Accessibility

The L. Kerry Vickar Business Law Clinic is committed to complying with The Accessibility for Manitobans Act and its regulations.

Our policies and practices reflect the principles of dignity, independence, integration and equal opportunity for people with disabilities.

If a barrier to accessing our services can not be removed, we seek to provide alternate ways to access the services.

The following policy statements and organization practices are intended to meet the requirements for non-profit organizations under the Customer Service Standard Regulation under The Accessibility for Manitobans Act.

This policy applies to all staff, volunteers and management.

Policy

1. Communication and Information:
   
   We communicate with people disabled by barriers in ways that take the nature of the barrier into account. If the barrier to accessibility is unclear, we will ask the individual to identify a preferred method of communication. We will then communicate with the individual using the preferred method of communication, to the best of our abilities.
   
   Our publications and communications can be made available in alternative formats upon request. In the event we are unable to provide a particular alternative format, we will notify you as soon as practicable and work to provide a suitable alternative format.
   
   We will document all information received from individuals disabled by barriers regarding their accessibility needs.
   
   
2. Assistive Devices:
   
   People with disabilities are welcome to use any personal assistive device they may require while accessing our services and facilities.
   
   If a situation arises where the assistive device presents significant or unavoidable health and/or safety concerns, we will attempt to take other available measures to ensure the individual can still access our services.
   
   
3. Support Persons:
   
   We welcome all individuals who require a support person to attend at our office with them. Generally, this person may remain with the individual at all times. There may be circumstances where it may not be possible or appropriate to have a support person present. In the event a support person cannot accompany the individual, we will do our best to provide alternative accommodation.
   
   
4. Service Animals:
   
   We are committed to meeting the requirements of The Human Rights Code and acknowledge the right of an individual to be accompanied in public places by a service animal.
   
   We adopt the definition of “service animal” as defined in The Human Rights Code. Under the Code, a service animal “means an animal that has been trained to provide assistance to a person with a disability that relates to that person’s disability.”
   
   
5. Barrier-free Access:
   
   We are committed to maintaining barrier-free access to our facilities and services. We will take steps to ensure that all the features of our organization that are there to enable barrier-free access are available for use as intended.
   
   
6. Notice of Temporary Disruption:
   
   In the event of a planned or unexpected disruption to any of our accessibility features or services that will affect individuals disabled by barriers, we will provide public notice as soon as possible.
   This notice will describe:
   
   
   • The affected accessibility feature
   • The reason for disruption
   • The anticipated length of time of the disruption
   • The name and contact information of a staff member who can provide assistance or field questions if needed
   • Alternative modes of access (if available).

Accessibility features that may be affected by a temporary disruption include:

• Elevator
• Accessible washrooms

7. Feedback Process:
   
   We welcome feedback from all individuals on our efforts to ensure accessibility for our service users. Such feedback allows us to identify and remove barriers to accessibility. We will conduct a review based on the feedback, determine what can be done to remove identified barriers and develop an appropriate action plan in response.
   
   All actions taken as a result of the feedback will be tracked and documented. This information will be given to the individual who provided the feedback and otherwise will be made available on request.
   We will communicate all of our responses to feedback in a manner that meets the communication needs of the individual who is inquiring.
   
   An individual can give feedback in the following ways:
   
   
   • In person: to one of our staff members or at our offices;
   • Phone;
   • Email;
   • On our Website.

All feedback should be directed to:

L.Kerry Vickar Business Law Clinic
c/o Faculty of Law, The University of Manitoba
244 Dysart Road, Winnipeg, Manitoba R3C 2N2
Attention: Dean of Law*

* The Dean of Law is responsible for responding to feedback and determining what action should be taken.

8. Training:
   
   All our staff members and volunteers will receive training on accessible customer service. As part of this training, all staff members and volunteers will be familiar with our own policies and practice guides. New employees and volunteers will be trained as soon as reasonably practicable.
   
   Staff and volunteers will receive ongoing training on accessible customer service in connection with any changes to our policies and practices regarding providing barrier-free access.
   
   
9. Documentation:
   
   We will provide the following information on our website, and will make it available in appropriate formats on request:
   
   
   • This policy; and
   • The process to provide feedback on the accessibility of our services.

10. Responsibility for the Policy
    
    
    • Course Instructor:
      • Sets, implements and maintains corporate administrative policy and program direction.
      • Receives and reviews all feedback related to customer service accessibility and ensures appropriate follow up with those providing the feedback. Reviews and approves recommendations arising from the feedback
      • Coordinates and administers training for staff and volunteers on accessibility standards for customer service
      • Coordinates assessments of the impact of the applicable legislation on our services and service delivery
    • Dean of Law School:
      • Oversee the consistent application of the policy
      • Foster an environment that reflects and supports the purpose of the policy
      • Work in compliance with the policy and related processes
    • Employees and Volunteers:
      • Work in compliance with the policy and related processes
      • Attend training and education sessions on accessible customer service when required

All students and staff of The University of Manitoba are also bound by the University’s Accessibility Policy.