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 by preventing and removing barriers. This includes informing the public and government employees that information is available in accessible formats and through communication supports upon request. This supports 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 (link to internal resource) 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 How to Meet WCAG - Quick Reference provides guidance on how to meet Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.1 Level AA requirements for websites, web content and web applications as set out in the Accessible Information and Communication Standard Regulation. At minimum newly published and significantly updated web applications must be in compliance with the WCAG 2.1 Level AA standards. In addition, newly published web content, and web content required to access the government’s goods and services, must be in compliance with the WCAG 2.1 Level AA standards. Refer to sections 7.2 and 8.2 of the Accessible Information and Communication Standard Regulation for exceptions. 
  • CED’s Writing Style Guide (link to internal resource) 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 the duty to notify the public about alternate formats and communication supports. *Note: This policy is being reviewed for alignment with the Accessible Information and Communication Standard Regulation.
  • Seeking to remove and prevent communication barriers in government communications, the Sign Language policy sets clear direction for departments and public servants for the delivery of, and access to information in sign language, for both the public and internal audiences.
  • The Accessible Information and Communication Training (link to internal resource) 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 mandatory for all public servants who:
    • communicate directly to the public or to another organization in Manitoba on behalf of the organization, including employees, agents and volunteers
    • 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.

  • The Accessibility Home page provides information to the public and to Manitoba government employees on the process for requesting information in accessible formats and through communication supports. This includes definitions related to available accessible formats and communication supports, how to request accessibility accommodations, information about the requirement for timely responses to requests, and the avenues for providing feedback related to the accessibility of services, information and supports.


Policy Inquiries

For further information or questions about this policy statement, please contact:

Policy Unit, Strategic and Corporate Services
Public Service Commission
PSCSIB@gov.mb.ca
 204-945-2332
1-800-282-8069 (ext. 2332)
TTY/TDD: 204-945-1437

 

Effective date: January 22, 2025
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.