Policy Statement
The Manitoba Conservatory of Music & Arts (MCMA) is committed to complying with the Accessibility Standard for Customer Service under The Accessibility for Manitobans Act. The MCMA believes in inclusion, value diversity, and recognizes the importance of improving access and removing barriers for students, the public, volunteers and employees. If a barrier to accessing our services cannot be removed, we shall seek to find alternative measures.
Information and Communication
When providing information to, or communicating with, a person with a disability, the MCMA will provide, on request, the information and communication in an accessible format or with a communication support. The MCMA will provide the information in a timely manner that takes into account the person’s disability.
To meet communication needs, when appropriate the MCMA will offer to communicate in different ways, such as writing things down, reading things out loud, and taking extra time to explain things. We also keep paper and pens available to write things down, offer a chair when longer conversations are needed, or offer a quieter space to sit down to engage with someone using a wheelchair.
Customer Service
The MCMA will strive to provide barrier-free access to services that accommodates the needs of its customers including students. The MCMA will recognize and support members of the public who use assistive devices, support person or service animals.
In the event that an accessibility feature if temporarily unavailable, the MCMA will notify the public by putting up signage or posting the information online including how long the feature will be unavailable and if there are alternative ways to access services in the meantime.
The MCMA welcomes and responds promptly to feedback we receive on the accessibility of our services. We invite feedback by visiting our reception desk or contact us by phone or email. All feedback is directed to Senior Management who determines what action, if any, should occur. If the feedback requires the MCMA to follow-up, the person is notified that the request is being reviewed and when they can expect a response.
Training
The MCMA provides the required training on accessible customer service to its employees. Training covers topics such as:
- How to interact and communicate with people who face barriers to accessing goods and services, use assistive devices, are assisted by a support person and/or are assisted by a service animal.
- How to use any equipment or assistive devices that are available on-site.
- An overview of The Accessibility for Manitobans Act, The Human Rights Code (Manitoba), and the Customer Service Standard.