BACKGROUND
ACCT is dedicated to fulfilling our obligations under the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005 and O. Reg. 191/11: Integrated Accessibility Standards Regulation. Our Multi-Year Accessibility Plan outlines how we will meet these requirements and enhance opportunities for individuals with disabilities in the following areas:
- Customer Service
- Information and Communications
- Employment
- Built Environment and Design of Public Spaces
The Multi-Year Plan is reviewed and updated at least once every five years.
Statement of organizational Commitment
INTRODUCTION
ACCT’s accessibility plan was developed to comply with the requirements of the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (2005). This plan outlines the policies and actions that ACCT will implement to ensure full access and participation in all aspects of the Centre for people with disabilities. ACCT is dedicated to providing inclusive and accessible services that cater to the needs of our community members and promote their active involvement in the community.
STATEMENT OF ORGANIZATIONAL COMMITMENT
ACCT is committed to treating all individuals in a manner that upholds their dignity and independence. We strongly believe in integration and equal opportunities for everyone. We are dedicated to addressing the needs of individuals with disabilities promptly and effectively, by removing barriers to accessibility and complying with the accessibility requirements outlined in the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act.
Identifying and Eliminating Barriers to Accessibility and Inclusion
A barrier refers to anything that hinders the participation of individuals with disabilities in daily activities or prevents them from accessing public opportunities. Barriers can take various forms:
- Physical barriers: These are obstacles found in buildings and spaces that restrict people from utilizing services or attending events. Examples include stairs, uneven pavement, narrow pathways, and inadequate lighting.
- Information and Communication barriers: These barriers impede individuals from obtaining information. Examples include small print and complex websites.
- Attitudinal barriers: These barriers arise when people hold misconceptions or make decisions about disability based on incorrect information. Examples include assuming that individuals with disabilities cannot work or believing that making places accessible is too costly.
- Systemic barriers: These barriers encompass policies, practices, or procedures that discriminate against people with disabilities. An example would be a hiring process that does not provide accommodations for individuals with disabilities.
ACCT is actively committed to identifying and removing barriers to enhance accessibility and inclusivity. We have implemented the following measures to ensure our facilities, programs, and services are as accessible as possible:
- Conducting an annual physical accessibility audit of all agency sites
- Providing program materials in accessible formats upon request
- Informing the community through our website about the availability of accessible services
- Continuously improving the accessibility of our agency website
- Conducting accessible customer service training
- Periodically reviewing our policies and practices to assess inclusiveness and accessibility
In addition to these ongoing efforts, we acknowledge that there may be barriers of which we are unaware. To address this, we have designated a dedicated staff member to receive and address any concerns related to accessibility and inclusion.
CURRENT ACCESSIBILITY STATUS AND ACTION PLAN
Accessible Emergency Information
ACCT is dedicated to ensuring that customers and clients have access to emergency information in an accessible format upon request. We also provide individualized emergency response information to employees with disabilities as needed.
Training
ACCT remains committed to providing comprehensive training on Ontario’s accessibility laws and the Human Rights Code as it pertains to individuals with disabilities. Training is tailored to the specific duties of employees, volunteers, and staff members.
To document ongoing accessibility training, ACCT will take the following steps:
- Maintain an active list of all staff and volunteers
- Keep a record of certified members and provide continuous training as necessar
Information and Communications Policy
ACCT is committed to ensuring digital accessibility in all services and information provided to employees and members of the public. We strive to make accessible formats and communication supports available to all individuals. To achieve this, we will:
- Ensure that all public websites and web content conform to WCAG 2.0 Level AA, unless impractical or exempted by law.
- Regularly review compliance and best practices to identify opportunities for improving accessibility.
- Continuously evaluate and remediate website content to meet or exceed accessibility compliance requirements.
Customer Service
ACCT is committed to providing accessible and inclusive services to employees and members of the public with disabilities. To achieve this, we will:
- Evaluate existing programs and services to ensure the inclusion and equitable participation of individuals with disabilities.
- Incorporate a focus on accessibility in the development of any new programs or services.
Employment
ACCT will continue to support the recruitment and accommodation of employees with disabilities. To achieve this, we will:
- Identify and address any existing barriers for individuals with disabilities.
- Review the employment strategy for equity-seeking groups and individuals with disabilities.
- Conduct an equity analysis in all recruitment processes to remove any unintended accessibility barriers.
- Implement and employee engagement survey to help adopting a culture of employee engagement and inclusion.
Design of Public Spaces
ACCT recognizes the importance of increasing the accessibility of its public spaces whenever possible. To ensure accessibility in public spaces, we will:
- Implement accessibility improvements during renovations or modifications of existing interior and/or exterior public spaces.
- Incorporate accessibility considerations when setting up temporary event spaces, such as event seating and table layouts, check-in counters, queuing lines, or waiting areas.
- Conduct a public space accessibility audit to ensure that public spaces meet accessibility guidelines and standards and identify areas for improvement.
Feedback Process
ACCT will continue to accept feedback on its accessibility practices. Feedback can be provided in-person, by phone, in writing, or by email
Continuous Improvement:
- Regularly review and update our accessibility plan to reflect changes in legislation, best practices, and feedback from stakeholders.
- Engage in ongoing dialogue with individuals with disabilities and immigrant communities to ensure their needs are met.
By implementing this accessibility plan, we aim to create an inclusive and welcoming environment for all individuals and remove barriers that may hinder their full participation in our programs and services.