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INTEGRATED ACCESSIBILITY STANDARDS
ACC-01
CATEGORY: ACCESSIBILITY
Adopted:
November 15, 2023
1.
Purpose:
Under the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005
(AODA) all public and private sector organizations must meet the
requirements of accessibility standards established by regulation.
This policy establishes the Integrated Accessibility Standards
Regulation in the areas of transportation, employment and
information for the Township of Chatsworth in accordance with
Ontario Regulation 191/11 and with the Ministry of Community and
Social Services intent to "streamline, align and phase-in
accessibility requirements and allow for progress on accessibility
and reduce the regulatory burden for obligated organizations". This
regulation came into force July 1, 2011.
2.
Scope and Responsibilities:
This policy has been drafted in accordance with the Regulation and
addresses how the Township of Chatsworth achieves accessibility
through meeting the Regulation's requirements. It provides the
overall strategic direction that we will follow to provide accessibility
supports to Ontarians with disabilities.
The requirements of the Regulation include:
Establishment, implementation, maintenance and
documentation of a multi-year accessibility plan which
outlines the organization's strategy to prevent and
remove barriers and meet its requirements under the
Regulation;
Incorporation of accessibility criteria and features when
procuring or acquiring goods, services, or facilities;
Training; and
Other specific requirements under the Information and
Communication, Employment and Transportation
Standards.
3.
Policy Statement and Organizational Commitment:
The Township of Chatsworth is committed and guided by the four
core principles of independence, dignity, integration and equality of
opportunity and supports the needs of persons as set out in
Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005. The
Township of Chatsworth shall use every effort to ensure that the
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Township meets the needs of people with disabilities in a timely
manner through the implementation of this policy.
4. Definitions:
Below is a list of fifteen (15) definitions, in alphabetical order used in
this policy:
Accessible Formats may include, but are not limited to, large print,
recorded audio and electronic formats, Braille and other formats
usable by persons with disabilities.
Accommodation means the special arrangement made or
assistance provided so that persons with disabilities can participate
in the experiences available to persons without disabilities.
Accommodation will vary depending on the person's unique needs.
Communication Supports may include, but are not limited to,
captioning, alternative and augmentative communication supports,
plain language, sign language and other supports that facilitate
effective communications.
Communications means the interaction between two or more
persons or entities, or any combination of them, where information
is provided, sent or received.
Conversion Ready means an electronic or digital format that
facilitates conversion into an accessible format.
Designated Public Sector Organization means every municipality
and every person or organization listed in Column 1 of Table 1 of
Ontario Regulation 146/10 (Public Bodies and Commission Public
Bodies -- Definitions) made under the Public Service of Ontario
Act, 2006.
IAP means Individualized Accommodation Plan.
Information includes data, facts and knowledge that exists in any
format, including text, audio, digital or images, and that conveys
meaning.
Internet Website means a collection of related web pages, images,
videos or other digital assets that are addressed relative to a common
Uniform Resource Identifier (URI) and is accessible to the public.
Mobility Aid means a device used to facilitate the transport, in a
seated posture, of a person with a disability.
Mobility Assistive Device means a cane, walker, wheelchair,
scooter or similar aid.
New Internet Website means either a website with a new domain
name or a website with an existing domain name undergoing a
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significant refresh.
Redeployment means the reassignment of employees to other
departments or jobs within the organization as an alternative to layoff,
when a particular job or department has been eliminated.
Unconvertible means if it is not technically feasible to convert the
information or communications. It also means if the technology to
convert the information or communications is not readily available.
Web Content Accessibility Guidelines means the World Wide
Web consortium recommendation, dated December 2008, entitled
"Web Content Accessibility Guidelines" (WCAG) 2.0.
5.
General Provisions
Multi-Year Accessibility Plan
The Township of Chatsworth's Multi-Year Accessibility Plan
outlines a strategy to prevent and remove barriers and addresses
the current and future requirements of the AODA.
The Township will report bi-annually on the progress and
implementation of the multi-year accessibility plan, and the
Township will post the information on the Township's website and
will provide it in alternative formats upon request. The plan will be
reviewed and updated once every 5 years.
Procuring or Acquiring Goods, Services or Facilities
The Township of Chatsworth will use accessibility criteria and
features when procuring or acquiring goods, services or facilities,
except where it is not practicable to do so, in which case, if
required, the Township will provide an explanation.
Training
The Township of Chatsworth will ensure that training is provided to
all employees, regular fee for service staff and volunteers on the
requirements of the Accessibility Standards referred to in the
Regulation on the Human Rights Code as it pertains to persons with
disabilities. Training will be provided as soon as is practicable. If
any changes to this policy occur, training will be provided. The
Township will maintain a record of dates when training is provided
and the number of individuals.
6.
Information and Communications Standard
Our organization will create, provide and receive information and
communications in ways that are accessible to people with
disabilities.
If our organization determines that it is not technically feasible to
convert the information or communications or the technology to
convert the information or communication is not readily available,
we will be obligated to provide the person that requires the
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information with:
a)
An explanation as to why information or communication is
unconvertible; and
b)
A summary of unconvertible information or communication.
6.1 Emergency Information
If our organization prepares emergency procedures, plans or public
safety information and makes the information available to the
public, we shall provide the information in an accessible format or
with appropriate communication supports, as soon as practicable,
upon request.
6.2 Feedback
Our organization has a process in place for receiving and responding
to feedback and will ensure that those processes are provided in an
accessible manner and with communication supports upon request.
