fielding. “We will soon see the launch of accessibility plans for Manitoba’s largest public-sector organizations including post-secondary institutions, school divisions, larger municipalities and Crown corporations.”
The first of five accessibility standards, the customer service standard, came into force in November 2015. The minister noted the second standard, now under development, is related to employment.
“I am pleased to invite public feedback on the second proposed standard under the act, in the area of employment,” said Yvonne Peters, chairperson, the Accessibility Advisory Council. “The standard will remove barriers to the recruitment, hiring and retention of Manitobans affected by disabilities.”
For a copy of the discussion document or to learn more about the consultations on Jan. 18, 2017, visit www.accessibilitymb.ca/.
The Manitoba’s Disabilities Issues Office will join community organizations at the Canadian Museum of Human Rights to share in celebrations from 1 to 3 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 3. The program includes music, theatre and personal stories reflecting the relevance of the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities in Manitoba. The event is free.
“Given that disability issues are the leading reason for human rights complaints in Manitoba, the program will reflect on how far we still need to go to achieve the rights that many take for granted,” said Patrick Falconer of Barrier Free Manitoba.
Since 1992, the United Nations International Day of Persons with Disabilities has been celebrated on Dec. 3 around the world. This year the theme is assessing the status of the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities and laying the foundation for a future of greater inclusion for persons with disabilities.
More information can be found at www.un.org/disabilities/convention/conventionfull.shtml.
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