The Accessible Canada Act (ACA) requires federally funded organizations to prepare and publish accessibility plans, update them every three years, and report on progress annually.

This plan covers the years 2026–2028 for the Canadian Museum for Human Rights (CMHR). It was developed through consultation with staff, volunteers, Elders, and community members, centering people who are Deaf, disabled, and neurodivergent.

At CMHR, accessibility is not a one‐time project. Our plan builds on progress made since the opening of the Museum and our previous Accessibility Plan in 2023‐202

Our work incorporates lessons from our community, and responds to direct feedback from staff, visitors, and community partners.

The Canadian Museum for Human Rights is committed to identifying, removing, and preventing barriers so that everyone can fully participate in the Museum.

We honour Treaty 1 Territory, the historic gathering place for the Anishinaabeg, Inninewak, Anishinewak, Dakota Oyate and Denesuline, and in the birthplace and homeland of the Red River Métis, where the Museum stands at the Red and Assiniboine Rivers. Our approach to accessibility is informed by Indigenous teachings and ways of being. We see accessibility not as a journey with an end, but as a circle of listening, returning, acting, and staying in relationship.

We commit to:

• Embedding accessibility into every division of the Museum, with budgets tied to accessibility projects.
• Continuing to consult with community members with lived experience, through Accessibility Assemblies, consultation and other gatherings.
• Recruiting and supporting staff members who are Deaf and people with disabilities
• Publishing an annual progress report at the end of each calendar year.

We welcome feedback on accessibility at CMHR and on this plan. Feedback may be shared anonymously.

Contact:

Vice‐President, People, Culture and Growth Canadian Museum for Human Rights

Canadian Museum for Human Rights

• 85 Israel Asper Way, Winnipeg, MB R3C 0L5
• info@humanrights.ca
• Phone: 204–289-2000
• Toll‐free: 1–877-877‑6037
• TTY: 204–289-2050
• Web form

How Feedback Is Handled

The People, Culture and Growth division lead the feedback process. They:

• Collect and track all feedback received
• Store all records securely for seven years in line with the Accessible Canada Regulations
• Share feedback with the relevant Museum divisions
• Ensure follow‐up actions are taken
• Acknowledge and respond to feedback in the same format it was submitted, unless it is anonymous
• Report back to the public in annual accessibility progress reports

This plan is available in alternate formats upon request:

• Electronic accessible PDF and Word versions as available upon request.
• Print or large print: 15 business days
• Audio or braille: 45 business days

• Disability – Any impairment or difference in physical, mental, intellectual, cognitive, learning, sensory, or communication ability. Disabilities may be permanent, temporary, visible, or invisible.
• Barrier – Anything that prevents full and equal participation. Barriers may be physical, technological, attitudinal, informational, or policy‐related.
• Accessibility – Designing environments, programs, services, and policies so that everyone can use them.

The Canadian Museum for Human Rights is a national museum with a mandate to explore human rights in Canada and beyond. Our role is to preserve and share stories, foster dialogue, and build understanding.

The Canadian Museum for Human Rights opened in 2014 as the first national museum established outside the National Capital Region. Each year, the Museum welcomes more than two hundred thousand visitors in person, and its digital platforms reach hundreds of thousands more across Canada and around the world.

As Accessibility Standards Canada develops new standards under the ACA, the Museum will review them and adjust this plan to ensure compliance.

Each division of CMHR has responsibility for accessibility goals and must assign resources and budgets to meet them. Accountability is shared through the leadership team and tracked in annual reports.

The Museum is committed to building an inclusive workplace. All staff receive mandatory onboarding training, and accommodations are available during recruitment, onboarding, throughout employment and separation. Human Resources staff are trained to support managers in responding to accessibility needs, and flexible work practices are in place to help employees thrive within the workplace and as part of the community.

Feedback received:

• Need for more support for employees, including an equity plan
• Lack of clarity in feedback and accommodation processes

Accessibility Goals 2026–2028:

• Develop and implement an equity plan, aligned with accessibility commitments
• Strengthen resources for staff requesting accommodations
• Continue mandatory onboarding training (see Section 4)
• Provide annual refreshers and include accessibility commitments in performance reviews

The Museum was designed with accessibility in mind. All entrances are accessible, with an Accessible Drop‐Off Entrance and designated parking stalls. Ramps connect all gallery levels with resting spaces, and elevators stop at every public floor. Washrooms are gender inclusive and include large accessible single‐room washrooms on multiple levels, one with an adult change table and lift. Seating in galleries and theatres includes options with backs and arms, and tactile and braille features are integrated throughout.

Feedback received:

• Outstanding projects: paving at group entrance to connect intercom, adding cane stops, non‐slip and high contrast strips on stairs within the visitor and staff areas
• Washroom renovations, including accessible faucet controls and privacy improvements to washrooms on all levels
• Display height concerns at exhibition video tables
• Need for additional accessible seating with armrests in some exhibition areas

Accessibility Goals 2026–2028:

• Complete outstanding physical projects by 2027
• Examine the requirements and feasibility of privacy and accessibility improvements in washrooms located on L2 through L7
• Ensure display tables and video heights meet accessibility standards
• Determine the required level of accessible seating in exhibition areas

In 2025, the Museum began offering free access to the Aira app for blind and low‐vision visitors. This app connects visitors with a live professional visual interpreter who provides real‐time support with navigation, reading text, and describing exhibits.

