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Call for Subject Matter Experts

Nov 09, 2023
Join our movement for a Barrier-Free Manitoba for All!
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Disability Matters Vote Launch

Jul 04, 2023
Save the date for the Disability Matters Vote Launch
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Response to the Transportation Standard

Apr 06, 2023
BFM presents our response to the Transportation Standard.
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Results from the 2023 Manitoba Business Leaders Index

Mar 23, 2023
Do Business Leaders Understand their Legislated Obligations under the Accessibility of Manitobans Act?
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Accessibility for All - Manitoba's 2022 Mid-term Report Card

Jan 13, 2023
Government of Manitoba yields an overall grade of D for progress made towards AMA implementation.
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Response to the Information and Communication Standard

Oct 04, 2022
BFM presents our response to the Information and Communications Standard.
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Survey - Accessible Employment

Mar 17, 2022
Barrier-Free Manitoba is conducting a survey to determine the impact of the Accessible Employment Standard.
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An Opportunity to Right a Wrong

Feb 24, 2022
An open letter regarding BFM's dismay to learn of the incident in January involving the RM of St. Andrews’ Council member.
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Submission to Budget 2022

Jan 20, 2022
BFM has submitted recommendations to the Government of Manitoba regarding critical investments in accessibility.
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Response to the Proposed Accessibility Standard for Information and Communication

Oct 07, 2021
Barrier-Free Manitoba submitted feedback to the Government of Manitoba regarding the Proposed Accessibility Standard for Information and Communication.
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Proposed Accessible Information and Communication Standard

Sep 01, 2021
Manitoba has released a draft of the Proposed Accessible Information and Communication Standard for public consultation.
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Review of Manitoba Government Accessibility Plan 2021 and 2022

Jun 05, 2021
BFM responds to the release of the Manitoba Government Accessibility Plan for 2021 and 2022.
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Customer Service Accessibility Standard Review

May 28, 2021
BFM's written submission to the Five-Year Review of the Accessibility Standard for Customer Service.
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Government of Manitoba Announces Manitoba Accessibility Fund

Apr 15, 2021
Over the past several years, BFM has repeatedly called upon the Government of Manitoba to provide municipalities, businesses, and organizations with financial resources to support community accessibility plans.
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Pandemic and Disabilities Issue Survey Report

Mar 22, 2021
A joint report by Barrier-Free Manitoba, Disability Matters Vote and Abilities Manitoba.
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Accessible Vaccination Planning Brief

Mar 02, 2021
Barrier-Free Manitoba recently wrote the Manitoba Vaccination Task Force to highlight the importance of vaccine accessibility.
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Open Letter to Minister of Health, Seniors and Active Living

Nov 23, 2020
Together with disability organizations throughout Manitoba, Barrier-Free has written an open letter to the Honourable Cameron Friesen, Minister of Health, Seniors and Active Living.
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Compliance Framework Review

Sep 22, 2020
BFM's review of the Government of Manitoba's Compliance Framework.
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Common Findings

Jun 19, 2020
In recognition of Manitoba Access Awareness Week, we have produced an overview that provides common findings of the development and enactment of the Standards thus far.
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A Call to Action: Accessible Environments for All

Jun 18, 2020
Barrier-free access to the built environment is a fundamental human right protected by the Canadian Human Rights Act.
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Accessibility in Times of Global Crisis

May 29, 2020
Barrier-Free Manitoba reflects on the accessibility of the pandemic response.
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Review of the Proposed Accessibility Standard for the Design of Public Spaces

Feb 14, 2020
Barrier-Free Manitoba responds to the proposed Accessibility Standard for the Design of Public Spaces (formerly the Built Environment) of the Accessibility for Manitobans Act.
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Employment opportunity with Barrier-Free Manitoba

Sep 16, 2019
Barrier-Free Manitoba is hiring a Consultant.
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Response to Proposed Accessibility Standard on Information and Communications

Jun 25, 2019
Barrier-Free Manitoba responds to the proposed Information and Communications Standard of the Accessibility for Manitobans Act.
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Information and Communications Committee Draft Standard

Jun 05, 2019
Accessibility Advisory Council releases Information and Communication Standard Development Committee draft standard and recommendations
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BFM Press Release

May 15, 2019
Barrier Free Manitoba calls on the Province to meaningfully address barriers to access to buildings through the Accessibility for Manitobans Act (AMA).
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Manitoba Government Posts Accessible Employment Standard

Apr 24, 2019
The Manitoba Government posted the Accessible Employment Standard.
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BFM Responds to Independent Review

Apr 22, 2019
Barrier Free Manitoba responds to the Four-Year Review of the Accessibility for Manitobans Act (AMA)
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Manitoba Government Releases the Four-Year Legislative Review

Feb 27, 2019
The Manitoba government released the Independent Report on the Effectiveness of the Implementation of The Accessibility for Manitobans Act on February 27, 2019.
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Accessibility Work Wins Pro Bono Award

Jan 25, 2019
On January 25, 2019, Andrew Buck, Kathleen McCandless and David Silver of Pitblado LLP were presented the Pro Bono Award by the Manitoba Bar Association.
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Ministerial Oaths and the Full and Timely Implementation of the Landmark AMA

Dec 29, 2018
Minister Stefanson's oath of office has important bearing for what we can expect in 2019
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Symbolic Transfer of BFM's Leadership Responsibilities

Dec 23, 2018
BFM leadership to be refreshed January 1, 2019
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Manitoba's first fully accessible outdoor rink gets major media coverage

Dec 12, 2018
Less coverage yet of the bigger drama of slow, weak and incomplete coverage of AMA's implementation
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BFM Marks Human Rights Day by Releasing PILC's Jurisdictional Review of Accessible Transportation Standards

Dec 10, 2018
PILC has come through yet again - here's their comparative review of accessible transportation standards in place elsewhere
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CCEDNet Manitoba Approves AMA-Related Resolution at 2019 Policy Summit

Nov 28, 2018
It's wonderful to have such strong support well beyond traditional disability communities
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Promising steps forward don't translate into timely progress on AMA implementation

Nov 28, 2018
Despite have AMA featured in the Throne Speech and the Minister's mandate letter, the Province has again fallen behind its own timelines
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What? The AMA's Built Environment Standard won't include buildings

Nov 26, 2018
That's the word we've received from the Province
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AMA included in current government Throne Speech for the first time

Nov 20, 2018
Another encouraging sign from government
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Guide to Accessible Hotels in Winnipeg

Nov 20, 2018
Jenna Kennedy from St. Amant developed this guide that we are pleased to share with you
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AMI Interview about the AMA

Nov 09, 2018
The Pulse's Host Dave Brown's interview with Patrick Falconer about the AMA from November 6
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Steps to take if your right to accessible service is not being met

Nov 07, 2018
Here's the government's advice on four things you can do. We've added a fifth if it is the government that is the one not offering you accessible service.
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Finally Starting to Get Up to Speed: Province launches video to help groups meet their AMA obligations

Nov 06, 2018
Helpful resources made available after, not before, compliance deadline
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Marking November 1, 2018 as Accessible and Equitable Service Day in Manitoba

Nov 01, 2018
Here's what all Manitobans with disabilities should be able to expect in terms of equitable service starting today
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BFM Joins Over 30 Other Disability Groups in Sending Open Letter on Bill C-81

Oct 31, 2018
The letter calls for government to substantially strengthen the proposed federal accessibility Act.
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Deadline for Compliance with 1st Accessibility Standard a Mere 6 Days Away

Oct 26, 2018
Compliance requirements were established almost 3 years ago
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BFM Makes 13 Recommendations to AMA Review

Oct 26, 2018
Earlier today, BFM submitted a detailed 55-page brief to the comprehensive, four-year review of the landmark Accessibility for Manitobans Act calling for measures to ensure that implementation efforts don't fall off the tracks again.
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Another promising step forward: AMA is now included in Minister's mandate letter

Oct 25, 2018
Premier Pallister included AMA responsibilities in the revised mandate letter for the new Minister of Families
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What does the Province need to focus on so that its own operations are fully accessible?

