The Employer’s Handbook on the Accessibility Standard for Employment was developed by the Manitoba Accessibility Office to help employers understand and meet the requirements of the Accessible Employment Standard Regulation under The Accessibility for Manitobans Act (AMA). The handbook’s purpose is to support employers in identifying, preventing, and removing barriers to employment for people with disabilities throughout the entire employment cycle, from recruitment and hiring to career development, return-to-work processes, and workplace safety. It also promotes the business benefits of accessibility, including access to talent, improved employee retention, and enhanced organizational reputation.
The resource was developed as a practical implementation guide to accompany the employment accessibility legislation introduced in Manitoba. It builds on the requirements of the Manitoba Human Rights Code and adapts regulatory obligations into clear, actionable steps for employers. The handbook includes policy guidance, examples, templates, checklists, accommodation planning tools, emergency response guidance, and references to additional resources available through AccessibilityMB.ca. The document was adapted in part from materials developed by the Queen’s Printer, Ontario and updated in February 2021.
The handbook is intended for employers across Manitoba, including private-sector businesses, non-profit organizations, municipalities, public-sector organizations, and government agencies. It is particularly useful for senior leaders, human resources professionals, managers, supervisors, recruiters, and anyone responsible for hiring, training, evaluating, or supporting employees.
Organizations should use this resource when developing accessible employment policies, recruiting and selecting candidates, providing workplace accommodations, creating individualized accommodation plans, supporting employees returning to work after disability-related absences, conducting performance management, or preparing workplace emergency response procedures. It is especially valuable for organizations seeking to comply with accessibility legislation while fostering a more inclusive workplace culture.
Overall, the handbook serves as a comprehensive roadmap for creating accessible and equitable workplaces where employees with disabilities can participate fully and succeed throughout their employment journey.
