Manitoba

The Accessibility for Manitobans Act

Manitoba Human Rights Code

Compliance Requirements and Deadlines

There will be five accessibility standards under AMA:

• Customer Service (passed November 2015)
• Employment (passed May 1, 2019)
• Information and Communications
• Built Environment
• Transportation

As the five accessibility standards are introduced, there will be new requirements and deadlines for affected organizations to remove barriers.

Accessible Customer Service

The Accessibility Standard for Customer Service was the first accessibility standard enacted under the AMA.  To meet the Customer Service Standard, organizations must:

• Meet the communication needs of customers, clients or members
• Allow assistive devices, such as wheelchairs, walkers and oxygen tanks
• Welcome support people, who are there to assist
• Welcome people with service animals
• Ensure accessibility is maintained as intended (ramps, wide aisles, removal of clutter)
• Let customers know when accessible features and services are not available
• Invite customers to provide feedback
• Train staff on accessible customer service, including reasonable accommodations under The Human Rights Code (Manitoba).
• Make public events accessible (large public sector organizations only)

All public sector organizations and private sector organizations with more than 20 employees must document their customer service policy and provide notice that it is available on request.

Accessibility Standard for Customer Service Checklist (Nonprofits/Businesses)

Accessible Employment

The Accessibility Standard for Employment requires businesses and non-profit organizations with at least one employee to create and act on measures, policies and practices to increase accessibility in the workplace.

Enacted on May 1, 2019, Manitoba’s Accessibility Standard for Employment is the second standard under The Accessibility for Manitobans Act.  Its purpose is to remove and prevent barriers that affect current and potential members of Manitoba’s labour force. The Accessibility Standard for Employment:

• Builds on existing requirements of Manitoba’s Human Rights Code
• Helps organizations hire, support and keep employees
• Applies to paid employees who are:
  • full-time
  • part-time
  • apprentices
  • seasonal

Checklist for Business and Non–Profit Organizations