Oct 23, 2018
What are your and your community's priorities?
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BFM's Final Written Brief on Bill C-81 - the proposed Federal Accessibility Act

Oct 19, 2018
BFM is pleased to post the final brief that we submitted on Bill C-81 to the Standing Committee on Human Resources, Skills and Social Development and the Status of Persons with Disabilities
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The Pending Accessible Employment Standard - Join Us in the Watch

Oct 18, 2018
The Minister of Families has committed to finalize the long overdue Accessible Employment Standard by the end of this month. Here's what we will be watching for.
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Transcript of David Lepofsky's October 4th Address

Oct 09, 2018
BFM is pleased to post the transcripts of David's remarks from last Thursday in Winnipeg
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BFM Sends in Comment on Bill C-81 - the Accessible Canada Act

Oct 08, 2018
We just sent in our comments on Bill C-81 to Minister Qualtrough and the Parliamentary Standing Committee
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Disability No.1 Reason for Human Rights Complaint - now for 17 years and running

Sep 28, 2018
The most recent Manitoba Human Rights Commission Annual Report shows that almost half of all complaints in 2017 were based on disability discrimination
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Deja Vu: Powerful Words Shared by Minister as Federal Accessibility Act Moves to 2nd Reading

Sep 27, 2018
Minister Carla Quatrough's speech moving Bill C-81 to be read in Parliament for the second time
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Kudos to Government for Listening and Committing to Act

Sep 20, 2018
A letter from government last week sets the stage for significantly speeding up the implementation of the landmark Accessibility for Manitobans Act
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Recap of Eight Days of Social Media Posts on Serious AMA Related Concerns

Sep 10, 2018
Read BFM's eight daily Facebook posts and Tweets on major concerns related to the shortfalls in the implementation that started on September 1, 2018
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Heather Stefanson appointed as new Minister of Families

Aug 01, 2018
The Premier shuffled his cabinet with Ms. Stefanson replacing Mr. Fielding as the Minister of Families
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What Went Down at the June 20 Public Consultation on the AMA

Jul 24, 2018
The video of the proceedings from the June 20 public consultation on landmark Accessibility for Manitobans Act has now been posted, along with a transcript
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St. Boniface Candidate responses to Questions from the Disability Matters Vote Campaign

Jul 15, 2018
Read how the four candidates have all responses to three questions asked by the Disability Matters Vote campaign
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St. Malo to Become Manitoba's Most Accessible Beach and Park

Jul 13, 2018
Unofficial word has it that St. Malo Park will be introducing major accessibility improvements this summer and over the coming years
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DMV Holds Rush Hour Street Rally in St. Boniface

Jul 11, 2018
See photos of the the Disability Matters Vote rally held on the afternoon of July 11 as part of the St. Boniface by-election
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Final Broken Promise Campaign Update

Jun 28, 2018
One final update on BFM's Broken Promise campaign
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BFM's Letter to Minister Scott Fielding

Jun 28, 2018
The full text of the letter sent to Minister Scott Fielding as part of the Broken Promise campaign
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Public comments focus on the weak, slow and incomplete implementation of landmark AMA

Jun 21, 2018
Key consensus themes from yesterday's public consultation session on the landmark AMA
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The Broken Promise Campaign's First Breakthrough

Jun 12, 2018
The Broken Promise campaign has been operating for a little over two weeks and we're pleased to report the first breakthrough.
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Reflecting on the Tenth Annual Manitoba Access Awareness Week

Jun 10, 2018
Manitoba Access Awareness Week 2018 starts today, a decade after BFM lead efforts to resurrect it in 2009
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Jordan Sangalang, a Member of Manitoba's Deaf Community, Encourages You to Support BFM's Broken Promise Campaign

Jun 08, 2018
Our thanks to Jordan for his support and for inviting others to support the Broken Promise campaign in this short video
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Jane Sayer, Co-Chair of the Manitoba Deaf-Blind Association, Encourages You to Support BFM's Broken Promise Campaign

Jun 07, 2018
Our thanks to Jane for her support and for inviting others to support the Broken Promise campaign in this short video.
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Pallister government shooting 0 for 3 in meeting PC 2016 election commitments related to landmark AMA

Jun 06, 2018
See the commitments, review the record. What's your take on the follow through?
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Catherine Smorang Encourages You to Support BFM's Broken Promise Campaign

Jun 06, 2018
Our thanks to Catherine Smorang, affiliated with both CNIB and the Manitoba League of Persons with Disabilities (MLPD), for her support and for inviting others to support the Broken Promise campaign in this short video.
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BFM Launches the Why So Glum Chum? Challenge

Jun 05, 2018
To start Week 2 of the Broken Promise campaign, BFM is inviting supporters to show those in positions of power and influence HOW they feel about the slow, weak and incomplete implementation of the landmark AMA
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The Smoking Gun

Jun 04, 2018
Seems that government well knew about the under-resourcing of the landmark AMA for at least years now and have chosen not to meaningfully address the problem
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Alan Bridgeman Encourages You to Support BFM's Broken Promise Campaign

Jun 02, 2018
Our thanks to Alan Bridgman, UofM student and Provincial Council member of MLPD, for his support and for inviting others to support the Broken Promise campaign in this short video.
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BFM Releases Backgrounders on Weak Implementation of the AMA

Jun 01, 2018
The backgrounders cover six areas of priority concern related to the slow, weak and incomplete implementation of the landmark Accessibility for Manitobans Act
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Fred Dugdale Encourages You to Support BFM's Broken Promise Campaign

May 31, 2018
Our thanks to Fred Dugdale, of the MBIA and MLPD, for his support and for inviting others to support the Broken Promise campaign in this short video
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Kevin Johnson Encourages You to Support BFM's Broken Promise Campaign

May 29, 2018
Our thanks to Kevin Johnson, President of People First of Manitoba, for his support and for inviting others to support the Broken Promise campaign in this short video
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BFM Launches the Broken Promise Campaign

May 29, 2018
BFM launched the Broken Promise campaign this morning to raise awareness of the major shortfalls in the implementation of the landmark Accessibility for Manitobans Act and to call for immediate action to get it back on track
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BFM Pleased to Endorse Call to City of Winnipeg for a Poverty Reduction Strategy

May 14, 2018
BFM among disability-focused groups that endorsed MPHM's call on City of Winnipeg for comprehensive poverty reduction strategy
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BFM Rating of Provincial Performance on AMA Slips Further

May 08, 2018
BFM has just released an updated version of our principled report card on the Province's implementation of the Accessibility for Manitobans Act
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BFM to co-host April 23 FREE public info session on accessibility and the new taxi regulations

Apr 12, 2018
How will new developments in the taxi industry affect the number and availability of accessible vehicles for hire?
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Province finally releases terms of reference for review with date set for initial public consultation

Apr 12, 2018
The terms of reference for the 4 year review of the AMA made public more than 4 months after the appointment required in legislation
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Budget proposes welcomed but marginal funding increase to support implementation of landmark AMA

Mar 13, 2018
Government proposes an increase of $30,000 (3.8%) in the overall budget for the Disability Issues Office in yesterday's budget
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Barrier-Free Manitoba Releases Primer and Report Card on AMA Implementation to Date

Mar 01, 2018
These documents have been prepared to support community-engagement in answering two important questions over the next ten months
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BFM Releases Study on Barriers to Accessibility in Manitoba's Education Systems

Feb 22, 2018
Barrier-Free Manitoba is pleased to release the report from recent research on accessibility issues facing students with disabilities across our educational systems from child care through to post-secondary
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BFM Submits Long List of Those Calling for Stronger Standard

Jan 31, 2018
Barrier-Free Manitoba sent Minister Fielding the list of individuals and organizations that registered their support for our recommendations to strengthen the proposed accessible employment standard
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Province selects Theresa Harvey Pruden to conduct mandatory review of the landmark AMA

Jan 16, 2018
Appointment announced this afternoon in a media bulletin released by the Province.
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Minister Acknowledges the Growing Support for an Accessible Education Standard

Jan 16, 2018
Minister Scott Fielding sends letter to thank BFM for update on growing list of individuals and organizations calling for this essential but missing standard
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BFM Releases Final Call for Stronger Employment Standard

Jan 12, 2018
Barrier-Free Manitoba's final brief on the proposed accessible employment standard called for much stronger measures to address longstanding labour market inequities.
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Public Input Session on Priorities for the Information and Communication Standard

Jan 05, 2018
The Information and Communications Standard Development Committee will be holding a consultation session on January 24
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Hundreds More Manitobans Call for an Accessible Education Standard

Jan 01, 2018
First thing this morning, BFM sent the Minister updated version of the June 30, 2017 letter calling for the government's commitment to develop and enforce an accessible education standard under the AMA
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BFM Releases Comparative Review of Info and Communication Standards

Dec 13, 2017
In anticipation of the results of initial work on the AMA's accessible information and communication standard, BFM is pleased to release a comparative review of similar standards in place in other jurisdictions.
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4th Birthday and Time for the Comprehensive Review

Dec 05, 2017
It's the AMA's 4th birthday and time to begin the comprehensive review of the act and its implementation.
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Province Releases Consumer Guide to the Accessible Customer Service Standard

Dec 01, 2017
Guide describes what Manitobans with disabilities can and should expect in terms of the accessibility services from virtually every organization in the province
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Preliminary Results from the Accessible Education Surveys

Nov 29, 2017
BFM is pleased to present preliminary results from the surveys launched in early November on accessibility in Manitoba's educational systems
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Final Proposal for the Accessible Employment Standard Released

Nov 03, 2017
Minister Scott Fielding, the Minister responsible for the landmark Accessibility for Manitobans Act, has now released his final proposal for the Accessible Employment Standard
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Surveys on Barriers to Accessible Education in Manitoba

Nov 01, 2017
Barrier-Free Manitoba, in conjunction with Education Solutions Manitoba, is conducting province-wide surveys of parents/families of students with disabilities, students with disabilities and educational staff and officials
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Accessibility is the Law / Participation is Your Right

Oct 11, 2017
BFM and others launched the "Accessibility of the Law / Participation is Your Right" public information campaign earlier today.
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We're still No 1

Oct 04, 2017
Disability discrimination ranks as most frequent reason for human rights complaints for 16th straight year
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5 for 5 Leadership Candidates Support Call for an Accessible Education Standard

Oct 04, 2017
All five leadership candidates for the two opposition parties have expressed support for the call for the development and enforcement of a strong accessibility education standard.
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Manitoba Legislature now one of most accessible chambers in Canada

Oct 03, 2017
Free Press says that changes in legislature chamber barely noticeable, but monumental for disabled
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Liberal Leadership Contestants Respond to BFM's Accessibility and AMA-Related Questions

Oct 03, 2017
We're pleased to share the responses from the three contestants in the Liberal Party of Manitoba's current leadership race to BFM's accessibility and AMA-related questions
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Celebrate human rights by participating in the first ever fully accessibility provincial government budget consultation!

