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Manitoba to Promote Inclusiveness: Public Input Sought In Developing Accessibility Legislation

(Winnipeg, May 1, 2012)

Manitoba wants input into legislation to ensure social and physical barriers are removed to increase accessibility for people with disabilities, Family Services and Labour Minister Jennifer Howard, minister responsible for persons with disabilities, announced today.

"Manitobans with disabilities often face challenges in aspects of everyday living that others may take for granted," said Howard.  "The Accessibility Advisory Council will help guide the discussion and suggestions to ensure accessibility for all of our citizens."

The council is made up of members of the disability community and other affected stakeholders including representatives of businesses and municipalities.  It was designed to represent the interests of those most affected by measures aimed at achieving greater accessibility, Howard said.

To assist in the public consultation, the Disabilities Issues Office has prepared a discussion paper on accessibility legislation.  The paper is divided into a series of issues that will be considered when developing legislation and proposals for accessibility standards.  The document is available online at the Disabilities Issues Office website at www.gov.mb.ca/dio.

The council is hosting a community meeting to hear ideas about the proposed legislation on   Tuesday, May 8 from 1 to 4 p.m. in the Embassy Rooms A, B and C, main floor of the Victoria Inn, 1808 Wellington Ave., Winnipeg.  Registration starts at 12:30 p.m.

If you cannot attend the meeting and want more information or to share your ideas, contact:

Disabilities Issues Office
630-240 Graham Ave.
Winnipeg, MB  R3C 0J7
Email:  accesscouncil@gov.mb.ca
Website:  www.gov.mb.ca/dio
Phone:  204-945-7613 or toll-free at 1-800-282-8069, ext. 7613

The deadline for submissions is June 5 and the Accessibility Advisory Council will submit its report later that month, said Howard.


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