Accessible Government Services

The Manitoba government is committed to ensuring equal access and participation for people with disabilities and is committed to meeting the needs of people who face barriers. Government strives to provide services in ways that ensure the dignity and independence of Manitobans with disabilities.


Requesting Accessibility Accommodations

The Manitoba government has a duty to inform the public and its employees that information is available through a communication support or accessible format and is committed to taking the appropriate steps to do so.

The Manitoba government wants to make sure everyone can access and understand information. If you need services and resources in a different format, or help with communication, follow the steps below:

  • Identify the information or resource you need in an accessible format, or the type of communication support required.
  • Send your request through one of the following channels:
    • Online Form: Complete the contact form.
    • Email: Send an email to accessibility@gov.mb.ca with your name, contact information, and describe the accessible format or support you need.
    • Phone: Call Manitoba Government Inquiry at 204-945-3744 (1-866-626-4862) to make a request.
  • After submitting your request, a representative will contact you to discuss the accessible format or communication support that best meets your needs.

The Manitoba government will provide timely feedback to answer requests quickly. There is no extra charge for different formats or help with communication.

 

Key Terms/Definitions

Accessible or alternate formats are formats that present printed or electronic documents in different ways to ensure everyone has equal access to the information. People with disabilities may use adaptive or assistive technology that requires an alternate or accessible format so the technology can access the information in a specific manner for the user.

Examples of accessible or alternate formats include:

  • large print
  • recorded audio
  • electronic or digital documents
  • braille
  • writing in plain language
  • text transcripts of visual and audio information

Communication supports facilitate communication between two or more people and helps the Manitoba government to effectively communicate with a wide audience.

Examples of communication supports include:

  • sign language interpretation
  • screen reader technology
  • captions used in video content or virtual meetings
  • video relay services
  • adaptive or assistive technology 

As noted in section 6(4) of the Accessible Information and Communication Standard Regulation, “an organization is not required to provide the information through a communication support or accessible format if one or more of the following applies:

  1. it is not technically feasible to provide the information through a communication support or accessible format;
  2. the technology required to provide the information through a communication support or accessible format is not readily available;
  3. providing the information through a communication support or accessible format would result in undue hardship to the organization;
  4. the organization does not have direct control over the information;
  5. the information relates to product labels or other product information.” 

Manitoba Government Accessibility Plan and Policies

Learn more about The Accessibility for Manitobans Act, and find additional information to support accessibility, by visiting AccessibilityMB.ca.

Learn more about Manitoba Government Accessibility Plan (MGAP), a two-year plan for improving accessibility in all government departments.

The Manitoba Government Accessible Customer Service Policy (PDF) outlines the many ways we are working to ensure government programs and information are accessible to all.

The Manitoba Government Accessible Information and Communication Policy Statement addresses the shared responsibility across government to support equitable and accessible information and communication to Manitobans through standards, guides, policies and training. 


Website Accessibility

The Manitoba government is committed to making its website content accessible to the widest possible audience. The Accessible Information and Communication Standard Regulation requires that newly published web content and content required to access government goods and services, meet World Wide Web Consortium (W3C) 2.1. Level AA Internet standards. If you have any questions about the accessibility of our website, complete the Web Assistance contact form.

 

Submit Accessibility Feedback

We appreciate feedback related to the accessibility of our services and information, which can include highlighting where we’re doing well, complaints or concerns, and/or feedback for improvement.  Feedback can be shared through the following avenues:

Online Form: Use the online form to submit your accessibility feedback electronically.

Email:  Send an email to accessibility@gov.mb.ca with your name, contact information and describe your feedback.

In Writing: To send accessibility feedback by mail, write a letter and send to:

Accessibility Consultant
Public Service Commission
935-155 Carlton Street
Winnipeg, Manitoba R3C 3H8

Phone: Call Manitoba Government Inquiry at 204-945-3744 (1-866-626-4862) or by TTY at 204-945-4796 to share your feedback.

The Manitoba government values your ideas and is always working to make Manitoba a better place for everyone by providing services that are welcoming, inclusive and user-friendly.