Sep 25, 2017
Make sure your voice and voices from our disability communities, many excluded up until now, are heard!
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Renewing the Call for an Accessible Education Standard

Sep 20, 2017
BFM, in conjunction with educational stakeholders, is pleased to renew the invitation for individuals and groups to support the call for a strong accessible education standard under the landmark Accessibility for Manitobans Act
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Meeting to Discuss Gaps in Services for Persons with Physical Disabilities

Aug 31, 2017
Invitation to Disability Organizations to Discuss Gaps in Services for Adults with Physical Disabilities
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NDP Leadership Candidates Respond to BFM's Accessibility and AMA-Related Questions

Jul 30, 2017
We're pleased to share the responses from the two candidates in the New Democratic Party's current leadership race to BFM's accessibility and AMA-related questions.
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The NDP Responds to BFM Accessibility Questions

Jul 30, 2017
We're pleased to share the responses from the New Democratic Party to BFM's accessibility questions related to the party's current leadership race.
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The Liberals Responds to BFM's Accessibility Questions

Jul 30, 2017
We're pleased to share the responses from the Manitoba Liberal Party to BFM's accessibility questions related to the party's current leadership race.
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BFM Calls on Minister to Include Stronger Accessible Employment Measures

Jul 24, 2017
Barrier-Free Manitoba sent a seven-page to Minister Fielding today asking him to consider including stronger measures in his forthcoming final proposal for the accessible employment standard
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Minister Releases Implementation Plan and Terms of Reference Document

Jul 23, 2017
Minister Fielding has just released his 2017-18 implementation plan for the Accessibility for Manitobans Act and the Terms of Reference for the Information and Communication Development Committee
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City's 2017 Capital Budget Actually Included $158M Accessibility-Related Spending

Jul 15, 2017
Supplementary information from the City of Winnipeg from 2017 Capital Budget provides better account of spending on projects that focus on and/or incorporate accessibility features
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Minister Responds to Request for Commitment to Develop and Enforce a Strong Accessible Education Standard

Jul 13, 2017
Minister Fielding's response to the June 30 request that government commit to develop and enforce a strong accessible education standard under the landmark Accessibility for Manitobans Act
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Leadership Races, Accessibility and the Requests to Parties and Candidates

Jul 12, 2017
Barrier-Free Manitoba raises accessibility issues in the leadership races now underway in two of Manitoba's major political parties
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Province Releases Council Recommendations to Minister on Employment Standard

Jul 11, 2017
Yesterday, the Province released the Accessibility Advisory Council's report to Minister Fielding with recommendations for the proposed accessible employment standard. See the report and findings from BFM's preliminary review
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Listen Up: Monday's CBC Radio's Interview on the June 30 Letter to Minister Fielding

Jul 06, 2017
We are pleased to share the audio file and the transcripts from the CBC Radio interview about the June 30 letter to Minister Fielding requesting an accessible education standard
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Letter to Minister Fielding Signed, Sealed and Delivered

Jun 30, 2017
Earlier today, a small delegation delivered the letter to Minister Fielding requesting the commitment to develop and enforce an accessible education standard under the AMA to the Legislative Building.
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Reflections on Disabilities and Indigenous People in Manitoba

Jun 22, 2017
An important part of reconciliation is addressing the disproportionate and unjust impacts that disabilities have on Indigenous People in Manitoba and across Canada.
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Words from the Director of the AMA on Leadership in Implementation

Jun 20, 2017
Here's what the Deputy Minister of Families and recently appointed Director of the AMA had to say last week at the Canadian Conference on Developmental Disabilities and Autim
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Act Now in Support of Letter to Minister Requesting Accessible Education Standard

Jun 15, 2017
In response to a recent discussions with educational stakeholders, BFM has taken a lead role in preparing a letter to Minister Fielding requesting that government commit to develop an accessible education standard.
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A Little Perspective on the Accessible Cities Award

Jun 03, 2017
While we can be proud that the City of Winnipeg was honoured with a 2017 Accessible Cities award, it is also important to view this achievement from a broader perspective
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Human Rights Museum Honoured as One Most Accessible Places in Canada

Jun 01, 2017
The Canadian Museum for Human Rights honoured as of one of five places within Canada that exemplify best practices in universal access
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Live Streaming to be Available for June 7th Event Featuring David Lepofsky

Jun 01, 2017
With the event now sold out and many unable to attend due to distance and other factors, we are now pleased to offer two live streaming options.
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Winnipeg One of Three to Win 2017 Rick Hansen Foundation Accessible Cities Award

Jun 01, 2017
The City of Winnipeg was one of three Canadian cities to have been awarded the 2017 Accessible Cities Award by the Rick Hansen Foundation
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Feds Release Consultation Report on Proposed National Accessibility Act

May 29, 2017
As part of the National AccessAbility Week, Minister Qualtrough has released the report on public feedback from the extensive consultation process held to discuss the proposed new Act.
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Ensure the Accessibility of Arts and Culture in Manitoba

May 28, 2017
The Province has launched a culture policy review and has included accessibility as one the issues to be considered
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Announcing Second Event: Accessibility in Education - A Conversation with David Lepofsky

May 13, 2017
Details have now been finalized for the second FREE public event featuring leading Canadian disability advocate David Lepofsky
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David Lepofsky to Speak on Ontario's Experience in Implementing the AODA

May 07, 2017
David Lepofsky, one of Canada's leading disability advocates, will speak on the lessons learned in his struggles to ensure the full and timely implementation of Ontario's historic accessibility-rights legislation at FREE public event on June 7
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Nova Scotia Becomes 3rd Province to Enact Accessibility-Rights Legislation

Apr 28, 2017
An Act Respecting Accessibility in Nova Scotia passed Third Reading in that province's Legislative Assembly on April 27, 2017. Hearty congratulations to our disability activist colleagues out east.
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Review of PC's 2016 Elections Commitments One Year into Office

Apr 19, 2017
The April 19, 2017 first anniversary of Manitoba's new government seems like a important time to review the election disability-related promises made by the Progressive Conservatives in the 2016 election
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2017 Provincial Budget Includes 21% Increase in Resources for the Disability Issues Office

Apr 12, 2017
One of the largest percentage increases in the provincial budget tabled yesterday is for the Disability Issues Office at 20.7%.
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Province Releases Accessible Customer Service Policy

Mar 24, 2017
The Province of Manitoba has released its Accessible Customer Service Policy. This is an important step forward for the government though the policy was actually due back on November 1, 2016.
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BFM Submits Final Comments on Proposed Accessible Employment Standard

Feb 10, 2017
Earlier today, Barrier-Free Manitoba submitted our final comments on the discussion paper on the proposed accessible employment standard. Send in your comments in support of our recommendations or your other recommendations to the DIO today!
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Letter of Complaint re: Accessible Child Care Submitted to Province

Feb 01, 2017
Parents who have experienced significant challenges in accessing child care services for their children with disabilities have sent a letter of complaint to the Department of Families
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BFM Sends Formal Requests for Public Sector Accessibility Plans

Feb 01, 2017
Barrier-Free Manitoba has requested the multi-year accessibility plans from the 80+ public sector organizations that were required to have prepared one by December 31, 2016
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Deputy Minister Appointed as Director of Compliance

Jan 19, 2017
Minister Scott Fielding announced that Families Deputy Minister has been appoint the Director of Compliance under the landmark Accessibility for Manitobans Act
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BFM Releases Preliminary Comments on the Proposed Employment Standard

Jan 10, 2017
Barrier-Free Manitoba has just released Getting to Work, a report that presents findings based on a preliminary review of the proposed accessible employment standard, including 18 recommendations to ensure the standard's effectiveness.
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Still Fighting for Human Rights: Media Release for December 3rd Event

Nov 28, 2016
The four lead partners in planning this year's major Winnipeg event to mark the Intl Day of Persons with Disabilities sent out this media release today.
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Disability Discrimination Ranks No. 1 in Manitoba for 15th Straight Year

Nov 21, 2016
More human rights complaints were filed in Manitoba in 2015 based on disability discrimination than for almost all other 12 grounds combined.
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International Day Event Poster Released

Nov 18, 2016
The December 3rd event at the Canadian Museum for Human Rights to mark the International Day of Persons with Disabilities is going to be a doozy! Here's the poster.
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Proposed Accessibility Standard for Employment Released

