Reasonable accommodation refers to a temporary or long-term adjustment made in the workplace to help employees do their work with minimal barriers. Adjustments can include changing working conditions, duties, policies, rules, practices, programs, or the physical work environment.

The employer makes these changes or adjustments to address an applicant’s or employee’s work-related needs arising from a protected characteristic(s) in The Manitoba Human Rights Code, up to the point of undue hardship.

The Manitoba government is committed to working with candidates to determine if reasonable accommodations are required. The integrity of the competition process and the bona fide occupational requirements for the position will be considered.

The Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act (FIPPA) and The Personal Health Information Act (PHIA) protect information obtained through the accommodation process. Only information required to determine what accommodation is reasonably necessary is collected. To support candidate privacy, information can be sent directly to the selection board chair, who is the human resources recruiter overseeing the competition process. Only information necessary to facilitate your participation in the competition process will be shared with the selection board. Privacy and confidentiality will be protected to the fullest extent possible.

An accommodation request during the recruitment process can be made through the contact information in the job advertisement or the human resources personnel you may be engaging with. Please remember to quote the advertisement number and position title when submitting a request. A representative from human resources will contact you once an accommodation request has been received.

What information is needed to support an accommodation request?

• Request a copy of the job position description in an alternate format, e.g., large print, which is formatted to be accessible for use with a screen reader.
• Request clarification of the stages in the recruitment process and timelines.

• Request to submit your cover letter and resume in an alternate format, such as an audio recording or Braille.
• Request an extension to submit your job application or resume after the deadline. (Note: an extension is commonly given if there is a delay in providing an alternate format. Other circumstances may be considered on a case-to-case basis)

Written or practical assessment stage:

• Inquire about the physical attributes of the space where the testing will occur to determine whether an alternate testing location may be required (e.g., candidates with mobility concerns or use mobility aids or devices, those who use a service animal, or candidates with severe allergies).
• Request for sensory accommodation: For example: reduced/brighter lighting, noise cancelling headphones.
• Request for additional time to complete assessment.

Interview stage:

• Request a short break during the interview.
• Request a sign language interpreter, either in-person or through video relay service.
• Request interview questions be provided in advance to help prepare answers (e.g., reviewing questions within a certain time frame before the interview starts) during the interview process and request additional time.
• Request a support person to attend the interview with you.
• Request extra time to think about and respond to interview questions (e.g., time to write a few notes on paper before providing a verbal response)
• Request an ergonomic chair or the ability to sit or stand when responding to interview questions.
• Online Interview – Request sensory accommodations for interview space, e.g., one board member with a video camera on at a time when asking the interview questions.

• Request to provide the names and contact information for references verbally, in person or in an alternate format rather than submitting in written form.

• Successful and unsuccessful candidates are notified of the decision made in the job selection process. Applicants may request to receive notification in alternate formats, including but not limited to a phone call, letter via physical mail or email.