Accessibility
The Accessibility for Manitobans Act (AMA) was passed on December 5, 2013 and provides a clear, proactive process to identify, prevent and remove barriers to accessibility.
Under this legislation, the Manitoba government will develop mandatory accessibility standards to address barriers to accessibility with respect to the following five areas:
- Customer service
- Employment
- Transportation information
- Communication
- Built environment
The implementation of AMA will have positive impacts on access to health care services. The removal of barriers addressed through the five standards will result a more welcoming environment for everyone using health care services and for staff, students, volunteers and visitors.
Prairie Mountain Health is committed to preventing, identifying and removing barriers that may interfere with the ability of people with disabilities to access care and services at any Prairie Mountain Health facility or program. PMH is committed to treating people with disabilities in a way that allows them to maintain their dignity and independence. This includes clients, families, staff, physicians, volunteers, students and residents of the Prairie Mountain Health region.
The original Prairie Mountain Health (PMH) Accessibility Plan was approved by the PMH Board of Directors on April 27, 2017. This plan is a living document and will be updated as additional information becomes available. The revised Accessibility Plan is now available and in effect for 2025-2027.
If you would like additional information about Accessibility in Prairie Mountain Health, please email [email protected].
Barriers to Accessibility
Barriers to accessibility are obstacles that make it difficult – or sometimes impossible – for people with different abilities to fully participate in school, work, social situations or receive health services. Barriers usually develop because accessibility needs are not considered. There are many different types of barriers, both visible and invisible. They include:
Attitudinal Barriers
may result in people with disabilities being treated differently than people without disabilities (e.g., talking to an individual’s support person assuming the individual with a disability will not be able to understand; assuming a person who has a speech impairment or speaks a different language cannot understand you; thinking a person with an intellectual or mental health disability cannot make decisions, etc.).
Informational and Communication Barriers
arise when a person with a disability cannot easily receive and /or understand information available to others (e.g., print is too small to be read by a person with impaired vision; public address systems alert only people who can hear, etc.).
Technological Barriers
occur when technology, or the way it is used, is not accessible (e.g., websites not accessible to people who are blind and use screen reader software; accepting only online registration forms for programs, etc.).
Systemic Barriers
are policies, practices or procedures that result in some people receiving unequal access or being excluded (e.g., not considering the needs of persons with disabilities at the event planning stage; not being aware of policies that support accessibility, etc.).
Physical and Architectural Barriers
in the environment prevent physical access for people with disabilities (e.g., a door knob cannot be turned by a person with limited mobility or strength; aisles are narrowed by displays or equipment making them impassable by a person using a wheelchair or walker, etc.).
Feedback
Prairie Mountain Health welcomes feedback on all PMH programs and services including how we provide accessible customer service. Client feedback helps PMH identify barriers and respond to concerns.
Any client or visitor can provide feedback through the Patient Relations department by one of the following :
Submitting a Complaint or Compliment online
1-800-735-6596
Support Persons
Anyone who requires assistance at our facilities is encouraged to have a trusted support person with them during their visit. Most programs and services welcome and will accommodate support persons. Please understand that exceptions may apply in specific circumstances (for example, if space, safety, or infection prevention are a concern). If you have any questions or concerns regarding bringing your support person, please contact the facility or your service provider.
Customer Service Policies & Practices
Prairie Mountain Health will document its accessible customer service measures, policies and practices. This documentation is available upon request.
Requesting Information in an Alternate Format
Prairie Mountain Health cares about Accessibility. If you would like any information from our website provided to you in a format more appropriate to your needs, please contact us at [email protected].