We will notify the public about the availability of accessible formats
and communication supports.
6.3 Accessible Formats and Communication Supports
The Township of Chatsworth shall be obligated to provide or arrange
for accessible formats and communication supports for persons with
disabilities:
a) Upon request in a timely manner that takes into account the
person's accessibility needs;
b) At a cost no more than regular costs charged to others;
c) Consult with the person making the request and determine
suitability of an accessible format or communication
supports;
d) Notify the public about the availability of accessible formats
and communication supports.
6.4 Website Accessibility
The Township of Chatsworth shall ensure its internet website and
web content conform with WCAG 2.0 initially at Level A and
increasing to Level AA by January 1, 2021.
7.0
Employment Standard
The Employment Standard builds upon the existing requirements
under the Ontario Human Rights Code in relation to how to
accommodate individuals with disabilities throughout the job
application process and the employment relationship. It applies to full
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time employees.
The requirements of the Employment Standard shall be met by the
Township of Chatswort including the following areas.
7.1 Recruitment and Retention
The Township shall notify employees and the public about the
availability of accommodations for applicants with disabilities:
During the recruitment process when job applicants are
individually selected to participate in an assessment or
selection process;
If a selected applicant requests an accommodation, we shall
consult with the applicant and provide or arrange for suitable
accommodation that takes into account the persons needs
due to disability;
Notify successful applicants of the policies for accommodating
employees with disabilities.
7.2 Employee Notification
The municipality shall inform its employees of its policies used to
support employees with disabilities, including but not limited to,
policies on the provision of job accommodations that take into
account an employee's accessibility needs due to a disability:
As required for new employees as soon as practicable after they
begin their employment;
Whenever there is a change in policies on the provision of job
accommodations that take into account an employee's
accessibility needs due to a disability.
7.3 Accessible Formats
In addition and where an employee with a disability requests it, we will
consult with the employee to provide or arrange for the provision of
accessible formats and communication supports for:
- information that is needed in order to perform the employee's
job;
- information that is generally available to employees in the
workplace; and
- consult with the employee making the request in determining
the suitability of an accessible format or communication
support.
7.4 Individual Accommodation Plan (IAP)
The municipality shall have in place a written process for
developing a documented individual accommodation plan for
employees with a disability. Process to include:
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The employee's participation in the development of the IAP;
Assessment on an individual basis;
Identification of accommodations to be provided;
Timelines for the provision of accommodations;
The municipality may request an evaluation by a medical or
other expert, at its expense, to assist with determining
accommodation and how to achieve accommodation;
An employee may request the participation of a representative
from their bargaining agent, where represented, or otherwise a
representative from the workplace where an employee is not
represented by a bargaining agent;
Steps to be taken to protect the privacy of the employee's
personal information;
Frequency with which the IAP will be reviewed and updated
and the manner in which it will be done;
If denied, the reason(s) for denial are to be provided to the
employee; A format that takes into account the employee's
disability;
If requested, any information regarding accessible formats and
communication supports provided; and
Identification of any other accommodation that is to be
provided.
7.5 Return to Work
The Township will have in place a return to work process for
employees who have been absent from work due to a disability and
require disability-related accommodation in order to return to work.
Such processes must be documented and must outline steps the
Township of Chatsworth will take to facilitate the return to work and
include an IAP plan.
7.6 Performance Management, Career Development and
Advancement, Redeployment
The Township will take into account the accessibility needs and/or
individual accommodation plans of employees when:
Using performance management processes;
Providing career development and advancement
information; and Using redeployment procedures.
7.7 Workplace Emergency Response Information
The Township of Chatsworth shall provide individualized workplace
emergency response information to employees who have a disability:
If the disability is such that the individualized information is
necessary and the employer is aware of needs for accommodation
due to the employee's disability;
If the employee who receives an individual workplace
emergency response information requires assistance, and
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with the employees consent, the municipality shall provide the
workplace emergency information to the person designated
by the Township to provide assistance to the employee;
As soon as practicable after becoming aware of the need for
accommodation due to the employee's disability;
Review the individualized workplace emergency response
information when the employee moves to a different location
in the organization, when overall accommodations needs or
plans are reviewed and when the employer reviews its
general emergency response policies.
8.0 Transportation Standard
The Transportation Standard will make it easier for people to travel in
Ontario, including persons with disabilities, older Ontarians and
families traveling with children in strollers.
At the time of adopting this policy, the Township does not operate any
transportation services.
Should consideration be given to a taxi licensing by-law, the
Township of Chatsworth will:
Consult with AAC, persons with disabilities and the public to
determine proportion of accessible taxis required in the
community, including steps to meet the need;
When establishing a licensing by-law, ensure taxicabs do not
charge a high fee or additional fee to persons with disabilities;
When establishing a licensing by-law, ensure taxicabs do not
charge a fee for storage of assistive devices;
When establishing a licensing by-law, ensure taxicabs have
appropriate information displayed both the rear bumper and
available in an accessible format to passengers.
9.0 Design of Public Spaces
Many buildings have already been updated and renovated to include
accessible features such as automatic door openers and public
toilets. The IASR sets out requirements with regards to the following:
- Recreational trails/beach access routes
- Outdoor public eating spaces
- Exterior paths of travel
- Accessible parking (on-street and off-street)
- Service related elements (such as customer service counters and
waiting areas.
- Maintenance and Restoration of public spaces
The Township of Chatsworth is committed to meeting accessibility
requirements when building or making changes to public spaces.
The Township will reasonably maintain public spaces and accessible
elements.