Nov 16, 2016
The Accessibility Advisory Council has just released its initial proposal for an standard to address barriers to employment faced by Manitobans with disabilities.
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Minister Posts Implementation Plan for 2016-17

Nov 07, 2016
As required by The Accessibility for Manitobans Act, Minister Scott Fielding has posted the annual implementation plan for 2016-17
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Gov. Departmental AMA Compliance Deadlines Right Around the Corner

Oct 24, 2016
The first two deadlines for compliance under The Accessibility for Manitobans Act come into effect over the next two months. Both of the deadlines require that significant actions have been taken by the 14 provincial government departments.
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Minister Tables Report on AMA Implementation

Oct 20, 2016
Minister Fielding tabled the first annual report on the implementation of The Accessibility for Manitobans Act in the Legislature on October 19, 2016.
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Barrier-Free Canada Resource Materials

Sep 26, 2016
Just released resource materials developed to support disability stakeholder participation in the federal consultations.
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Federal Consultation Participation Options: A Primer

Sep 25, 2016
This primer for Manitobans has been developed to share available information on the process and how stakeholders and interested members of the public can participate.
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Winnipeg Consultation Event Scheduled for October 3rd

Aug 23, 2016
The Winnipeg in-person consultation event to be hosted by federal Minister Carla Qualtrough will be held on Monday, October 3, 2016.
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Recent Changes to Barrier-Free Manitoba Steering Committee

Jun 10, 2016
Changes to Steering Committee membership were made recently for the first time in the initiative's 8 year history. The changes broaden representation while also providing for continuity and the re-commitment of the Steering Committee membership.
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ADNM and DMV2016 Launch Lawn Re-Purposing Contest with Cash Prizes

May 10, 2016
What can you create from one (or more) of the DMV2016 lawn signs from this last election? The Arts & Disability Network Manitoba and Disability Matters: Vote 2016 have launched a contest to find out.
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DMV2016 Campaign Profiled in U of M Press E-Publication on the Election

May 05, 2016
Hot, hot off the presses is an e-publication called Understanding the Manitoba Election Campaigns, Participation, Issues, Place. It includes an article on DMV2016 by Karine Levasseur.
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BFM Releases PILC Discussion Paper on Employment Standard Models

May 05, 2016
Discussion paper provides a comparative international review of disability-related employment standards.
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New Cabinet Announced Does Not Include Minister Responsible for Persons with Disabilities

May 04, 2016
New smaller 12-person cabinet sworn in yesterday does not include the portfolio of Minister Responsible for Persons with Disabilities
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What the PCs had to say about the AMA at the Great Disability Debate

Apr 30, 2016
Progressive Conservative Party Representative Ian Wishart's remarks on the Accessibility for Manitobans Act at the Great Debate
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New Government's Commitments to Speed Up Implementation of the AMA

Apr 29, 2016
The Progressive Conservative's responses to questions from DMV2016 regarding the implementation of the Accessibility for Manitobans Act.
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Pallister: Best governments always put interests of vulnerable people 1st

Apr 28, 2016
Premier-Elect Pallister's commitment and hopeful sign of things to come
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Now's Time to Walk (so to speak) the Talk

Feb 29, 2016
These 50 days won't come again for another 4 years. That's a long time to live with a missed opportunity
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Keeping Our Political Parties Accountable

Feb 08, 2016
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.
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Disabled (in Manitoba) still waiting for democracy

Feb 02, 2016
A great letter to the editor in the February 2 edition of the Winnipeg Free Press from the two Disability Matters: Vote 2016 spokespersons.
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Power of the Disability Vote: Kirkfield Park

Jan 29, 2016
The key constituency numbers: 11: swing votes in 2011 needed for a different result. 2,468: estimated number of persons with disabilities eligible to vote in April 2016.
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Remarkable Contrast in Headlines for Two Free Press Human Rights Stories

Jan 28, 2016
Stories featured in January 29th print edition of the Winnipeg Free Press dealt with about recent advances in human rights. One headline celebrates a courageous champion. The other headline focuses on the cost of complying with human rights obligations.
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Power of the Disability Vote: St. Norbert

Jan 28, 2016
The key constituency numbers: 16: swing votes in 2011 needed for a different result. 2,211: estimated number of persons with disabilities eligible to vote in April 2016.
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Making Employment Work Event to Identify Priorities

Jan 27, 2016
We are pleased to invite you to attend a community workshop that is being cohosted by Barrier-Free Manitoba and the Manitoba Supported Employment Network (MSEN) on February 19th.
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Power of the Disability Vote: Brandon West

Jan 27, 2016
The key constituency numbers: 76: swing votes in 2011 needed for a different result. 2,352: estimated number of persons with disabilities eligible to vote in April 2016.
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Power of the Disability Vote: Southdale

Jan 26, 2016
The key constituency numbers: 382: swing votes in 2011 needed for a different result. 2,507: estimated number of persons with disabilities eligible to vote in April 2016.
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Power of the Disability Vote: Interlake

Jan 25, 2016
The key constituency numbers: 236: swing votes in 2011 needed for a different result. 2,026: estimated number of persons with disabilities eligible to vote in April 2016.
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Power of the Disability Vote: River East

Jan 24, 2016
The key constituency numbers: 368: swing votes in 2011 needed for a different result. 2,468: estimated number of persons with disabilities eligible to vote in April 2016.
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Power of the Disability Vote: Gimli

Jan 23, 2016
The key constituency numbers: 401: swing votes in 2011 needed for a different result. 2,378: estimated number of persons with disabilities eligible to vote in April 2016.
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Power of the Disability Vote: Seine River

Jan 22, 2016
The key constituency numbers: 466: swing votes in 2011 needed for a different result. 2,364: estimated number of persons with disabilities eligible to vote in April 2016.
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Power of the Disability Vote: Dawson Trail

Jan 21, 2016
The key constituency numbers: 369: swing votes in 2011 needed for a different result. 2,273: estimated number of persons with disabilities eligible to vote in April 2016.
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Power of the Disability Vote: Tyndall Park

Jan 20, 2016
The key constituency numbers: 295: swing votes in 2011 needed for a different result. 1,803: estimated number of persons with disabilities eligible to vote in April 2016.
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Will Political Parties and Debate Organizers Ensure the Accessibility of Election Events?

Jan 19, 2016
Accessibility isn't rocket science and it's not onerous!. It's just good practice and respecting the human rights of Manitobans with disabilities (many of them voters).
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Power of the Disability Vote: St. James

Jan 19, 2016
The key constituency numbers: 509: swing votes in 2011 needed for a different result. 2,317: estimated number of persons with disabilities eligible to vote in April 2016.
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Power of the Disability Vote: Portage la Prairie

Jan 18, 2016
The key constituency numbers: 443: swing votes in 2011 needed for a different result. 2,177: estimated number of persons with disabilities eligible to vote in April 2016.
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Power of the Disability Vote: River Heights

Jan 17, 2016
The key constituency numbers: 684: swing votes in 2011 needed for a different result. 2,306: estimated number of persons with disabilities eligible to vote in April 2016.
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Power of the Disability Vote: Dauphin

Jan 16, 2016
The key constituency numbers: 564: swing votes in 2011 needed for a different result. 2,122: estimated number of persons with disabilities eligible to vote in April 2016.
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Just how accessible will April 2016 election print materials be?

Jan 16, 2016
Making sure print materials are accessible is pretty darn easy. It's the right thing to do and its win-win for everyone.
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Manitoba's Public Library Branch at Front of Pack

Jan 16, 2016
Kudos to them. Review and provide feedback on the branch's draft Customer Service Toolkit for Libraries
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Power of the Disability Vote: Riel

Jan 15, 2016
The key constituency numbers: 718: swing votes in 2011 needed for a different result. 2,456: estimated number of persons with disabilities eligible to vote in April 2016.
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Power of the Disability Vote: Fort Richmond

Jan 14, 2016
The key constituency numbers: 559: swing votes in 2011 needed for a different result. 1,938: estimated number of persons with disabilities eligible to vote in April 2016.
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Accessibility Concerns at the Manitoba Legislature

Jan 11, 2016
Manitoba's legislative building is currently set up for visits by wheelchair users. Not so much if wheelchair users actually get elected.
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We All Rocked It on December 3rd

Dec 05, 2015
The December 3rd International Day events in Manitoba were an extraordinary and empowering expression of full citizenship by Manitobans with disabilities
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Today's Media Release on Intl. Day Celebration

Dec 03, 2015
Hundreds to Celebrate International Day of Persons with Disabilities and Launch Disability Election Campaign
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Initial Work to Begin on Accessible Employment Standard

Dec 02, 2015
Terms of Reference established and Committee membership set
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Barrier-Free Manitoba Becomes Provincial Affiliate of Barrier-Free Canada

Nov 17, 2015
Barrier-Free Manitoba is pleased to announce that we have just accepted the invitation to become Manitoba's affiliate with Barrier-Free Canada
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Province commits to modernize supports for persons with severe and prolonged disabilities

Nov 17, 2015
Yesterday's Speech from the Throne included the commitment to "modernize our supports to persons who face employment disadvantages due to severe and prolonged disabilities".
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Canadians with Disabilities Act: 1st Priority in Minister Qualtrough's Mandate Letter

