Accessibility – Related to The Accessibility for Manitobans Act, accessibility means giving people of all abilities opportunities to participate fully in everyday life. Accessibility refers to the ability to access and benefit from a system, service, product or environment.
Access Offer – This is a proactive way for people to know that your goods and services are accessible to everyone. For example, in the resource section of accessibilitymb.ca, you will find signage for reception areas that asks visitors: “How can I help?” In documents, the offer may look a little different, such as: “Alternative formats are available on request.” Be sure to add contact information so people know where to make the request.
The Accessibility for Manitobans Act (AMA) – The AMA is provincial legislation that was introduced to identify, remove and prevent barriers to accessibility. The AMA calls for accessibility standards that act as regulations. The law will result in improved accessibility for all Manitobans, regardless of their abilities.
Accommodations (Reasonable Accommodations) – Accommodations are arrangements made to allow people with disabilities to participate or benefit equally. The Human Rights Code (Manitoba) requires that reasonable accommodations be made for people with disabilities up to the point of undue hardship. There is no set formula for what kind of modifications are necessary. Usually, this means a simple and inexpensive adjustment to how things are typically done. Examples include healthy snacks to accommodate dietary needs, or a flexible work schedule to accommodate Home Care or medication.
Barriers – Barriers are obstacles that limit access and prevent people with disabilities from fully participating in everyday life. Most barriers are not intentional. Barriers usually arise because spaces, goods or services do not take into account users’ diversity of abilities. For instance, this might be related to height, strength, memory or understanding. For more information on different types of barriers, please visit accessibility barriers.
Large Employer – A large employer is one that employs at least 50 people. This includes seasonal employers who employ at least 50 people to do work that is expected to continue for at least 90 days.
Service Animal – Defined by The Human Rights Code (Manitoba), a service animal is trained to assist a person with a disability. The work or tasks a service animal performs must be directly related to a person’s physical or mental disability. Animals that provide comfort and companionship, but are not trained to assist with a person’s disability, are not service animals. For more information on service animals, please visit the Manitoba Human Rights Commission.
Sign Language Interpreter – A sign language interpreter is a person who translates from English to American Sign Language, using gestures and physical expressions (sign language). Interpreter services are critical to ensure accurate communication between individuals who are Deaf and hearing people who do not use sign language.
Undue Hardship – Sometimes, an accommodation becomes so difficult it becomes unreasonable, or an undue hardship. However, it is more than minimal hardship and it must be based on actual evidence of hardship and not merely assumptions about how hard it would be to accommodate a person’s special needs. For more information on undue hardship, please visit the Manitoba Human Rights Commission.
Universal Design – Universal design refers to making things safer, easier and more convenient for everyone. It involves a broad range of design concepts – including design of products, spaces and environments – to provide access in a way that respects all abilities.