Getting out there
To fully engage with their communities, people need to have the tools and knowledge to access the environments in which they live, work, and play. This means knowing what’s available to them – whether that’s community resources, opportunities for social engagement, or support services – and taking full advantage of these opportunities.
The supports people access should empower, not limit, their ability to engage with the world around them. When barriers come up, the focus is on finding ways around them or to overcome them, so that everyone is living full and meaningful lives.
In this section, you’ll find resources related to accessibility, transportation, and current opportunities that support full participation in community life. These tools can help you to support people to access new places in their community where they can share their strengths and interests, opportunities to meet new people, and experiences to grow and gain knowledge.
Accessibility Tools: Discovering your community
Accessibility tools are invaluable for learning about the accessibility of your community. From online guides to maps and apps, these tools help identify accessible routes, facilities, and services, making it easier to navigate and participate fully in community life. They support people to make informed decisions about where they go and how they get there, promoting independence and inclusion.
Wheelchair Manitoba has it all! Outdoor sports and activities, pools, concert venues, museums, all accessible. You can find blogs from people sharing their stories and experiences and dating and intimacy resources.
Access Now let’s you explore areas by name or look up specific locations for accessibility standards
Manitoba Accessibility Office is a comprehensive resource for all accessibility standards and legislation in Manitoba
Winnipeg Public Library offers a number of programs and services in a variety of formats and you can borrow assistive devices
13 Awesome Accessibility Apps in 2024 – Accessibility Sparks highlights exceptional accessibility apps and their strength
Wheelmap – is a crowd-sourced accessibility app that provides information about the accessibility of public places. Its unique feature lies in its reliance on user contributions, creating a comprehensive database of accessible locations worldwide.
Android Accessibility Suite is available on Google play with great functions like talk to text, screen reading and translation.
Transportation: Getting where you need to go
Having reliable transportation is essential for people to live full, independent lives. It’s not just about getting to appointments, it’s about having the freedom to explore your community, visit friends and family, participate in activities, and complete daily tasks. Access to transportation gives people the power to decide where and when they want to go.
Not everyone has a vehicle available all the time, but there are many transportation options that are accessible, efficient and designed to increase autonomy. By supporting people in finding and using these options, they can gain independence, stay connected, and live more actively in the communities they choose.
Winnipeg WAV
The City of Winnipeg had launched your one-stop-shop to book accessible taxis. This is a centralized dispatch system that books accessible vehicles from seven companies for a requested time.
There are three ways to book your ride now:
• Book online
• Call 204 986 4WAV
• Download the app
Winnipeg Transit
Our city’s transit system is committed to accessibility, offering a range of resources to making riding easy. All buses are fully accessible, with low easy access, automated announcements, and wheelchair securement systems.
There are a number of tools to help get you where you need to go:
• Download the passenger travelling tips
• Request a travel training program
• Navigo provides step-by-step directions for riders
• Download the Winnipeg Transit app for real-time bus tracking and detailed maps
Helpful Extras
Navigating Disability Services in Manitoba – AIDE Canada (Autism and/or Intellectual Disability Knowledge Exchange Network) Developed in partnership with people with lived experience to deliver accessible information and resources.