Public Service Commission Policies

Accessible Information and Communication

 

Purpose

The Manitoba government recognizes that establishing and implementing measures respecting accessible information and communication results in improved outcomes and better services for Manitobans.

The policy statement builds upon the existing requirements of Manitoba’s Human Rights Code, and is in accordance with The Accessibility for Manitobans Act (AMA), The Accessible Information and Communication Standard Regulation, The Accessible Customer Service Standard Regulation, and with the expected behaviours outlined in the Manitoba Government Code of Conduct, derived from the values for an ethical and effective public service in The Public Service Act.


Policy Statement

The Manitoba government is committed to providing programs and services that are accessible and meet the needs of all Manitobans in ways that maintain dignity and independence. This includes preventing and removing barriers to support equitable and accessible information and communication to Manitobans that exist digitally, in print or through interactions with technology or people.

Ensuring accessible information and documents is a shared responsibility and the following standards, guides, policies and training provide public servants with further guidance:

  • Communication and Engagement Division’s (CED) Visual Identity Standard provides rules and direction on standards related to the Manitoba government’s visual identity (i.e., through interactions with technology), in-print, or while accessing in-person services.
  • The Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.1 provides guidance on how to meet the website, web content and web applications standards to help ensure that new, or significantly updated web applications, meet the Accessible Information and Communication Standard Regulation. At a minimum, content that is newly published or is required to access the government’s goods and services must be in compliance with the guidelines. 
  • CED’s Writing Style Guide provides guidance on a consistent approach in writing for the Manitoba government. This includes guidance on providing an access offer statement on all Manitoba government public-facing documents, reports, forms and applications. Guidance on how to create accessible documents, images, alt text, audio, video, and web standards are also provided.
  • Manitoba Government Accessible Customer Service Policy instructs the quality of interaction between government employees and people disabled by barriers when providing information and customer service to the public.  This policy is extended to encompass accessible information and communication and includes a documented feedback and response system.
  • The Accessible Information and Communication Training provides training on identifying, preventing and removing barriers to accessibility, and providing information through a communication support or accessible format. Training also reviews Manitoba’s Human Rights Code, the AMA and the Accessible Information and Communication Standard Regulation. The accessible communication training is required for all public servants who:
    • communicate directly to the public
    • maintain or develop the public service’s web content
    • are educators
    • purchase or procure information technology or communication tools
    • develop or implement public service measures, policies and practices respecting accessible communication

This course and any other training needed to support accessible information and communication should be completed as soon as reasonably practicable after being assigned the applicable duties, and/or when significant changes to government’s accessible communication measures, policies and practices occur. Records on training will be maintained.

  • The Accessibility Home page provides information on requesting accessibility accommodations, and the process for providing feedback related to the accessibility of services and information.


Policy Inquiries

For further information or questions about this policy statement, please contact:
Public Service Commission
PSCSIB@gov.mb.ca
 204-945-2332
1-800-282-8069 (ext. 2332)
TTY/TDD: 204-945-1437

 

Effective date: September 16, 2024
Previous revision date(s): September 16, 2024
Original date: September 16, 2024


This information is available in alternate formats on request.

To make a request, please contact accessibility@gov.mb.ca or 204-945-3744 (1-866-626-4862), or visit the Accessibility Home page.