Resources and services for Manitobans with disabilities
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Inclusion is taken very seriously in Manitoba. Everyone has the opportunity to belong to a community and become an integral and functioning part of society. Persons with disabilities are no exception. Physical or mental disability is one of the characteristics protected from discrimination in the Human Rights Code (Human Rights and Reasonable Accommodations). Moreover, the Accessibility for Manitobans Act (AMA) was made into law to “provide a proactive process to remove barriers affecting persons with disabilities and many other citizens”. This law ensures that the government and public sector organizations will continue to improve opportunities, utilities and infrastructure following accessibility standards to remove barriers to participation. These relate to:
- Employment
- Accommodation
- Built environment
- facilities, infrastructures and premises
- public transportation and transportation infrastructure
- Delivery and receipt of goods, services and information
- Prescribed activity or undertaking
Services for people with disabilities
There are several government and not-for-profit organizations that provide free information, support, and services in Manitoba. The following are links for more information:
Information for Manitobans with Disabilities – This is a collection of fact sheets that answer most commonly asked questions. The easy-to-read collection includes fact sheets on Services and Programs for Children and Services and Programs for Adults (from services for health/therapy to employment and training). Materials can be downloaded in pdf format.
Children’s disABILITY services – Additional link to family supports for children with disabilities.
Community Living disABILITY (or Support services for vulnerable persons living with a mental disability) – Lists a broad range of programs for eligible persons delivered through Manitoba Family Services. Aside from sustained support from a community service worker, they can have residential services (living option supports), day services (supports for vocational, social and personal care needs) and other supports.
Income Assistance
Manitoba.ca – Income Assistance for Persons with Disabilities
This provides financial and employment assistance to adults with disability enrolled in the Employment and Income Assistance Program (EIA).
Organizations:
Reaching E-Quality Employment Services (REES) – Promotes the employment of people with physical disabilities and/or health conditions. They offer employment counselling and consultation services. They connect job-seekers with employers.
Ability Axis – This is a project of Diversity World, a training and consulting company. The initiative aims to increase the workforce participation rate of Manitobans with disabilities. The company provides information and networking services, participates in provincial government committees, and organizes special events like training seminars for employers, the Disability Employment Awareness Month, and an Employment Expo. Ability Axis also compiles links to other Manitoba organizations that provide employment services to persons with disabilities: Organizations
Cerebral Palsy Association of Manitoba – Offers information, referral, support, advocacy and use of its library to anyone affected by cerebral palsy or those interested in working with people affected by cerebral palsy. They also have online resources for more information.
Epic Opportunities– Provides holistic, person-centred supports to people with intellectual disabilities and promotes inclusive communities. It also compiles links to other Manitoba organizations and resources for those who want supported independent living: Resources
Independent Living Resource Centre (ILRC) – Provides a wide array of community and advocacy services. The organization is committed to providing resources related to independent living needs. They also conduct trainings for people who wish to work with people with disabilities.
Manitoba League of Persons with Disabilities – A membership-based not-for-profit corporation and registered charity. The organization promotes equal rights and full participation in society through advocacy and public education.
Manitoba Possible (formerly Society for Manitobans with Disabilities) – Provides a wide range of programs from education and work training to counselling and therapy for children, youth and adults with disabilities.
Transportation:
Transit Plus (formerly known as Handi-transit) are cars, wheelchair-accessible mini vans and mini buses that are offered as a door-to-door service for persons with disabilities. You have to apply for this service. Read the Transit Plus page for information on eligibility, registration, trip requests, fare and others.
Important terms:
Access/Accessibility – Barrier-free access to places, events and other functions that are generally available to the community (The Accessibility for Manitobans Act).
Barrier – A barrier (for a person with physical, mental, intellectual or sensory disability)is anything that interacts with that disability in a way that may hinder the person’s full and effective participation in society on an equal basis (The Accessibility for Manitobans Act).
EIA – The Employment and Income Assistance program provides basic financial and medical benefits to Manitobans who need assistance.
Reasonable accommodation – Changes done to meet a special need of a person. The need must be a characteristic protected by the Code, such as religion, ethnic background and disability (Manitoba Human Rights Commission).
Article updated December 11, 2023.
Sources: Manitoba government website (Human Rights and Reasonable Accommodations), The Accessibility for Manitobans Act. Accessed June 1, 2017.