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Coleman Township Accessibility Plan 2023-2028 Page 1 of 13
The Corporation Township of Coleman
Multi-Year Accessibility Plan 2023 - 2028
By-law No. 2023-11
Being a by-law to adopt a Multi-Year Accessibility Plan 2023-2028
Coleman Township Accessibility Plan 2023-2028 Page 2 of 13
Contents
Introduction ......................................................................................... 3
Guiding Legislation ................................................................................ 3
Statement of Commitment ..................................................................... 4
Accessible Emergency Information .......................................................... 4
Training ............................................................................................... 4
Procurement ........................................................................................ 5
Information and Communications ............................................................ 5
Employment ......................................................................................... 5
Design of Public Spaces ......................................................................... 6
Barrier Identification ............................................................................. 6
Environmental Barriers .......................................................................... 7
Communication Barriers ........................................................................ 7
Attitudinal Barriers ................................................................................ 7
Technological Barriers ........................................................................... 7
Systemic Barriers ................................................................................. 7
Report of Recent Achievements .............................................................. 7
Customer Service ................................................................................. 7
Integrated Accessibility Standards Policy.................................................. 7
Accessible Transportation Policy .............................................................. 7
Building Assessment 2017 and 2023 ....................................................... 8
Park Assessment 2023 .......................................................................... 9
Appendix A - Accessible Maintenance of Public Spaces ............................. 10
Appendix B - Measures Planned for 2023-2028 ....................................... 11
Appendix C - Accomplishments ............................................................. 13
Coleman Township Accessibility Plan 2023-2028 Page 3 of 13
Introduction
This accessibility plan outlines policies and actions to be implemented by the
Township of Coleman for a five-year period, commencing in 2023, in order to
improve access and opportunities for people with disabilities.
This multi-year plan will be reviewed and updated annually. Reports of annual
reviews will be posted in digital format on the Township of Coleman website.
Reports of annual reviews will also be available in print format for review at the
reception counter at the municipal office.
Guiding Legislation
In accordance with the Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2001 (ODA),
municipalities and public organizations incorporated accessibility planning into
their day-to-day operations and design of facilities. Accessibility planning was
initiated in order to comply with the stated purpose of the Act: "to improve
opportunities for persons with disabilities and to provide for their involvement in
the identification, removal and prevention of barriers to their full participation in
the life of the province." The implementation of accessibility planning was
documented by annual plans.
In 2005, the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005 (AODA), was
enacted to serve as a framework for the establishment of accessibility standards
in five areas:
- Information and communications
- Employment
- Transportation
- Design of public spaces
- Customer service
Both public and private sector organizations are required to comply with the
Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005. Not only does the Act
acknowledge "the history of discrimination against persons with disabilities in
Ontario," but its stated purpose is to "benefit all Ontarians" through the
establishment of two primary objectives: developing, implementing and
enforcing accessibility standards in order to achieve accessibility for Ontarians
with disabilities with respect to goods, services, facilities, accommodation,
employment, buildings, structures and premises on or before January 1, 2015;
and providing for an involvement of persons with disabilities, of the
Government of Ontario and of representatives of industries and of various
sectors of the economy in the development of the accessibility standards.
2005, c. 11, s. 1.
The Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005, ensures that people
with disabilities will be included in all aspects of society.
Coleman Township Accessibility Plan 2023-2028 Page 4 of 13
Statement of Commitment
The Township of Coleman regards all people with dignity and respect while
acknowledging and maintaining the independence of each person. Dedicated to
integration and equal opportunity, the Township of Coleman is committed to
meeting the needs of people with disabilities in a timely manner, to the removal
and elimination of barriers to accessibility, and to compliance with accessibility
requirements under the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005.
The Township of Coleman supports the full inclusion of all persons with
disabilities in accordance with the Ontario Human Rights Code and the
Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005. Accordingly, the Township
of Coleman will ensure compliance with accessibility requirements in four key
areas:
- Customer Service
- Information and Communications
- Employment
- Accessibility Standards of the Built Environment
The Township of Coleman is committed to the provision of services in ways that
respect the dignity and independence of all persons with disabilities in the
community.
The Township of Coleman strives to ensure that every employee and
constituent receives equitable treatment with respect to employment and
services without discrimination.
The Township of Coleman meets the accommodation needs of employees and
constituents in a timely manner as required by the Ontario Human Rights Code
and the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005
Accessible Emergency Information
The Township of Coleman is committed to the provision of emergency
information, available to the public, in an accessible format upon request. The
Township of Coleman will also provide individualized emergency response
information to its employees with disabilities when necessary.
Training
The Township of Coleman will train staff members, employees and volunteers to
ensure that they are aware of the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities
Act, 2005 and the Ontario Human Rights Code as it applies to people with
disabilities. Such training will be provided in a way that best suits the roles and
duties of staff members, employees and volunteers.
