Songsmiths Accessible Service Policy

Statement of Commitment

Songsmiths is committed to achieving accessibility and ensuring the participation for people of all abilities and treating all people with dignity and respect. We believe in inclusion, and value diversity, accountability, foresight, integrity, excellence, and passion. We recognize the importance of improving access and removing barriers and will do this by identifying, removing, and preventing barriers wherever possible. We are committed to meeting the requirements of The Accessibility for Manitobans Act (AMA).

The Accessibility for Manitobans Act (AMA) became law in December, 2013. This landmark legislation provides a proactive process to remove barriers affecting persons with disabilities and many other citizens. The Government of Manitoba is committed to achieve significant progress by 2023, making Manitoba more inclusive for everyone. Read more at accessibilitymb.ca/law.html

Communication needs

To meet communication needs, when appropriate we offer to communicate in different ways, such as writing things down, reading things out loud, and taking extra time to explain things. All of our publications, moving forward, include the statement: “This publication is available in alternate formats on request.”

We use signs and documents that are easy to read, including using larger fonts and colour contrast, and ensuring messages printed on images are legible and easy to read.

Assistive Devices

We accommodate the use of assistive devices when individuals are accessing our services or events. In cases where the assistive device presents significant and unavoidable health or safety concerns, we attempt to use other measures to ensure the person with disabilities can access our services or events.

Support Persons and Service Animals

We welcome support persons and reduce or waive admission or service fees depending on the event. We let the public know in advance if admission or service fees cannot be waived or reduced.

We allow service animals to our events that follow the accessibility standards of the venue. We do not inquire about the disability. If another law prohibits service animals, we explain why the animal cannot enter the space and discuss with the person another way of providing the service.

Accessibility

To ensure barrier-free access to our services, we maintain our accessibility features so they can be used as intended.

We let the public know when and why an accessibility feature is temporarily unavailable, how long it will be unavailable, and other ways to access our services. If requested, we will work with individuals to find other ways to provide goods and services.

We let the public know about disruptions in the following ways:

  • Posted on the website and social media

  • Included in posters, brochures, pamphlets and/or advertisements.

  • Through staff or volunteers

Feedback

We constantly work to improve accessibility with Songsmiths. We invite feedback by phone, email, website or feedback form. All feedback is directed to Kwiat, the creator and host of Songsmiths, who determines what action, if any, should occur.

If the feedback requires us to follow-up, the individual is notified that the request is being reviewed and when they can expect a response. We let the individual know what action we will take to address their feedback, if any. We respond to feedback in a way that meets the communication needs of the individual.

Training

We provide the required training on accessible customer service to employees and volunteers. We are trained on:

  • 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.

  • An overview of The Accessibility for Manitobans Act, The Human Rights Code (Manitoba), and the Customer Service Standard.

Last Updated: November 23, 2020