Since becoming law in 2013, The Accessibility for Manitobans Act has been applied in stages.
Since November 1, 2018, all private businesses are to be in compliance with the Customer Service Standard Regulation. For now, the changes do not require you to invest in building renovations to add wheelchair ramps and other accessibility features, but there are steps to follow to make sure your business is compliant when providing goods and services.
The next stage under the Accessible Employment Standard Regulation is designed to remove and prevent barriers in the workplace for employees with disabilities. Details about the May 1, 2020 deadline and tools to help you comply are available near the end of this web post.
Customer Service Standard Regulation
The first stage is all about customer service. You must ensure the service provided by your employees removes all barriers for people with physical, vision, hearing, mental health, developmental and learning disabilities, so they have equal opportunity to participate in everyday life.
Accessible Employment Standard Regulation
The second stage is about removing and preventing barriers that may affect current and future employees with disabilities. It builds on requirements set out in the Manitoba Human Rights Code, and applies to all full-time, part-time, seasonal and apprentice employees.