Manitoba’s Accessibility Standard sets requirements for organizations to remove barriers and improve access for people with disabilities. It focuses on customer service, employment, information and communication, and transportation.
The Accessibility for Manitobans Act (AMA), enacted in 2013, provides a legislative framework to systematically identify, remove, and prevent barriers faced by people with disabilities in Manitoba. The AMA is structured around five key accessibility standards: customer service, employment, information and communication, transportation, and the built environment. Each standard outlines specific requirements and timelines for compliance, developed in consultation with the neurodivergent community and stakeholders from both public and private sectors.
The AMA requires organizations to comply with specific accessibility standards, including the Accessible Information and Communication Standard. This standard mandates that websites, digital documents, and communication tools conform to recognized accessibility guidelines like WCAG. Organizations must also provide information in accessible formats upon request and train staff on accessibility best practices.
The AMA applies to all organizations in Manitoba with at least one employee, including public sector bodies, educational institutions, libraries, government agencies, private businesses, and non-profit organizations. As of May 1, 2025, even small businesses and volunteer-run non-profits must comply with the Accessible Information and Communication Standard, which includes obligations such as providing information in accessible formats, updating web content, and training staff on accessibility practices. Larger organizations with 50 or more employees have additional documentation and reporting requirements.
The AMA’s digital accessibility requirements are crucial for ensuring that Manitobans with diverse abilities have equitable access to information, services, and opportunities online. By mandating compliance with WCAG standards, the Act ensures that websites, digital documents, and communication tools are usable by people with diverse abilities. This not only fulfills human rights obligations but also enhances user experience for all, reduces legal risks, and supports the province’s commitment to an inclusive, barrier-free society.
ContentA11y offers expert digital accessibility remediation for Manitoba organizations, from website audits to accessible document creation. We ensure your digital assets meet AMA standards and provide staff training to maintain ongoing compliance.
We adhere to leading global and regional accessibility standards to ensure your content is compliant and inclusive:
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