Building inclusive, accessible workforce

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This article was published 19/10/2024 (415 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

As the deadline for public feedback on the Accessible Employment Standard Regulation approaches, there remains a critical opportunity for Manitobans to contribute their voices to shaping the future of inclusive employment. The Manitoba Accessibility Advisory Council continues to seek input from individuals and organizations before the final submission deadline of Nov. 1.

Understanding Accessible Employment Standard Regulation

It was introduced as part of the Accessibility for Manitobans Act (AMA), a groundbreaking legislative effort aimed at removing barriers and improving accessibility in all sectors of public life. This regulation specifically addresses the barriers people with disabilities face in securing and maintaining employment. It requires employers to take concrete steps to ensure workplaces are inclusive, focusing on recruitment processes, workplace accommodations and training on accessibility issues.

The regulation’s objectives are to create a more inclusive workforce by ensuring job applicants and employees with disabilities have equal opportunities in hiring, retention and career development. It encourages employers to assess their policies and practices to make reasonable accommodations and provide supports that foster success for all employees, regardless of ability.

As this regulation is still relatively new, the Manitoba Accessibility Advisory Council is seeking feedback from the public and interested stakeholders to evaluate its effectiveness, identify any remaining barriers and suggest improvements that could further promote accessibility in Manitoba workplaces.

Why your feedback matters

Public feedback plays a crucial role in ensuring the Accessible Employment Standard Regulation is comprehensive, practical and capable of delivering real change. The council relies on the input from individuals with lived experience, employers, advocacy groups and other stakeholders to identify areas of the regulation that may need enhancement.

For instance, the 2021 review of the Customer Service Standard, another key component of the AMA, led to legislative changes based on feedback provided by the public. The minister responsible for accessibility acted on all of the council’s recommendations from that review, demonstrating the tangible impact public input can have. Similarly, the ongoing review of the Accessible Employment Standard Regulation is expected to result in changes that reflect the needs and concerns of Manitobans.

By providing feedback, you are helping ensure the regulation continues to evolve in a way that benefits employees with disabilities, supports employers and promotes a more inclusive workforce. Your experiences, whether positive or negative, provide valuable insights into how the regulation is working in practice and where improvements can be made.

How to submit feedback

The Manitoba Accessibility Advisory Council has made the feedback process accessible and easy to engage with. There are several ways you can share your thoughts and experiences:

Online survey: Visit the government’s public engagement platform at EngageMB.ca to take part in the survey. This platform allows you to share your views on key aspects of the regulation, such as how well the regulation is being implemented, the challenges faced by employers and employees and areas that need improvement.

Written submissions: If you prefer to submit a more detailed account of your experiences or concerns, you can send briefs and written submissions to the Manitoba Accessibility Advisory Council via email at access@gov.mb.ca. This option is ideal for organizations, advocacy groups or individuals who want to provide comprehensive feedback.

Phone feedback: For those who would rather speak directly, feedback can be given over the phone by calling 204-945-7613. This is a great option for anyone who prefers to communicate verbally or has accessibility needs that make other methods difficult.

It’s important to remember the deadline for submitting feedback is Nov. 1. The council encourages all Manitobans to take part in this process to ensure their perspectives are heard and considered.

Role of Manitoba Accessibility Advisory Council

The council is a key player in reviewing accessibility standards across the province. Comprising representatives from various sectors, including people with disabilities, industry leaders and accessibility experts, the council is responsible for ensuring the regulations created under the AMA are both effective and meaningful.

Once the feedback is collected, the council will analyze the information and incorporate it into its final review of the Accessible Employment Standard Regulation. The council’s findings and recommendations will be compiled into a comprehensive report, which will then be submitted to the minister responsible for accessibility.

This process highlights the power of collective input and reinforces the importance of public participation. By engaging with the review, Manitobans can help ensure that the employment sector continues to move toward greater accessibility and inclusivity.

Essential for employers, employees

The Accessible Employment Standard Regulation is not just about removing barriers for employees with disabilities; it also provides significant benefits for employers. By fostering inclusive work environments, employers can tap into a wider talent pool, reduce turnover rates and increase employee satisfaction and productivity. Accessible employment practices create a more dynamic and innovative workplace, as diverse teams often bring unique perspectives and approaches to problem solving.

For employees with disabilities, the regulation offers important protections and supports that can make the difference between thriving in a job and facing ongoing challenges. Reasonable accommodations, such as modified workspaces, flexible hours and accessible technologies, are essential for creating an environment where all employees can succeed.

However, the reality is not all workplaces have fully embraced these changes. Some employers may still be uncertain about how to implement the regulation or may be unaware of the available resources to support accessible employment. This is where feedback becomes crucial — by sharing your experiences, you can help identify where additional guidance or resources may be needed to support employers in meeting their obligations under the regulation.

Conclusion

The review of the Accessible Employment Standard Regulation offers a significant opportunity to influence the future of accessible employment in Manitoba. By participating in this process, you can help shape policies that will have a lasting impact on both employers and employees with disabilities.

Whether you are an individual with a disability, an employer or an advocate for accessibility, your voice matters. Be sure to visit EngageMB.ca to complete the survey, submit your written feedback to the Manitoba Accessibility Advisory Council, or provide your comments over the phone. The deadline is fast approaching, but there is still time to ensure your experiences and suggestions are heard.

Together, we can create a more inclusive and accessible workforce for all Manitobans.

Tory McNally, CPHR, BSc., vice-president, HR consulting, is a human resource professional, radio personality, speaker and problem solver. She can be reached at tory@legacybowes.com