Nov 14, 2015
The first priority listed by Prime Minister Trudeau in the Minister's Mandate Letter is leading a process that will lead to the passage of a Canadians with Disabilities Act
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The Next BIG Thing: Disability Matters: Vote 2016

Nov 12, 2015
In partnership with Abilities Manitoba, Barrier-Free Manitoba is pleased to announce Disability Matters: Vote 2016, a non-partisan, cross-disability community project to more fully engage Manitobans with disabilities in the next Manitoba general election.
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Judith E. Heumann Coming To Winnipeg December 9th and 10th

Nov 04, 2015
Internationally recognized and lifelong disability and civil rights advocate, Judith E. Heumann will be in Winnipeg to help mark the International Day of Persons with Disabilities.
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Workshop on Public Sector Accessibility Plans

Nov 02, 2015
BFM is cohosting a workshop on community agency roles to help in the development of public sector accessibility plans
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Principles for Timely and Effective Implementation of the AMA

Oct 26, 2015
Based on community consultations, Barrier-Free Manitoba has established nine basic and pragmatic principles to be met the government's implementation of the landmark Accessibility for Manitobans Act.
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Barrier-Free Launches Drive Thru Five

Oct 26, 2015
Barrier-Free Manitoba has launched "Drive Thru Five" to ensure strong community advocacy throughout the critical first five years of implementation of the landmark Accessibility for Manitobans Act.
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A Primer on the New Standard

Oct 21, 2015
Manitoba's 1st accessibility standard developed under the landmark Accessibility for Manitobans Act will come into force on Nov. 1, 2015 and usher in sweeping improvements toward the inclusive delivery of goods & services throughout the province
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ILRC prepares Ombudsman complaint about Handi-Transit

Oct 16, 2015
The Independent Living Resource Centre provides leadership in preparing Ombudsman complaint about Handi-Transit
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Great News on the Federal Election Front

Oct 05, 2015
Three of the five major parties running in the federal election have now committed to introducing a Canadians with Disabilities Act if they form the next government.
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Provincial Media Release on Accessibility Plans

Aug 29, 2015
Minister Irvin-Ross confirms that public sector bodies in Manitoba will be required to develop multi-year plans accessibility plans to identify barriers in their policies, programs and services and propose ways to eliminate them.
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Disabled the new 'Unwanted'?

Aug 04, 2015
Follow up opinion piece by Free Press writer Kevin Rollason on Victoria Beach's exclusionary policies.
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Still battling for something as simple as access to something everyone has access to!

Jul 30, 2015
Winnipeg Free Press coverage of the impact of Winnipeg Beach's lack of an accessibility policy on a Manitoban woman and her family.
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In Manitoba wheelchairs and music shows often don't mix

Jul 09, 2015
The July 9th Edition of the Winnipeg Free Press featured an article on the inaccessibility of many popular local music venues for person who use wheelchairs.
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Minister Responds to BFM's Concerns Regarding First Annual Implementation Plan

Jun 17, 2015
Minister Irvin-Ross has official responded to BFM's May 22, 2015 review of the first annual implementation plan as required by the Accessibility for Manitobans Act
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Ontario Announces $9 Million Capacity Building Pilot Program to Address Barriers to Employment

Jun 09, 2015
Ontario's "Path to 2025" Accessibility Action Plan includes a major pilot program to engage employers to address barriers to employment faced by persons with disabilities.
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Manitoba Introduces Groundbreaking First -In-Canada Presumptive Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Legislation

Jun 08, 2015
The Manitoba government introduced amendments to the Workers Compensation Act that would recognize post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) as a work-related occupational disease.
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DIO Releases Public Sector Guide to Creating an Accessibility Plan

Jun 03, 2015
The Disability Issues Office has just released a 56-page guide for public sector organizations on "How to Create Your Accessibility Plan." The guide is a very good start but it still needs significant improvement.
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Province Launches AMA Website

Jun 03, 2015
The Accessibility for Manitobans Act (AMA) now has its own dedicated website, launched earlier today by the Province of Manitoba through the leadership of the Disability Issues Office.
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Kudos to Gimli for a A Beachy Keen Manitoba Story

Apr 29, 2015
Yesterday's CBC coverage of Gimli's plan to make beach more accessible
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More Evidence on Why a 'Voluntary' Strategy to Provide Visitable Housing Does Not Work

Apr 15, 2015
Great 2015 article published Social Inclusion on the limited progress towards Australia 2010 goal that all new housing would be visitable by 2020.
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BFM Releases More Accessible Summary of Final Draft Regulation

Apr 06, 2015
Barrier-Free Manitoba has now released an alternative and more accessible summary of the Consultation Draft of the proposed customer service standard regulation.
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Moran Report Calls for Bold New Leadership in Ontario

Feb 14, 2015
The report of the second legislative review of Ontario's Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (2005) by Mayo Moran was released on February 13 and calls for government to show strong, bold new leadership to acheive accessibility.
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Selinger Sets Out Positions on 3 Key Disability Issues and Beyond

Feb 09, 2015
Greg Selinger, the final of the candidates for the NDP leadership, officially set out his commitments on three key disability issues. His response also set out several other disability-related commitments.
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Ashton Commits to Critical Path Forward

Feb 06, 2015
Steven Ashton, the second NDP leadership candidate to outline their positions on key disability issues, committed, if elected, to the timely implementation of the AMA and acting on Abilities Manitoba's five-priority pathway.
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Oswald Commits to Detailed Actions to Address Key Issues

Feb 06, 2015
Theresa Oswald's positions on key disability issues that were announced yesterday afternoon included commitments, if elected as NDP leader, to take action to address each of the detailed matters raised by Barrier-Free Manitoba and Abilities Manitoba.
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Oswald is First Candidate to Set Out Positions on Key Issues

Feb 05, 2015
Theresa Oswald was the first of the NDP leadership candidates to respond to Barrier-Free Manitoba and Abilities Manitoba's request for their positions on key disability issues.
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Reminder Message Sent to Three Leadership Candidates

Feb 04, 2015
Barrier-Free Manitoba and Abilities Manitoba sent an early morning email message to each of the leadership candidates reminding them of our request for their positions on three key disability issues by later today.
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Premier Prioritizes New Pension Model for Severe Disabilities

Feb 04, 2015
Premier Selinger's response to recent call for a renewed poverty reduction plan sets out establishing a pension like basic income for people with severe and prolonged disabilities as one of eight government priorities.
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New CCPA Report Calls for Full Implementation of AMA

Jan 30, 2015
The just released and inclusive report from the Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives calling for a renewed provincial poverty reduction plan includes specific disability recommendations.
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Disabilities as Tipping Point in 2016 Provincial Election?

Jan 28, 2015
Just released analysis looking at voting patterns and disability issues as these may play out in the 2016 provincial general election.
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NDP Leadership and Disability Issues

Jan 28, 2015
BFM and Abilities Manitoba have teamed up to ask each of the candidates for the NDP leadership to make clear statements on their positions on three key disability issues. Letters to each candidate were sent on the morning of Tuesday, January 27, 2014.
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Council Revises Recommendations for First Standard

Nov 12, 2014
The Accessibility Advisory Council released it's revised recommendations for the proposed Customer Service Standard, incorporating eight of BFM's call for improvements.
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Public Consultation on Proposed Customer Service Standard Complete

Jun 20, 2014
The English-language public consultations on the initial discussion paper on the proposed accessible customer service standard are now complete.
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MDC Class Action Law Suit in Store?

Jun 03, 2014
The law firm which led the successful class action suit against Ontario for abuse suffered by child wards of the Crown while residents at the Huronia Regional Centre wants to launch similar suit in Manitoba.
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Service Animals: Police have Some Learning to Do

May 14, 2014
Confidential settlement suggests that those most directly responsible for enforcing the law in Brandon have a limited understanding of human rights as they apply to invisible disabilities and service animals.
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Details of Provincial Consultation Announced

May 12, 2014
The details on two public consultation events being held in mid-June to provide for comment and feedback on the proposed Customer Service Standards, the first accessibility standard under the Accessibility for Manitobans Act, are now available.
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City of Winnipeg Event and Consultation on Accessibility

May 11, 2014
The City of Winnipeg Access Advisory Committee is hosted two special event on May 21: a 20 yr celebration of the committee's formation and consultation to begin the development of a plan to move forward on addressing accessibility in 2014 and beyond.
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BFM Announces Our 'Get Up and Go' Plan

May 10, 2014
Woken up early from our attempted 6-month hibernation, Barrier-Free Manitoba is pleased to announce our early 'get up and go' plan.
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Great News from Settlement on Human Rights Zoning Issue

May 07, 2014
The human rights complaint lodged by New Directions against the RM of Springfield after the municipality blocked the opening of a home for three adults with intellectual disabilities four years ago has now been settled. The details of the settlement are v
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First Proposed Accessibility Standard Released

May 06, 2014
On April 19, 2014, the Accessibility Advisory Council released a draft of The Customer Service Standard, the first proposed accessibility standard under the new Accessibility for Manitobans Act.
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Marking a Passing

Apr 26, 2014
Louise Falconer, a 84 year old former Manitoban who helped handle BFM's Twitter account passed away on the morning of April 19, 2014.
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The New Law has Now been Posted / Here's an Accessible Copy!

