October is a time to celebrate the talents and contributions of individuals with disabilities in the workforce. Since 2010, Disability Employment Awareness Month (DEAM) has highlighted the invaluable roles people with disabilities play in our communities. It’s an opportunity for employers to champion inclusive hiring practices and raise awareness about the importance of disability employment.

At RRC Polytech, we proudly embrace these values every day. Our commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion means creating environments that are welcoming, supportive, and respectful of the dignity and independence of individuals of all abilities. Together, we can continue to remove barriers and foster communities where everyone has the opportunity and the access to thrive and succeed.

We invite you to join us in celebrating our shared commitment to accessibility and inclusion.

Light It Up! for NDEAM

At RRC Polytech, we are excited showcase our commitment to accessibility and inclusion by participating in the ‘Light It Up! For NDEAM’ (National Disability Employment Awareness Month) initiative. Through the month of October RRC Polytech will:

• Illuminate the Roblin Centre and the Paterson Global Foods Institute at EDC with purple and blue lights starting on October 17 and for the rest of the month.
• Project the “Light It Up! for NDEAM” graphic on the Elgin Plaza from October 14 to 18, 2024.
• Feature the “Light It Up! for NDEAM” graphic on the NDC outdoor digital screen at Notre Dame Ave. and King Edward St. from October 14 to 18, 2024.

Accessibility Quick Tips

Starting in October, RRC Polytech will be sharing an Accessibility Quick Tips to provide information about accessibility services and supports to help the College community incorporate accessible practices into our professional and personal lives. These tips will be shared through Staff News every Wednesday.

As we light up our campus and share quick tips, we also want to ensure that all members of our community are aware of and have access to the various resources that support our commitment to accessibility and inclusivity including:

Accessibility Staff Forum Page

We’ve made it easier for our staff to find accessibility resources by creating an Accessibility page on Staff Forum. Please take a moment to review and bookmark this page. It includes information and links to resources such as Supportive Employment, Student Accessibility Services, Accessibility Training, and Accessible Content Creation Resources.

Accessibility Plan

RRC Polytech is dedicated to removing barriers to education and employment while promoting access and participation in all areas. We believe in inclusion and strive to meet, and wherever possible, exceed the requirements of The Accessibility for Manitobans Act and The Human Rights Code. To support this commitment, RRC Polytech has developed an Accessibility Plan, which is renewed every two years.

Accessibility Training

Accessibility Training is one way we promote awareness and foster an accessible environment. All College employees must complete the Accessible Customer Service training and the Accessible Information and Communication Standard training. Employees can access and review the training in LEARN at any time.

Accessibility Parking

RRC Polytech provides accessible parking for staff. The Manitoba Parking Permit Program, regulated by Manitoba Infrastructure and Technology and administered by Manitoba Possible, allows individuals who have difficulty walking more than 50 meters to use specially designated parking spots across the province. Staff with certain temporary health conditions may be eligible for accessible parking on a temporary basis, subject to availability.

Student Accessibility Services

Student Accessibility Services plays a key role in arranging accommodations and supports for students with disabilities. Our Student Accessibility Services team works collaboratively with new, current and future students, faculty and support staff, to ensure all students can have an equal opportunity to achieve their educational goals.

Deaf and Hard of Hearing Services

Deaf and Hard of Hearing Services offers accommodations such as ASL-English interpreters and computerized note-takers to ensure equal access to education for all Deaf and Hard of Hearing students. The Deaf and Hard of Hearing Services team provides American Sign Language – English interpreters and computerized note takers for full-time or part-time programs, group work related to courses, college-related appointments (meeting with instructors, financial aid, counselling etc.), college workshops, events and more. Deaf and Hard of Hearing Services works together with students and their academic program to develop and facilitate individualized and appropriate accommodations.

To book an ASL-English Interpreter or transcriber submit this form.

Supportive Employment

Supportive Employment is a specialized area within Human Resource Services that focuses on managing disabilities. It emphasizes early intervention and proactive practices to ensure employees receive the support they need to continue working or return to productive employment as soon as possible. If you’d like to learn more about the Supportive Employment program, please speak with your manager or human resource consultant. Managers can also access the Supportive Employment Training Module on LEARN to learn how to support their team members.

Interview Accommodation

At RRC Polytech, we are committed to creating an inclusive environment where all employees and students feel valued, respected, and supported. We welcome applications from individuals with disabilities and strive for a workforce that reflects the diversity of our communities. Our recruitment process is designed to be barrier-free and equitable for everyone. You can learn more about the interview accommodation process and how to request accommodation on the Interview Accommodation Page.

Accessibility Tech Tips for Enhanced Learning

RRC Polytech’s Student Accessibility Services (SAS) collaborates with students, faculty, and support staff to ensure that all students have equal opportunities to achieve their educational goals. The SAS Assistive Technologist maintains a blog that promotes the use of technology to enhance academic life for all RRC Polytech students. Blog posts typically appear twice a month, highlighting tips, resources, and technology supports. You can visit the Tech Tips blog or subscribe to the Tech Tips newsletter to stay updated on the latest accessibility technology tips.

Safety First: Individual Emergency Plans

An Individual Emergency Plan (IEP) outlines procedures for the safe evacuation of individuals with disabilities during campus emergencies. The IEP includes exit routes, muster points, and specific steps to follow in various scenarios. For more information about the emergency response process, please visit the Safety, Health and Security Services SharePoint site, or contact safety@rrc.ca to request an individual emergency plan.

We Want Your Feedback!

At RRC Polytech, we believe in our shared responsibility to create an equitable, accessible, and inclusive environment. We value your suggestions on how to enhance accessibility services across our campuses. You can share your feedback by filling out this feedback form on our website or by emailing us at diversity@rrc.ca.

Additionally, you can help us better understand our college community and assess our current Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion initiatives, programs, and policies by completing the voluntary Employment Equity Self-Identification Questionnaire. Staff can access and update their self-identification information at any time. Students who wish to self-identify can contact the Student Services Centre at their campus.