CMHR offers a range of other accessible technologies. The Museum provides a free mobile app in English, French, ASL, and LSQ, with audio guides, transcripts, and an interactive map. The “Near Me” feature connects visitors to Universal Access Points across the galleries, and Universal Keypads are available at touchscreens and video stations. The Museum also loans iPods for self‐guided tours.

Feedback received:

• Concerns with functionality of Universal Keypads (UKPs)
• Need to improve devices (iPads) for accessible content
• Desire to further promote and phase in Aira app as an alternative

Accessibility Goals 2026–2028:

• Review UKP usage as part of regular lifecycle planning process
• Expand use and promotion of existing accessibility software
• Determine the timing and feasibility of digitizing key accessibility resources for use on personal or Museum‐provided devices

The Museum makes its communications as clear and inclusive as possible. Exhibits use fonts, layouts, and colour contrast designed for readability, and videos include closed captioning and descriptive audio and ASL. Braille guides are available. Plain language is a priority in public documents, signage, and labels.

Feedback received:

• Accessibility feedback process not clear
• Need more signage and promotion of accessibility services on website and onsite

Accessibility Goals 2026–2028:

• Create a clear accessibility feedback process (led by People, Culture and Growth)
• Assess the effectiveness of current signage and video screens that promote accessibility features to understand if there are any gaps.
• Update accessibility information on the Museum’s website to increase clarity
• Ensure all communications use plain language and accessible formatting

Accessibility is part of procurement decisions at CMHR. New products and services are reviewed with input from people who are Deaf and with disabilities before being introduced to the Museum. Procurement policies reference ethical and inclusive practices, and the Museum works with suppliers who can demonstrate accessible standards.

Feedback received:

• Procurement policies must account for accessibility

Accessibility Goals 2026–2028:

• Review procurement policy annually for accessibility considerations
• Where applicable, test products with users before purchase
• Include accessibility clauses in all contracts

Accessibility is built into the Museum’s programs and services. Support persons are admitted free of charge, and service animals are welcome. Mobility aids, cane seats, and strollers are available at Coat Check, and staff provide assistance when needed. Events and exhibitions regularly include ASL interpretation or captioning, and in 2024, accessibility was reviewed through an Accessibility Assembly to ensure events and ceremonies held at the Museum meet community needs.

Feedback received:

• Need for sensory‐friendly spaces and programming
• Requests for clearer booking procedures for wheelchairs and seating
• Aira app requires further promotion

Accessibility Goals 2026–2028:

• Hold Accessibility Assemblies each year to focus on accessibility and community accountability
• Develop and implement a sensory‐friendly programming plan
• Clarify wheelchair booking process online and onsite
• Increase promotion and visibility of accessibility software

Accessibility in arrival and departure

The Museum does not provide transportation services. However, we support accessibility in arrival and departure through:

• Accessible drop‐off entrance near main entry doors
• Accessible parking stalls next to the entrance and along Israel Asper Way
• Intercom systems at all entrances for visitor support

CMHR has made consultation a core part of its accessibility approach. The Accessibility Assembly model invites members of the Deaf and disability community to share their experiences and guidance. It is organized through participation in Museum events and programs and structured group reflection. The Accessibility Assembly remains the central model for consultation. It creates a circle of dialogue and community‐led solutions.

As part of this approach, a disability consultant works alongside members of the Deaf and disability community to carry out accessibility audits at the Museum. These reviews take place for every new exhibition to identify and address potential barriers. In addition, a full physical accessibility audit of the entire Museum is completed each year to ensure accountability and continuous improvement.

Visitors and staff can also share feedback online, in person, or anonymously. All feedback is reviewed and acted on, ensuring that accessibility changes are rooted in lived experience.

Consultations for this plan included:

• Accessibility Assembly (2024–2025, ceremonies and events; 2025–2026, sensory‐friendly spaces)
• Leadership team discussions with VPs and CEO (2025)
• Community organizations (ECCOE, People First of Manitoba, Arts Accessibility Network of Manitoba, Manitoba Possible, Elders and Knowledge Keepers)
• Visitor feedback
• Employee direct reports
• Accessibility audits for every new exhibition, conducted by a disability consultant together with members of the Deaf and disability community
• Annual full physical accessibility audit of the entire Museum, also led by a disability consultant and our community partners

The Museum provides a strong foundation of accessibility training for all leadership, staff and volunteers. A disability consultant meets monthly with Visitor Services staff to answer questions and resolve issues. This combination of structured training and practical learning builds ongoing awareness and skill across the Museum team.

Mandatory onboarding training for all staff includes:

• Accessibility for Manitobans Act – Customer Service Standards
• Unconscious Bias
• Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging
• Gender‐Based Analysis
• Other industry‐specific training

Ongoing training and consultation includes:

• Monthly sessions with a disability consultant during Visitor Services meetings
• Timely resolution of accessibility questions from staff
• Annual accessibility refreshers tied to new technology and visitor needs