Dec 19, 2013
The official version of the new Accessibility for Manitobans Act has now been posted as a statute in the Province of Manitoba.
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Chronology of Key Developments Leading to the Legislation

Dec 13, 2013
Barrier-Free Manitoba is pleased to provide a chronology of the key developments that led to the passage of The Accessibility for Manitobans Act on December 3, 2013 and its proclamation on December 5 when it received Royal Assent.
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Barrier-Free Manitoba Website to Be Virtually Archived

Dec 12, 2013
This website will be virtually archived on December 20, 2013.
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Inaccessible Postal Service Blockbuster!

Dec 11, 2013
Canada Post announced earlier today that it will to phase out urban home mail delivery over the next five years.
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Nine Proposed Principles for Action on the New Law

Dec 10, 2013
Barrier-Free Manitoba is pleased to propose nine principles for the full and effective implementation of The Accessibility for Manitoba Act. These build from the principles set back in 2008 for the development of the legislation.
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Celebrating the Exceptional Life and Contributions of Nelson Mandela

Dec 06, 2013
BFM joins the global community in celebrating the exceptional life and contributions of Nelson Mandela.
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Landmark Bill 26 Given Royal Assent

Dec 06, 2013
Passed, proclaimed and given Royal Assent on December 5, The Accessibility For Manitobans Act is now the law in Manitoba and has come into force.
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Highlights from Third Reading of Landmark Bill 26

Dec 04, 2013
We are pleased to post selected highlights from remarks during Third Reading provided by Minister Jennifer Howard, Leanne Rowat (PC) and Jon Gerrard (Liberal).
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Hansard from Third Reading of Landmark Bill 26

Dec 04, 2013
We are pleased to post the Hansard from Third Reading of landmark Manitoba Bill 26 from December 3, 2013 , along with selected excerpts.
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Province's Media Release on Bill 26 and the International Day

Dec 03, 2013
The Province of Manitoba sent this media release out just after lunch today.
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Disability Discrimination Still Ranks as No. 1 in Manitoba

Nov 27, 2013
The recent release of the 2012 Annual Report by the Manitoba Human Rights Commission confirms that disability discrimination still represents almost one-half (47.3%) of all formal human rights complaints in the Manitoba.
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Highlights from Community Presentations

Nov 08, 2013
Wow! What words of vision, passion and power were shared during the community presentations to the Standing Committee review of Bill 26. We are pleased to present selected highlights from each of the presentations.
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Standing Committee Amendments Passed and Defeated

Nov 07, 2013
We are pleased to provide a summary of amendments that were proposed at the Standing Committee on October 29th, along with decision on passing or defeating each.
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The Community Presentations to the Standing Committee

Nov 07, 2013
The Hansard from the Standing Committee meeting is ever so long. So we have created downloadable files for each of the 19 community presentations.
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Just Released: Hansard from Standing Committee Review of Bill 26

Nov 06, 2013
The official record of proceedings from the October 29, 2013 meeting of the Standing Committee on Social and Economic Development was released earlier today.
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Promising Potential New Accessibility Logos

Nov 02, 2013
Ontario contest to alter wheelchair logo finds no winner David Onley, province's lieutenant-governor, awards 2 honourable mentions at Queen's Park ceremony
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Barrier-Free Manitoba Reception in Pictures

Oct 31, 2013
We are pleased to present photo highlights from the Barrier-Free reception held in the Legislative Building Rotunda on October 29, 2013.
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BFM Releases Final Standing Committee Brief

Oct 28, 2013
Barrier-Free Manitoba released its final review of Bill 26 highlighting strengths and calling for amendments to address eleven areas where improvements are needed.
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Global Words of Encouragement to Manitobans (No.26)

Oct 28, 2013
From the one and only David Lepofsky, a true champion of accessibility from Ontario
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Firebrand Lepofsky Scheduled to Present to Standing Committee on Bill 26

Oct 27, 2013
David Lepofsky, the champion who has so ably led the campaign for effective accessibility-rights in Ontario, is scheduled to present (via Skype) at the October 29th Social and Economic Development Standing Committee meeting.
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Canada’s First Deaf Hoop Dancer Returns to the Peg for BFM Pre-Meeting Reception

Oct 25, 2013
Burton Bird, Canada’s first Deaf Hoop Dancer has agreed to share his gift of dance at the reception being hosted by Barrier-Free Manitoba on October 29 at the Legislative Building Rotunda
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Global Words of Encouragement to Manitobans (No.25)

Oct 24, 2013
From Samantha Corr, Antrim, Northern Ireland, Texthelp Ltd.
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Minister, Opposition Critic and Gerrard to Speak at BFM’s Pre-Meeting Reception

Oct 23, 2013
We are very pleased that Minister Jennifer Howard, PC Critic Leanne Rowan and Liberal Jon Gerrard have accepted Barrier-Free Manitoba’s invitation to offer brief words at the Pre-Meeting Reception.
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Global Words of Encouragement to Manitobans (No.24)

Oct 23, 2013
From Mark Lane, St. John's, Newfoundland and Labrador, Easter Seals Newfoundland and Labrador
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It’s All Come Down to One Night and Five Short Weeks

Oct 22, 2013
After years of collective effort, it’s all coming down to one meeting on October 29th and the five short weeks that will follow.
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Global Words of Encouragement to Manitobans (No.23)

Oct 22, 2013
From Gail Bruhm, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Nova Scotia Disability Strategy Partnership
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Global Words of Encouragement to Manitobans (No.22)

Oct 21, 2013
From Pat Spray, Riverdale, Maryland, USA, Hell On Wheelz
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“Break barriers, open doors: for an inclusive society for all” is Theme for Upcoming UN Day of PWD

Oct 20, 2013
Best way for Manitoba to mark this year's UN International Day of Persons with Disabilities on December 3rd is to have passed and proclaimed strong and effective accessibility-rights legislation.
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Global Words of Encouragement to Manitobans (No.21)

Oct 20, 2013
From Miguel Ángel Muñoz, Granada, Spain, LibredeBarreras Association
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Minister Responsible for PWD also Made Powerful Minister of Finance in Cabinet Shuffle

Oct 19, 2013
With the passage and implementation of landmark Bill 26 ahead, continuity in cabinet will be is key.
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Global Words of Encouragement to Manitobans (No.20)

Oct 17, 2013
Erin Riehle, Cincinnati, Ohio, USA, Project SEARCH
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Top Seven Reasons to Attend Bill 26 Public Hearing on October 29th

Oct 16, 2013
There are so very many great reasons to attend the Standing Committee hearing that reviews Bill 25: The Accessibility for Manitobans Act on October 29th. Here's our top seven.
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Manitoba Bar Association 'Rules' in Strong Favour of Bill 26

Oct 16, 2013
Manitoba Bar Association, representing 1,400 lawyers, judges, academics & students, endorsers Bill 26 as important step forward.
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Global Words of Encouragement to Manitobans (No.19)

Oct 16, 2013
From Nicolas Steenhout, Palmerston North, New Zealand, Accessibility NZ
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Global Words of Encouragement to Manitobans (No.18)

Oct 15, 2013
From Susan Boivin, Calgary, Alberta, Easter Seals Alberta
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The "Make Disability-Rights History in Manitoba" Poster

Oct 14, 2013
Please download, share and post this fine looking poster.
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Global Words of Encouragement to Manitobans (No.17)

Oct 14, 2013
From Priti Rohra, Mumbia, India
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Global Words of Encouragement to Manitobans (No.16)

Oct 13, 2013
From Shayn Anderson, Sacramento, Califorina, USA, Diversity Inclusion
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Special Date Night Invite: October 29th

Oct 10, 2013
A special invitation to attend the Standing Committee meeting that will review Bill 26: The Accessibility for Manitobans Act on the evening of Tuesday, October 29, 2013 - last public hearing on this landmark legislation.
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Global Words of Encouragement to Manitobans (No.15)

Oct 10, 2013
From Brian Seaman, Horley, Surrey, UK, Tourism for All UK
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Global Words of Encouragement to Manitobans (No.14)

Oct 09, 2013
From Chris Arnold, Terrace, British Columbia, The Provincial Networking Group
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Global Words of Encouragement to Manitobans (No.13)

Oct 08, 2013
From Stacy Kyle, Camp Hill, Pennsylvania, USA, Pennsylvania Business Leadership Network
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Global Words of Encouragement to Manitobans (No.12)

Oct 07, 2013
From Rondi Grace, Portland, Oregon, DePaul Industries
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Global Words of Encouragement to Manitobans (No.11)

Oct 06, 2013
From Melanie Mitra, Calgary, Alberta, Prospect Human Services
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2nd Year Anniversary of Jumping into Social Media World

Oct 04, 2013
Barrier-Free Manitoba first ventured into the world of Facebook and Tweeter in October 2011
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Global Words of Encouragement to Manitobans (No.10)