Coleman Township Accessibility Plan 2023-2028 Page 5 of 13
Procurement
The Township of Coleman will apply accessibility criteria to its procedures for
the purchase and acquisition of goods, services and facilities.
Information and Communications
The Township of Coleman is committed to meeting the communication
requirements of people with disabilities. The Township of Coleman will consult
with people with disabilities in order to identify their information and
communications requirements.
The Township of Coleman will continue to ensure that content on its municipal
website conforms with accessibility standards.
The Township of Coleman will ensure that existing feedback processes are
provided to people with disabilities in an accessible format upon request.
The Township of Coleman will continue to ensure that all information available
to the public is also available to people with disabilities in an accessible format
upon request.
Employment
The Township of Coleman is committed to fair and accessible employment
practices. During the hiring process, the Township of Coleman will make every
effort possible to accommodate people with disabilities during the recruitment
and assessment stages.
The Township of Coleman will develop and implement a process for the creation
of individualized accommodation plans and return-to-work policies for its
employees who have been absent from work due to a disability.
The Township of Coleman will take into account the accessibility requirements
of employees with disabilities during the performance management, career
development and redeployment processes.
Coleman Township Accessibility Plan 2023-2028 Page 6 of 13
Design of Public Spaces
Accessible public spaces include specific features that make it easier for
everyone people with disabilities, seniors and families to use public spaces.
Maintenance procedures are important to ensure that people with disabilities
can access public spaces, and are important to retain an accessible
environment that is safe and useable for everyone.
The Township of Coleman will meet the Accessibility Standards for the Design of
Public Spaces when it undertakes major modifications of its public spaces or
when it builds new public spaces. Public spaces include the following:
- Recreational trails and beach access routes
- Outdoor public eating areas, such as rest stops and picnic areas
- Outdoor play spaces, such as children's playgrounds in municipal parks
- Outdoor paths of travel, such as sidewalks, ramps, stairs, curb ramps, rest
areas and accessible pedestrian signals
- Accessible off-street parking
- Service-related elements, such as service counters, fixed queuing lines and
waiting areas
The Township of Coleman will make every effort to prevent service disruptions
to the accessible areas and features of its public spaces.
Accessible elements of public spaces and buildings will be inspected on a
regular basis. Elements that are found to have defects or need maintenance will
be identified, and a plan will be developed to correct the defect or maintenance
issue.
If an accessible element requires emergency maintenance or repairs, it will be
taken out of service. Necessary repairs will be assessed and addressed based
on priority.
In the event of a service disruption, the Township of Coleman will notify the
public and advise them about available alternatives.
Barrier Identification
It is the intent of the multi-year accessibility plan for the Township of Coleman
to prevent, identify and remove barriers or obstacles that limit or prevent
people with disabilities from engaging in day-to-day activities taken for granted
by people without disabilities.
A barrier may be defined as anything that inhibits or prevents a person with a
disability from full participation in all aspects of society due to his or her
disability.
Coleman Township Accessibility Plan 2023-2028 Page 7 of 13
There are several types of barriers to be considered:
Environmental Barriers: features, buildings or spaces that restrict or impede
physical access.
Communication Barriers: obstacles that restrict or impede the processing,
transmission and interpretation of information
Attitudinal Barriers: prejudgments or assumptions that directly or indirectly
discriminate against a person with a disability.
Technological Barriers: when technology cannot be or is not modified to support
various assistive devices and/or software.
Systemic Barriers: policies, practices and procedures within an organization that
do not take accessibility into consideration
Report of Recent Achievements
The Township of Coleman has improved accessibility or removed barriers in a
number of Categories, these results can be found in Appendix B.
Customer Service
Accessible Customer Service Standard regulation implementation:
- Accessible Customer Service Training
- Accessible Customer Service Policy created and posted in the staff policy
manual
- Ongoing staff training in Accessible Customer Service
- Ongoing staff training in Sensitivity as it relates to Customer Service
- Filed mandatory compliance report with Province of Ontario
Integrated Accessibility Standards Policy
Integrated Accessibility Standards regulation implementation:
-
Accessibility Statement of Commitment and Multi-Year Accessibility policy
created
-
Accessible Communications Policy Created
-
Planning and preparation underway for upcoming standards in Employment,
Information and Communication, and the Built Environment
Accessible Transportation Policy
When licensing taxicabs and providing transportation services, the Municipality
will adhere to the applicable requirements under the Transportation Standard.
