Following Ontario’s lead, Manitoba became the second Canadian jurisdiction to pass accessibility legislation for people with disabilities when the Accessibility for Manitobans Act (AMA) came into law in December 2013. The AMA attempts to ensure people of all abilities have opportunities to full and effective participation in everyday life.
Accessible Standards
The AMA has five standards that provide requirements to address how to identify, remove and prevent barriers in each domain.
The AMA standards:
- Customer Service
- Employment
- Information and Communication
- Built Environment
- Transportation
The Customer Service Standard came into effect on November 1, 2015. The deadline for public sector organizations, like Red River College, to comply with the requirements outlined in the standard was November 1, 2017. The standard addresses many training, communication, and respectful, barrier-free customer service.
Draft recommendations for the Employment Standard were recently submitted to the Minister of Families following public consultations and a public review.
Recommendations for the Information and Communication Standard are currently in development. This standard deals with physical and digital content, design, delivery, and authoring tools procurement.
Other Canadian Accessibility Acts
Ontario became the first Canadian jurisdiction to enact accessibility legislation with the passing of the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA) 2005. Nova Scotia passed the Nova Scotia Accessibility Act in 2017 and is currently conducting public consultations. The Government of Canada conducted public consultations in 2016 and 2017. Legislation is expected to be presented to parliament in spring 2018.
Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities
In 2010, Canada ratified the United Nation’s Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD) which protects the rights of persons with disabilities by ensuring they are full and equal members of society. It also covers related issues such as poverty, mental health, and barriers for girls and women with disabilities.
About the Author
Jim Hounslow is an Instructional Designer with the TLTC with a specialization in digital accessibility. He is also a member of the committee tasked with developing recommendations for the proposed Information and Communications Standard for the Accessibility for Manitobans Act (AMA).