Oct 03, 2013
From Daphnee Cook, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia, People with Disability Australia (PWDA)
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Global Words of Encouragement to Manitobans (No.9)

Oct 02, 2013
From Gayla Jeppesen, Salem, Oregon, USA, Oregon Rehabilitation Association
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Global Words of Encouragement to Manitobans (No.8)

Oct 01, 2013
From Ronald Davidson, Montreal, Quebec, Quebec Society for Disabled Children
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Young Manitoba athletes to get sign-language interpretation after human rights complaint

Sep 30, 2013
Sweet news! Deaf children who play sports will now get sign language interpretation during games after the provincial government agreed to pay the cost after a human rights complaint.
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Global Words of Encouragement to Manitobans (No.7)

Sep 30, 2013
From Marcela Abadi Rhoads, Dallas, Texas, USA, Abadi Accessibility
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Global Words of Encouragement to Manitobans (No.6)

Sep 29, 2013
From Max Beck, Toronto, Ontario, Easter Seals Canada
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Global Words of Encouragement to Manitobans (No.5)

Sep 27, 2013
From Dinah Bromberg, Maracaibo, Venezuela, Universidad del Zulia
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Global Words of Encouragement to Manitobans (No.4)

Sep 26, 2013
From Julian W. Bodnar, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Settlement Counsel * Mediator *Arbitrator
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Global Words of Encouragement to Manitobans (No.3)

Sep 25, 2013
From Bill Forman, Calgary, Alberta, Progressive Alternatives Society of Calgary
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Global Words of Encouragement to Manitobans (No.2)

Sep 24, 2013
From Charlotte Gerber, Cameron, New York, USA, Disability Columnist, About.com/New York Times
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Global Words of Encouragement to Manitobans (No.1)

Sep 23, 2013
This is the first in a series of quotations from global activists that we will be featuring leading up to the Standing Committee hearing on Bill 26 scheduled for October 29
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Standing Committee Hearing on Bill 26 Scheduled for October 29

Sep 20, 2013
Bill 26 will be reviewed by the Standing Committee on Social and Economic Development on Tuesday, October 29 in Room 255 of the Legislative Building
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UCN Takes Issue with BFM Posting

Sep 18, 2013
The University College of the North responded to recent media coverage of its closure of the Student Accessibility Services Office in an article in today's online version of the Thompson Citizen
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Manitoba PCs: People with Disabilities are not a Priority to NDP

Sep 18, 2013
Manitoba's Progressive Conservatives, the Official Opposition, issued a media release yesterday that was critical of the Government's decision not to fast track Bill 26 and calling for measures to strengthen the Bill before Third Reading
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Gerrard: The Accessibility for Manitobans Act is good, but not good enough

Sep 15, 2013
See Liberal Leader Jon Gerrard's coverage of Second Reading of Bill 26.
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Powerful Words of Support during Second Reading Debate

Sep 13, 2013
Bill 26, Manitoba's Accessibility-Rights legislation, passed Second Reading yesterday morning. The debate featured powerful words of support to strengthen then pass the Bill.
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Agreement Breaks the Logjam

Aug 30, 2013
Manitoba's governing New Democrats and Opposition Progressive Conservatives reached a deal to break the political logjam that has blocked passage of legislation, including Bill 26.
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The ADA Turns 23 Today!

Jul 26, 2013
July 26th, 2013 will mark the 23rd anniversary of the signing of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), a policy that changed the way that individuals with disabilities were viewed and treated in the US.
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Recent Exchange in Manitoba's Legislative Assembly on Post-Secondary Education Accessibility Funding

Jul 17, 2013
The July 10th Question Period featured an spirited exchange on the issue of post-secondary education accessibility funding, specifically related to the UCN's announced closure of Student Accessibility Office.
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Arts and Disability Network Manitoba Call For Submission | Aug 15 deadline

Jul 15, 2013
This year’s Art + Body fair will explore different ways of engaging body senses when one sense is interrupted, amplified or gone. Art + Body: See Me Hear will include a four-week juried art show at the St. Boniface Library and a two-day event at the Winni
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Giant Step Backward for Manitoba's University College of the North

Jun 26, 2013
The University College of North (UCN) has decided to close it's Student Accessibility office and lay off it's Accessibility Coordinator effective July 2, 2013.
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Congratulations to 2013 MAAW Award Winners

Jun 13, 2013
On June 7, 2013 the Manitoba Government concluded Manitoba Access Awareness Week (MAAW) 2013 with an Awards Celebration to raise awareness of barriers and opportunities for individuals with disabilities. Congratulation to all five award winners.
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Preliminary Review of Bill 26 Released

May 17, 2013
Barrier-Free Manitoba released the report from its preliminary review of Bill 26 today. The review identified many very positive features of the proposed legislation. It also identified ways the Bill can and should be improved.
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CRTC Public Proceeding Deadline May 17

May 03, 2013
The CRTC is currently holding a public proceeding that provides the opportunity to emphasize the importance of the Video Relay Service in Canada.
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Tabling of the Bill - The YouTube Video

Apr 24, 2013
The NDP Caucus has released a YouTube video of the Minister's remarks.
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Barrier-Free Manitoba's Media Release

Apr 24, 2013
Barrier-Free Manitoba issued a media release to mark the tabling of the Bill. Our release had the headline: Province Tables Historic Accessibility-Rights Bill.
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Government Announces Tabling of the Bill

Apr 24, 2013
The Province of Manitoba issued a media release on the tabling of the bill on the afternoon of April 24 with the headline: Manitoba Government Introduced Historic Legislation that Would Remove Barriers for Persons with Disabilities.
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BFM's Update on the Tabling Announcement

Apr 19, 2013
Earlier today, Barrier-Free Manitoba sent an update to endorsers and supporters on Minister Howard's plan to table the bill on accessibility rights on April 24th. This includes an invitation to attend a pre-tabling reception with a RSVP requested by
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Government Releases 'Official' Response to Accessibility Council Recommendations

Apr 03, 2013
On April 2, 2013, the Disability Issues Office (DIO) released the official Government of Manitoba's response to the Manitoba Accessibility Advisory Council's (MAAC) recommendations for provincial accessibility-rights legislation.
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'Next Generation' Coalition Discussion Documents Posted for Comment

Mar 14, 2013
Barrier-Free Manitoba is pleased to post two discussion documents on options and possible directions for a proposed new community-based coalition to work toward the effective implementation of the pending legislation.
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Rising to the Challenges Ahead of Collective Action

Mar 08, 2013
Barrier-Free Manitoba hosted a discussion session among disability stakeholders in February to consider the challenges that lie ahead in working together to ensure the effective implementation of the pending accessibility-rights legislation.
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Americans with Disabilities Act Opens Pools to Disabled Swimmers

Feb 03, 2013
Some 23 years after Congress used federal muscle to open jobs, public transportation and public accommodations to disabled Americans, another venue is coming under the federal mandate - swimming pools.
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Letter Sent Acknowledging Minister Howard’s Leadership

Jan 30, 2013
Earlier this week, Barrier-Free Manitoba sent a letter to Minister Jennifer Howard acknowledging her exemplary leadership in bringing legislation from concept to expected tabling later this year.
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Winnipeg-based human rights museum sets 'global standard' for accessibility to disabled visitors

Jan 29, 2013
The CBC reports that designers of the Canadian Museum for Human Rights in Winnipeg say they are setting a new standard in making the building accessible to people with a wide range of disabilities.
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Ontario's Built Environment Accessibility Standards Now the Law

Jan 28, 2013
Following an extensive process, the last of the initial five accessibility standards to be developed in Ontario under the AODA have been established in regulation.
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Manitoba Gears Up to Introduce Legislation in 2013

Jan 21, 2013
The Government of Manitoba just released its long awaited response to the MAAC's recommendations for legislation and the public comment received. The response formalizes the government's intention to introduce this legislation in 2013.
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Community-Wide Collaboration on Accessibility

Jan 08, 2013
Thirty-two participants from 23 disability-related coalitions and groups attended an initial session in late 2012 to discuss the potential for joint efforts to ensure the effective implementation of the upcoming accessibility-rights legislation.
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Complete Collection of Ontario Ministry 2012-13 Accessibility Plans

Dec 24, 2012
As required under legislation, each of Ontario Ministries have posted their most recent annual plans for removing barriers and enhancing accessibility on a central website.
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2012 Season's Greetings

Dec 12, 2012
Barrier-Free Manitoba extends our best wishes for a wonderful festive season to all who who have worked so hard in efforts to secure strong and effective provincial accessibility-rights legislation and to all Manitobans.
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Very Promising Stakeholder Discussions on December 5th

Dec 07, 2012
Thirty-two participants, including representatives from 23 disability-related organizations, met on December 5th at an initial discussion session hosted by the Barrier-Free Manitoba Steering Committee.
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Disability Discrimination Now Accounts for Over One-Half of All Human Rights Complaints

Nov 30, 2012
Disability discrimination accounted for more than one-half (51%) of all formal human rights complaints filed with the Manitoba Human Rights Commission (MHRC) over the past year.
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Summary from MAAC's October 22 Meeting Posted

