The Municipality of Springfield through its Vision, Mission Statement and core values is committed to ensuring all community members have equal access to all our services and facilities regardless of their abilities. We are committed to treating all people in a way that allows them to maintain their dignity and independence. We believe in inclusion. We are committed to meeting the needs of people who face accessibility barriers by identifying, removing and preventing these barriers and by meeting the requirements of the Accessibility for Manitobans Act.
Background
On December 5, 2013, The Accessibility for Manitobans Act (AMA) was passed. This Act provides the process to identify, prevent and remove barriers for all citizens. Part of the act mandates municipalities with a population over 10,000 must have an Accessibility Plan in place by December 31, 2016, and must be updated every two years.
The act stipulates the development of five (5) accessibility standards will take place over the next few years. As they are implemented municipalities will have to adopt the standards.
The five standards are:
Customer Service Standard
Information and communication
Transportation
Employment
Built environment
The Customer Service Accessibility Standard came into effect on November 1, 2015. Municipalities have until November 1, 2017, to comply with the new requirements. The Customer Service Standard requires Provincial organizations to establish and implement measures, policies and practices that:
Identify and remove barriers to accessible customer service, or if it cannot be removed, find alternative means to provide the goods or services.
Allow assistive devices such as service dogs, wheelchairs and oxygen.
Allow support persons to enter and remain with the customer.
Inform the public when accessibility services are not available.
Develop a procedure to receive and respond to feedback regarding accessibility.
Ensure all employees are trained on the Customer Service Standard.
Ensure that Public Events are accessible.
2022 - 2024 RM of Springfield Accessibility Plan
2024 - 2026 RM of Springfield Accessibility Plan