October is workplace accessibility month: join the conversation

October is Disability Employment Awareness Month in Manitoba — a time to focus on building a province where everyone can participate fully, without barriers. It’s also a great reason to take part in the upcoming Accessibility Awareness Webinar, hosted by the Manitoba Accessibility Office.

The webinar is an opportunity to learn, connect, and stay up to date on Manitoba’s accessibility standards and resources. Whether you work in government, business, education or the non-profit sector, you’ll come away with practical insights about creating spaces, services and workplaces that work for everyone.

DEAM isn’t just a symbolic campaign. It’s a reminder accessibility is a shared responsibility — one that improves life for all Manitobans. The Manitoba Accessibility Office plays a leading role in this work year-round, providing education, guidance, and resources to help organizations meet their obligations under the Accessibility for Manitobans Act.

Manitoba Accessibility Office role

The MAO, part of the Department of Families, helps bring accessibility from policy into practice. Its team works with businesses, non-profits and public bodies to help them understand what’s required under the accessibility act and how to make changes that actually remove barriers — not just meet minimum standards.

Since the first accessibility standard (Customer Service Standard) came into effect in 2015, Manitoba has continued to build on that foundation with standards covering employment, information and communication, transportation and the design of public spaces. Each one targets a different type of barrier that can prevent people with disabilities from fully taking part in daily life.

The MAO supports organizations through training sessions, plain language guides, checklists and practical tools. Its website (accessibilitymb.ca) is full of helpful resources — from templates for accessibility policies to short training videos and guides for public-sector organizations.

These tools make a difference. They simplify what can feel like a complicated process and help organizations move from awareness to action. And importantly, they help create workplaces and communities that are welcoming to everyone — not just those who happen to fit a traditional mould.

Why this webinar matters

The Accessibility Awareness Webinar (Oct. 28, from 1 to 2:30 p.m., virtual via Zoom, register at accessibilitymb.ca) offers more than a refresher on regulations. It’s a chance to hear real examples of how accessibility principles are being put into practice across the province. You’ll hear from people who are finding creative ways to remove barriers and design better systems and from MAO staff who can answer questions and share what’s new.

In today’s workplaces and public spaces, accessibility isn’t a “nice-to-have” — it’s an expectation.

More Manitobans than ever are living with disabilities, whether temporary or permanent. When buildings, websites, forms or services aren’t designed with everyone in mind, people are excluded. That’s not just a legal issue under the act — it’s a missed opportunity for inclusion, innovation, revenue and stronger community connections.

By attending the webinar, you’ll gain practical insight into how accessibility fits into day-to-day operations. You’ll also connect with others who are facing similar challenges and working toward the same goal. The discussions are grounded in real experiences and the focus is on what’s possible, not just what’s required.

Manitoba success story

It’s worth recognizing Manitoba has been a leader in accessibility policy across Canada. The act, passed in 2013, was the first accessibility legislation of its kind outside Ontario. It set a clear goal: a fully accessible Manitoba by 2023. While there’s still work to be done, that vision has already created meaningful progress.

The MAO deserves credit for helping turn legislation into action. Its public education campaigns, online training and partnerships with organizations have built a foundation for real change. Manitoba now has thousands of organizations that have developed accessibility policies, trained their employees and reviewed their services through an accessibility lens.

The momentum continues each year. DEAM is a time to check in — to see how far we’ve come and where we still need to go. The MAO uses this time to highlight stories of progress and share tools that make compliance easier and more effective.

Small changes, big impact

Accessibility doesn’t always mean major construction projects or expensive technology. Sometimes, it’s as simple as redesigning a form, providing information in multiple formats or adjusting how we communicate. These small steps add up. They make workplaces more welcoming, customer interactions smoother and communities stronger.

The MAO’s work emphasizes accessibility benefits everyone. Clear signage helps newcomers and visitors. Captioned videos support people learning English. Ramps assist people using wheelchairs, but they also make life easier for parents pushing strollers or couriers moving heavy loads.

Accessibility is good design — and good design is good business.

How you can participate

If you’ve never attended an accessibility event before, this webinar is a great place to start. It’s approachable, informative and relevant no matter your role. You’ll leave with a better understanding of what accessibility means in practice and how to identify barriers before they become problems.

Encourage colleagues to attend with you. Share what you learn afterward. Consider doing a quick accessibility review of your workplace or community space. The MAO’s online tools make that easy to do. Even one change — such as adjusting a website layout or reviewing your hiring process — can make a difference.

October is also a good time to celebrate progress within your own organization. Recognize employees who have championed accessibility and share your stories with the MAO so others can learn from them.

Moving forward together

Disability Employment Awareness Month is about awareness, yes, but it’s also about action. The work of building an accessible province doesn’t belong to one office or one government department. It belongs to all of us — employers, service providers, community leaders and citizens.

The Manitoba Accessibility Office has shown what’s possible when expertise and collaboration come together. It has made the path clearer for others to follow. By showing up — by taking the time to learn, reflect and improve — we keep that progress moving forward.

In October, take an hour to invest in accessibility. Register for the webinar, listen in and see what’s new. It’s one small step toward a province where everyone, regardless of ability, has the opportunity to participate fully and equally.

That’s the goal — and it’s one we can all help achieve.

Tory McNally, CPHR, BSc., vice-president,

professional services, is a human resource consultant, radio personality and problem solver.

She can be reached at tmcnally@tipipartners.com