Nov 26, 2012
The summary from the Manitoba Accessibility Advisory Council's 14th meeting held on October 22, 2012 was posted on the DIO website this weekend.
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2012 Throne Speech Commitment

Nov 20, 2012
The 2012 Speech from the Throne included the commitment to move forward with accessibility-rights legislation this year.
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Post-Legislative Working Assumptions

Nov 02, 2012
Barrier-Free Manitoba has developed eight basic assumptions about the environment that will follow the hoped for passage of strong and effective accessibility-rights legislation in June 2013.
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Prominent Manitobans Publicly Call for Stronger Measures

Oct 17, 2012
Paul G. Thomas and Rob McInnes, two highly respected Manitobans, shared the comments on the MAAC's recommendations they have sent to Minister Jennifer Howard. Both support BFM's call for stronger measures.
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Lennon's Imagine: The Disability Version

Oct 16, 2012
Martyn Sibley, a UK-based disability activist has tweaked John Lennon's famous song to address aspirations for an inclusive world.
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Free Press Coverage of Proposed Legislation

Oct 10, 2012
Today's edition of the Winnipeg Free Press carried a story on the proposed legislation by Carol Sanders.
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New Political Analysis from the Academy

Oct 09, 2012
Karine Levasseur, Assistant Professor from the University of Manitoba, recently published a fine article on the factors that led the government to delay passage of substantive rights legislation in 2011.
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Key Lessons from Ontario Experience

Oct 08, 2012
Three leaders with very different vantage points were kind enough to share their views on major lessons from the Ontario experience with accessibility-rights legislation.
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Barrier-Free Manitoba Submits and Posts Our Detailed Comments

Oct 01, 2012
Earlier today, we submitted our comments on the MAAC’s recommendations to Minister Howard. We have also just posted them on this website.
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Manitoba Recommendations for Legislation Garner International Attention

Sep 12, 2012
Last week's release of the MAAC's recommendations has captured the interest of those working on disability issues well beyond our provincial borders.
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CHRC's New Report on Equality Rights of People with Disabilities

Jul 09, 2012
Canadians have a better picture of how disability affects equality of opportunity, thanks to a new benchmarking study released by the Canadian Human Rights Commission today.
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Win iPads in Access Together Contest!

Jun 16, 2012
The Independent Living Resource Centre (ILRC), in conjunction with Barrier-Free Manitoba, has launched a contest that will run from July 1 to September 30 for teams of two with a grand prize of two iPads.
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New Summaries of MAAC Meetings Posted

Jun 06, 2012
Discussion summaries of the MAAC's meetings of May 14th and May 28th have now been posted.
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BFM's Keynote Presentation Available as PDF

Jun 01, 2012
Patrick Falconer's presentation delivered on behalf of Barrier-Free Manitoba at SMD's Disability, Health and Wellness Conference is now available to download.
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Global Messages of Encouragement

May 29, 2012
Barrier-Free Manitoba recently invited disability-rights advocates from outside Manitoba to take time out of their busy schedules to send messages of encouragement to Minister Jennifer Howard and the MAAC.
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Seven Elements for a Solid Foundation

May 24, 2012
Our detailed response to the MAAC’s discussion paper on accessibility-rights legislation sets out seven elements needed for a solid foundation.
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Check Out the Disability, Health and Wellness Conference

May 10, 2012
Final details and registration are now available to the Disability, Health and Wellness Conference: You and Your Live - May 30 and 31st in Winnipeg.
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Barrier-Free Manitoba Releases Preliminary Review

May 08, 2012
It was a major time crunch but we worked hard to prepare thoughtful preliminary comments on the Accessibility Advisory Council's just released discussion paper on accessibility legislation.
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Registration Deadline Extended / More Info Released

May 01, 2012
The DIO finally released more information about the Accessibility Advisory Council's public consultation process and event. We shared this with endorsers and subscribers through an email sent late this afternoon.
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Registration Deadline Looming / Details Still Missing

Apr 30, 2012
The May 1st deadline to register for the Accessibility Advisory Council's public consultation event is tomorrow. Unfortunately, important details related to the event are still unavailable.
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10th Council Meeting Discussion Summary Posted

Apr 24, 2012
The summary of the AAC's April 10th meeting has now been posted. And yes, Barrier-Free Manitoba did meet with the Minister, departmental staff and the Council's chair on March 27th.
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The Invite is Out

Apr 17, 2012
Earlier today, the Disability Issues Office distributed an invitation and poster from the Accessibility Advisory Council for its public consultation event scheduled for May 8th. Many important details related to the event are still pending.
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Latest Summary Out / Public Consultation Scheduled for May 8th

Apr 09, 2012
The AAC's March 26th meeting summary announces that a session has been scheduled for May 8th to provide the Council with the chance to consult with the public prior to finalizing its recommendations for legislation for the Minister.
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8th Council Meeting Discussion Summary

Mar 27, 2012
The discussion summary as posted on the DIO website
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Upcoming Accessibility Advisory Council Consultations

Mar 24, 2012
The Council will be releasing a discussion paper in the next short while (mid-April or shortly thereafter).
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Inspiration from Ontario

Mar 23, 2012
Ontario is making impressive progress under its accessibility-rights legislation. Here's some examples.
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7th Council Meeting Discussion Summary Posted

Mar 12, 2012
The discussion summary from the Accessibility Advisory Council meeting held on February 27, 2012 is now available.
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6th Council Meeting Discussion Summary Now Posted

Feb 28, 2012
The discussion summary from the Accessibility Advisory Council meeting held on February 13, 2012 is now available.
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Disabilities & the Seven Sacred Aboriginal Teachings: Reflections of an Ankylosing Spondylitis Survivor

Feb 23, 2012
A very thoughtful blog by Diane Scribe Niiganii, a member of Manitoba's Accessibility Advisory Council
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The United Church in Meadowood Welcomes Barrier-Free Manitoba

Feb 17, 2012
The United Church in Meadowood invites you to join them as they welcome Barrier-Free Manitoba to explore the role of faith communities in respect to accessibility for all within & beyond their walls.
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Ontario Leads While Manitoba And Others Are Left To Follow

Feb 14, 2012
A media story today concludes that Ontario's accessibility standards will have important impacts for businesses located elsewhere in the country.
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5th Council Meeting Discussion Summary Now Posted

Feb 13, 2012
The Council is now coming up to 1/2 way through the 11 meetings it scheduled back in November. The posted summary from meeting 5 indicates how far they have come/left to go.
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Listen to Major Addresses from 1st World Report on Disabilities Forum

Jan 29, 2012
Audio files of the comments by David Lepofsky and Tom Tom Shakespeare have now been posted on the web.
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The Toronto Launch of the 1st WHO/World Bank Report on Disability Friday, Jan 27

Jan 26, 2012
Join a global audience for first ever World Health Organization / World Bank World Report on Disabilities taking place in Toronto tomorrow.
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4th Council Meeting Discussion Summary Just Posted

Jan 26, 2012
The discussion summary of the Accessibility Advisory Council's 4th meeting are on the DIO website.
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The Honourable Jennifer Howard Retains Responsibility for Persons with Disabilities

Jan 14, 2012
The just announced provincial cabinet shuffle does not affect whose responsible for this important portfolio. Let's hope that it's full steam ahead!
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Ontario Human Rights Commission Strong Supporter of Accessibility-Rights Legislation

Jan 03, 2012
Commission position has been that strong and effective legislation is required to complement the Code.
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3rd Council Meeting Discussion Summary Now Posted

Dec 26, 2011
The summary of discussion from the Accessibility Advisory Council's meeting, held Dec. 12, has now been posted.
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First Ever Barrier-Free Manitoba Festive Season Poem

Dec 21, 2011
Yesterday's DIO broadcast email and related news have moved us to compose our first ever barrier-free festive season poem.
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Further Details Provided on New Accessibiity Advisory Council

Dec 20, 2011
New material posted on the Disability Issues Office web site responds to questions raised through Barrier-Free Manitoba.
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New Year's Day Deadline for Compliance with Ontario's Initial Standards

Dec 14, 2011
January 1, 2012 is the deadline for province-wide compliance with Ontario's initial accessible customer service standards. These apply to an estimated 340,0000 groups throughout the province.
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Summary Discussion of Council's 2nd Meeting Now Posted

Dec 13, 2011
The summary of discussions from the Accessibility Advisory Council's November 29th meeting have now been posted on the Disability Issues Office website.
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Canadian Blogger Highlights Different Assumptions of Able-Bodied

Dec 06, 2011
Persons with out disabilities often live their daily lives based on very different assumptions than persons with disabilities. Some of these 'invisible' privileges were described in a recent blog.
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Minister Announces Details on Accessibility Council

Dec 04, 2011
Minister Jennifer Howard, along with the Province of Manitoba, made a range of initial announcements regarding the Accessibility Advisory Council on Friday, December 2nd.
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BFM 2.0 Launches on International Day

Dec 02, 2011
The new, improved and expanded version of e-Barrier-Free Manitoba is launching on December 2, the day that major events are being held in Winnipeg to mark the International Day of Persons with Disabilities.
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