Manitoba has announced plans to lead the way on removing accessibility barriers in services and programs by the end of 2017.

“Accessibility legislation moves Manitoba away from dealing with barriers on a case-by-case basis; instead it offers a proactive and systemic approach to preventing and eliminating barriers,” said Allen Mankewich, co-chairperson, Manitoba League of Persons with Disabilities. “Increasingly Manitobans are taking the initiative to make their communities and services more inclusive. Accessibility legislation will help guide this process.”

Starting in 2016, Manitoba, all 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 laid out under the Accessibility for Manitobans Act. Smaller municipalities and public-sector bodies will have until 2017 to complete plans.

Accessibility standards will be developed in the five areas of customer service, employment, information and communication, transportation, and design and construction outside the jurisdiction of the Manitoba Building Code, such as sidewalks, pathways and parks.

The province will offer guidance on identifying and removing barriers to create an inclusive environment. Manitoba’s Disability Issues Office offers free presentations and training events on creating an accessibility plan, including policies and strategies for action.