Manitoba Possible launches campaign to help build new accessible space

Manitoba Possible is working to set a new standard for accessibility with its new campaign.

A local non-profit aimed at eliminating barriers for people with disabilities is raising funds to help transform its new home.

On Tuesday, Manitoba Possible launched its Breaking Barriers Capital Campaign – an initiative to raise $3.8 million for the organization’s new space in Winnipeg’s North End.

“The Breaking Barriers campaign is incredibly important to us,” said Lindsey Cooke, CEO of Manitoba Possible.

“It wouldn’t be possible without community and donors who are supporting this work to make spaces like this come to life and really be possible.”

Construction on the non-profit’s new home is already underway.

The space, which has been designed with the help of an accessibility consultant, will feature hearing loop systems, tactile navigation paths, mechanical lifts, an accessible gym, and washrooms with height-adjustable toilets.

It will also include a fully accessible kitchen; a wheelchair terrain park where clients can test mobility equipment; and community classrooms for disability education, ASL learning, and financial literacy programs.

“We wanted to create a space in consultation with the community and people with lived experience that would make sure that when everybody walks through our doors, they feel like they were thought of, that it was designed with their needs in mind, and that we could just have a truly accessible space for all Manitobans,” Cooke said.

Manitoba Possible previously announced it is relocating two of its current offices to 1680 Notre Dame Ave., bringing its services to one unified space. The new space will bring together nearly 100 staff members and help support 75,000 Manitobans with disabilities.

With files from CTV’s Scott Andersson