The Regional Health Authority (RHA) is working on developing an Accessibility Action Plan, and seeks public input to help guide the document.

Southern Health Sante Sud disability case coordinator Brad Street says the RHA has been working on an accessibility plan in order to meet provincial standards outlined in the Accessibility of Manitoban's Act passed in Dec. 2013, requiring all public organizations to have an accessibility plan which identifies how to reduce or remove barriers to accessibility.

"We have our initial plan finalized, and we are now looking for some public input to help us understand what their experiences have been when accessing services at our various facilities and offices," Street says.

Southern Health has already developed a statement of commitment and established a committee to oversee plan development and planning to achieve accessibility goals, Street explains. Soliciting public input and addressing customer service standards are the next steps.

"The standard has become regulation and we have obligation to address specifics related to customer service," says Street.

Street stresses public input is vital in helping Southern Health identify priorities in its Accessibility Plan.

"It will help us understand what their responses have been and helps us provide a wider understanding of what we can do to help make our services more accessible."

The survey is available on Southern Health's website. Alternate submissions can also be made by contacting Street via email at bstreet@southernhealth.ca or phone at 204-822-2668.