About the DIO

The Disabilities Issues Office:

• communicates directly with members of the community
• organizes an annual round table forum to consult with organizations and citizens concerned about new policy directions
• co-ordinates work among government departments, disability groups, corporate and community organizations
• makes Manitoba a more inclusive society for persons with disabilities

In 2001, the Government of Manitoba released Full Citizenship: A Manitoba Provincial Strategy on Disability to help persons with disabilities achieve full participation in all aspects of our society.

To achieve our provincial strategy, the Minister Responsible for Persons with Disabilities works closely with the DIO staff and community organizations to:

• identify issues affecting persons with disabilities
• co-ordinate policy development to improve access to public services
• promote positive attitudes and raise awareness about disability
• represent the needs of Manitobans with disabilities to other levels of government

In addition, the DIO is currently playing a key role in many initiatives, including:

• setting policy requiring renovations or construction of government buildings to meet universal design guidelines
• improving employment and educational opportunities for persons with disabilities, allowing them to receive training and earn additional income without losing services they may still require
• starting discussions with federal and First Nations governments to achieve more fairness in disability services delivery
• overseeing the construction of housing that better meets the needs of persons with disabilities

Our Provincial Strategy of Full Citizenship

In response to the Full Citizenship paper, Manitobans with disabilities told the government they wish to contribute to and benefit from the social and economic life of the province. The government responded with a commitment to designing programs and infrastructure to be more usable for all our citizens — also known as universal design.

The Government of Manitoba continues to work with persons with disabilities, improving their quality of life. This means helping Manitobans with disabilities:

• obtain the education and training of their choice
• find meaningful employment
• gain full access to government services
• live independently with adequate housing and disability supports

By introducing innovative practices and accommodating individual needs, the province encourages the active participation of persons with disabilities.

For more information, see Full Citizenship: A Manitoba Provincial Strategy on Disability.