Barrier Free Manitoba

Following is one of today's posts on the Disability Matters: Vote 2016 (DMV2016) FaceBook page.

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One of the major goals of DMV2016 is to ensure that all Manitobans with disabilities can participate fully in election activities. In working toward this, DMV2016 has made repeated requests to all the political parties that they ensure the accessibility of all their election events and activities.

So DMV2016 was surprised when community members advised us that a Liberal Candidates and Leaders Pep Rally on Thursday February 11 is scheduled in an inaccessible venue. The venue 441 Main does not have accessible washrooms (the facility's washrooms are in basement and there is no elevator).

We contacted the Liberal Party early last week to express concern about the choice of an inaccessible venue for this campaign event. The party has responded to our concern in the following message:

"[W]e the Manitoba Liberal Party acknowledge that the fundraiser at 441 Main, scheduled for Feb 11, 2016, does not have fully accessible washroom facilities and while it is too late to change the venue for this particular event we will not make the same mistake going forward and will work with Disability Matters to ensure we choose more carefully next time. This has been a learning experience for us and we appreciate the thoughtful voice of Disability Matters and the desire to work in partnership with us to ensure inclusion for all Manitobans.”

While disappointed by the selection of an inaccessible venue in the first place, and the choice not to relocate the event, DMV2016 understands that mistakes can and will be made. We also appreciate that the Manitoba Liberal Party has now committed to full accessibility on a go forward basis.

Accessibility is a basic human right. Ensuring accessibility of events is not difficult but it does require both awareness and planning. Following are the basic requirements for accessible public meetings set out in Manitoba’s recent accessible Customer Service Standard:

An organization that holds a public event must take reasonable measures to ensure that

(a) notice of the event is given in a manner that is accessible to persons disabled by barriers;

(b) the event is held in a meeting space that is accessible;

(c) the physical and communication needs of persons disabled by barriers are met on request; and

(d) notice is given that persons disabled by barriers may request that relevant supports be provided.

DMV2016 will continue working to hold all the parties to this basic standard.

 What do you think? Have you heard of other events or received information from parties that is/isn’t accessible?