[April 29, 2024] The Manitoba government will soon require Manitoba public sector organizations to make information and communication more accessible, Families Minister Nahanni Fontaine, minister responsible for accessibility, announced today.
“So much of our world revolves around access to information and Manitobans should not face barriers when accessing digitally, in print or through interactions with technology or people,” said Fontaine. “The accessible information and communication standard removes barriers and ensures we all strive to identify, reduce and remove barriers for everyone, including the one-in-three Manitobans with a disability.”
As of May 1, Manitoba public sector organizations will have to comply with the accessible information and communication standard regulation under the Accessibility for Manitobans Act (AMA). The standard improves accessibility by:
- building on existing requirements of the Human Rights Code;
- requiring websites and web content to follow globally recognized Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.1 standards to a minimum level AA;
- requiring organizations to provide information in an accessible format or through a communication support if requested;
- requiring organizations to develop a feedback process, implement policies and practices to enhance accessibility and provide training to relevant staff; and
- setting specific requirements for supporting the purchase of accessible library resources within public libraries and supporting accessible material for students at educational institutions.
The minister noted an online training module on the requirements of the standard is available on the Manitoba Accessibility Office’s AMA learning portal. Presented in plain language, the training includes examples of how to comply, tips for best practices and other useful resources.
The accessible information and communication standard regulation is the third standard under the Accessibility for Manitobans Act. For more information or to take the training, visit: https://accessibilitymb.ca./.
For more information on WCAG guidelines, visit www.w3.org/WAI/standards-guidelines/wcag/glance/.
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