Barrier Free Manitoba

Here's the audio file and transcript from Ismaila Alfa's interview with Patrick Falconer, the Consultant to Barrier-Free Manitoba's Steering Committee, on the June 30 letter to Minister Fielding.

Listen to the audio: https://chirb.it/DJqhDN

Read the transscipt: (Word / PDF)

The letter, signed by 1,100 + individuals and 59 organizations (both large and small, representing 100,000+ Manitobans) requested that government commit to develop and enforce a strong accessible education standard under the landmark Accessibility for Manitobans Act (AMA). The letter also requested that this new standard come into force during the government's current term of office.

The interview was featured on CBC Radio on the morning of Monday, July 3rd. Did we mention that it was recorded and broadcast at 6:40 am? While he likes to get up bright and early, Patrick, by his own admission, was not at the top of his game.

Notably, Ismaila read the following statement prepared by the Minister at the very end of the interview.

"We will hold public consultation as part of an upcoming review of the Accessibility for Manitobans Act, which will be an ideal time for groups to show support for an education standard. We will monitor the development of an education standard in Ontario and Nova Scotia. Our government shares a vision with Barrier-Free Manitoba to prevent and remove barriers to make Manitoba accessible and inclusive to all, and we thank the group for its letter."

BFM, along with others, will be meeting in the near future to consider steps to follow up on the requests made in the letter.
In the interim, individuals and organizations that want to join in the call for this crucial standard are asked to 'sign on' in support of the letter at: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/lettertominister