Coleman Township Accessibility Plan 2023-2028 Page 8 of 13
For more information on this accessibility plan, or for a copy in an alternative
format, please contact Chris Oslund, CAO/Clerk-Treasurer:
Phone: 705 679 8833
Email: [email protected]
This Document is Available in Alternative Formats Upon Request
Coleman Township Accessibility Plan 2023-2028 Page 9 of 13
Building Assessment 2017 and 2023
2017
2023
Building
Accessible
Moderately
Accessible
Inaccessible
Accessible
Moderately
Accessible
Inaccessible
Municipal Office
X
X
Community Hall
X
X
Public Works
X
X
Fire Department
X
X
Park Assessment 2023
2023
Accessible
Moderately
Accessible
Inaccessible
Playground/ Equipment
Bass Lake
X
Baseball Court
X
Volleyball Court
X
Bass Lake Beach
X
Coleman Township Accessibility Plan 2023-2028 Page 10 of 13
Appendix A - Accessible Maintenance of Public Spaces Procedure
Background
Section 80.44, Maintenance of Accessible Elements, under Ontario Regulation 191/11
for the Integrated Accessibility Standards, made under the Accessibility for Ontarians
with Disabilities Act, 2005 (AODA), outlines that in addition to the accessibility plan
requirements set out in Section 4 of the above-mentioned regulation, obligated
organizations, other than small organizations, shall ensure that their multi-year
accessibility plans include the following:
1. Procedures for preventative and emergency maintenance of the accessible
elements in public spaces as required under this Part.
2. Procedures for dealing with temporary disruptions when accessible elements
required under this Part are not in working order.
Purpose
Accessible public spaces include specific features that make it easier for
everyone - people with disabilities, seniors and families - to use public spaces.
Maintenance procedures are important to ensure that people with disabilities can
access public spaces, and are important to retain an accessible environment that
is safe and useable by everyone.
Maintenance Procedures
Preventative and Emergency Maintenance:
Accessible elements of public spaces and buildings will be inspected on a regular
basis. Elements that are found to have defects or need maintenance will be
identified, and a plan will be developed to correct the defect or maintenance
issue.
If an accessible element requires emergency maintenance or repairs, it will be
taken out of service. Necessary repairs will be assessed and addressed based on
priority.
Service Disruptions:
In the event of a service disruption to the accessible parts of its public spaces
during business hours, the Township will notify the public as soon as reasonably
possible of the service disruption and available alternatives. In the case of a
planned disruption, the Township will post signage on-site at least two (2) days
prior to the disruption. It will also post a notice on the its website.
The Township will also provide notification by other means deemed appropriate
to the disruption (print or radio ads, social media, press release, etc.). Persons
who have appointments at any location operated by the Township will be
notified by telephone of a cancellation or alternatives available prior to the
disruption and the estimated time of restoration.
Coleman Township Accessibility Plan Page 11 of 13
Appendix B - Measures Planned for 2023 - 2028
Category
Planned Measure
Department
Due Date
Accessible
Customer Service
Install accessible door at the
Municipal Office
Facilities
Create accessible parking
spots at Municipal Office/
Community Hall
Facilities
2023
Install drop box at the
Municipal Office
Facilities
Purchase of wireless debit
machine
Facilities
Complete study to identify
best locations for accessible
picnic tables in municipal
parks and to plan
construction of pathways to
accessible table sites
Facilities
Install Accessible washroom
at Bass Lake Park
Facilities
2023
Webpage Upgrade,
investigate options to
enhance our webpage to
maximize customer
experience
Administration
2023
Fully accessible webpage (all
uploaded and created
content)
Administration
2023
E-billing for property tax and
water
Finance
Coleman Township Accessibility Plan Page 12 of 13
Category
Planned Measure
Department
Due Date
Information and
Communications
Utilize the local community
channel and municipal
website to provide
accessibility "tips" and to
increase awareness about
available resources for
residents and visitors with
disabilities
Administration
Ongoing
Train staff on accessible
document creation for
distribution and webpage
posting
Administration
Ongoing
Accessible Municipal Election,
Alternative Voting Methods
Administration
2028
Employment
Continue to ensure the
recruitment process is
barrier free
Administration
Ongoing
The Built
Environment
Investigation of options for
the municipal office to
determine feasibility of
renovations or new build to
eliminate barriers to
accessibility
Administration
Ongoing
Coleman Township Accessibility Plan Page 13 of 13
Appendix C - Accomplishments
Category
Completed Measure
Date
Accessible
Customer Service
Access e-11, Online Request for Service
Software
2020
Category
Completed Measure
Date
Information and
Communications
Implementation of eSCRIBE Meeting
Management Software, this enables the entire
Council/Committee agenda to be posted on the
webpage in html and pdf format for residents to
view
2022
Implementation of Abledocs, to remediate
documents for posting on the municipal
webpage
2020
Employment
Equitable recruitment practices to ensure no
barriers to applicants during the competition
stage
Ongoing
Implementation of HR Downloads for HR
Training and Policy Creation
Ongoing