Post from Deputy Minister of Families, Jay Rodgers –
Since 1992, December 3 has been recognized around the world as the United Nations International Day of Persons with Disabilities, when global citizens are invited to promote the rights and well-being of persons with disabilities. In Manitoba, we are pleased to celebrate the day with public awareness initiatives and by joining community members at a learning event organized by Barrier-Free Manitoba at the Canadian Museum of Human Rights.
The Manitoba government’s vision is a fully accessible society, where all abilities are valued, diversity and independence are celebrated, barriers are removed, and human rights are protected. The Accessibility for Manitobans Act (AMA) is Manitoba’s commitment to fulfill this vision by collaborating with business and community to set reasonable accessibility requirements for organizations across the province.
As of November 1, 2018, over 40,000 Manitoba businesses and organizations are required to comply with the Customer Service Standard under the AMA. In keeping with the overall spirit of our accessibility legislation, the Manitoba government will continue to focus on raising awareness and compliance by offering a variety of free resources, including training tools, templates and checklists, which can be found at www.AccessibilityMB.ca.
The International Day of Persons with Disabilities reminds us that our challenges and successes are part of a global movement to achieve equal rights for persons with disabilities. On December 3, we also celebrate Canada’s ratification in 2010 of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD), which helps guide the way forward, here in Manitoba and around the world.
Please join me in recognizing the International Day of Persons with Disabilities as we seek a better understanding of full citizenship and equality of persons with disabilities.
Best regards,
Jay Rodgers,
Deputy Minister, Families
