The Accessibility for Manitobans Act (AMA) came into effect on November 1, 2018.
The AMA outlines important accessibility obligations that apply to all businesses in Manitoba with customers in the province and at least one employee.
Guided by four key principles of access, equality, universal design and systemic responsibility, the AMA identifies customer service standards to reduce barriers for all Manitobans. It notes that “accessible customer service is provided when all persons who are reasonably expected to seek to obtain, use or benefit from a good or service have the same opportunity to obtain, use or benefit from the good or service.”
The legislation does not mandate precisely how an organization should remove barriers for individuals with a disability, but it sets up processes to ensure organizations are actively considering accessibility issues – and it ensures a measure of accountability for those that don’t.
Among other things, organizations must establish policies for how they will remove barriers; they must also provide documented policies in an accessible format upon request, and train employees who will interact with customers.
Our Commitment to Accessibility
MLT Aikins has developed a customer service policy to ensure that the firm meets the requirements and standards set out in the AMA – and to promote the underlying core principles of accessibility.
View the MLT Aikins Customer Service Policy.
At MLT Aikins, we strive to provide our services in a way that respects the dignity and independence of people with disabilities. We are working to ensure Manitobans with disabilities have the same opportunity to access our services and allowing them to benefit from the same services, in the same place and in a similar way as other customers.
Additional Resources
For more information about how the AMA or similar legislation in other provinces may affect your business, contact one of our labour and employment team members.
Read our past articles on this topic: