This is the exact embedded text of the captured official document.
Snapshot a243a09a3548 · verified 2026-06-09 ·
original document ·
archived snapshot ·
unofficial consolidation, the official version is held by the municipal clerk.
Integrated Accessibility Standards
Page 1 of 12
Policy LEG-01-2023
Integrated Accessibility Standards Policy
Implemented: November 2023
Revision Date: N/A
References and Related Documents: Accessibility for Ontarians with
Disabilities Act, 2005 and Integrated Accessibility Standards Regulation
191/11, Accessible Feedback Form
This document is public and available in an accessible format upon
request.
Policy Statement
The Township is committed to ensuring equal access and participation for
persons with disabilities. We are committed to treating persons with
disabilities with respect and access to resources and services in a way that
allows them to with maintain independence and dignity. The Township is
committed to providing support to its employees and will apply these
principles when working with staff requiring accommodation.
The Township believes in integration and is committed to meeting the
needs of persons with disabilities in a timely manner, through the
implementation of this policy in accordance with the spirit and intent of all
applicable legislation and associated regulations including the Accessibility
for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005, the Ontario Human Rights Code,
and the Occupational Health and Safety Act. The Township is committed to
removing and preventing barriers to accessibility by meeting the
requirements of Ontario's accessibility legislation.
Purpose and Scope
Regulation 191/11: Integrated Accessibility Standards under the
Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005 (AODA) requires that
the Township, as a public sector organization with over fifty employees,
create written and publicly available accessibility policies. These policies
are formal rules put in place by the Township to achieve accessibility goals
and ties in with the Township's Multi-Year Accessibility Plan.
Integrated Accessibility Standards
Page 2 of 12
Where there is a conflict between this policy and the AODA and O Reg.
191/11, the AODA legislative standards shall apply.
Definitions
"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" an arrangement made, or assistance provided to a
person requiring assistance to enable them to participate.
"Communications" an exchange between two or more persons where
information is given or received.
"Communication supports" may include (but are not limited to) captioning,
alternative communication supports, plain language, sign language and
other supports that facilitate effective communications.
"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, or similar aid.
Policy Requirements
1.0
Training
We are committed to training all staff and volunteers in accessible
customer service, accessibility standards, and aspects of the Ontario
Human Rights Code that apply to persons with disabilities.
In addition, we will train:
a) Persons who are involved in developing the Township's policies
(including Township Council, Boards and Committees); and
b) Persons who provide goods, services, or facilities on behalf of the
organization.
Training of employees and volunteers shall be specific and appropriate to
their roles. This training shall include:
Integrated Accessibility Standards
Page 3 of 12
- The purpose of the AODA and the requirements of customer service
standards.
- Our policies related to the Customer Service Standards
- How to interact and communicate with people with several types of
disabilities.
- How to interact with people with disabilities who use an assistive
device or require the assistance of a service animal or a support
person.
- What to do is a person with a disability is having difficulty accessing
the Township's facilities, goods, or services.
- How to use the equipment or devices available on-site or otherwise
that may help with providing goods, services, or facilities. These
include:
o Automatic Door Openers
o Elevators
o Wheelchairs
o Chair lifts
At minimum, all employees, including full-time, part-time and contract, are
required upon hiring to be trained in AODA. Training will be provided
through HR Downloads. All employees will take the AODA Customer
Service Standards course and Understanding Human Rights Training
(AODA edition) course within their first week of employment. These
courses are described below:
AODA Customer Services Standards Training Course
This course provides an in-depth review of the legislative
requirements under the AODA. This course is intended for workers
and leaders in Ontario in a customer service or public-facing role who
need to learn about and incorporate accessibility standards under
AODA to their organization.
During this course, workers and leaders learn about customer service
standards for those with disabilities, several types of disabilities, and
many ways to assist and provide aid to those with certain types of
disabilities. This course also explores ways to improve customer
service principles and skills by examining ways to lessen barriers for
those with disabilities.
Integrated Accessibility Standards
Page 4 of 12
Learning outcomes at the end of the course include:
- Thoroughly explores accessibility standards and the
responsibilities individuals and organizations have under the
AODA.
- Teaches how to improve essential customer service skills by
explaining different types of disabilities and showing how to
interact and communicate with individuals with various
disabilities.
- Discusses ways to help those with disabilities overcome
accessibility challenges that may occur in an organization's
programs, services, or facilities.
Understand Human Rights Training (AODA Edition)
This course explains how the Human Rights Code and the AODA
work together to protect people with disabilities from discrimination
and ensure they can participate fully and equally in society. This
training course is intended for individuals working in Ontario,
including employers, managers, employees, and volunteers.
This course discusses how the Human Rights Code and the
Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005 work together to
provide equality and accessibility for all Ontarians. Human rights and
accessibility requirements are inextricably linked to make society
accessible to people with disabilities.
Learning outcomes at the end of the course include:
- Understand requirements under the Human Rights Code and
Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005 related to
discrimination, disability, and accommodation.
- Be aware of different forms of disabilities and discrimination.
- Understand the duty to accommodate individuals with
disabilities.
The Township shall also train staff internally in the following areas on an
annual basis:
- Creating Accessible Documents/Making Information Accessible
- Providing Accessible Customer Service
Integrated Accessibility Standards
Page 5 of 12
2.0
Assistive Devices
Persons with disabilities are welcomed and encouraged to use their own
assistive devices when accessing services, goods, or using the Township's
facilities.
In cases where an assisted device presents a significant/unavoidable
health or safety concern, it may not be permitted. Other measures will be
used to ensure the person with a disability can access Township services
or facilities. Other measures will be determined as appropriate with the
individual.
The Township will ensure that staff are trained and familiar with assistive
devices we have onsite or that we provide, and may be used by persons
with disabilities when accessing services and using facilities.
3.0
Service Animals
The Township welcomes people with disabilities and service animals.
Service animals are permitted in all facilities that are open to the public.
A service animal may be easily identifiable if it wears a vest or harness or
can be observed assisting an individual perform tasks. When it cannot be
easily identified that the animal is a service animal, staff may ask to see
documentation (i.e. letter or form) from a regulated health professional
confirming that the person requires a service animal. A regulated health
professional is a member of any of the following:
- College of Audiologists and Speech-Language Pathologists of
Ontario
- College of Chiropractors of Ontario
- College of Nurses of Ontario
- College of Occupational Therapists of Ontario
- College of Optometrists of Ontario
- College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario
- College of Physiotherapists of Ontario
- College of Psychologists of Ontario
- College of Registered Psychotherapists and Registered Mental
Health Therapists of Ontario
Integrated Accessibility Standards
Page 6 of 12
If service animals are not permitted by any other law, to ensure the person
can access our services and facilities, the Township will:
- Explain why the animal is not permitted.
- Determine another way to provide access to services and facilities
with the customer.
The Township does not prohibit service animals from any public space or
facility.
4.0
Support Persons
A person with a disability who is accompanied by a support person is
permitted to accompany them to all public spaces and facilities.
If a fee or fare is normally charged to a person accessing services or
facilities, a fee/fare will not be charged for support persons.
We will notify persons of this by posting a notice at the following locations:
- Township Administrative Building
- Shallow Lake Community Centre
- Derby Community Centre
- Kemble Community Centre
The Township may in certain cases require that a person with a disability
be accompanied by a support person for the safety of the person with a
disability or others on the premises. Before deciding, the Township shall:
- Consult with the person with a disability to understand their needs
- Consider health or safety reasons based on available evidence
- Determine if there is no other reasonable way to protect the health or
safety of the person or others on the premises
If the Township requires a support person accompany the person with a
disability, a fee/fare will not be charged.
5.0
Notice of Temporary Disruption
Where a planned or unexpected disruption occurs to services or facilities
for customers with disabilities, the Township will promptly notify customers.
The notice will be posted clearly and include information about:
Integrated Accessibility Standards
Page 7 of 12
- The reason for the disruption
- The length of time of the disruption
- Description of alternative services or facilities if available
Impacted Services/Facilities include:
- Township Administration Building
- Shallow Lake Community Centre
- Derby Community Centre
- Kemble Community Centre
- Balmy Beach Tennis Court
- Sarawak Family Park
- Cedar Hill Park
- Centennial Park
6.0
Feedback Process
The Township of Georgian Bluffs welcomes feedback on how we provide
accessible customer service. Feedback from customers will help the
Township identify concerns and address barriers.
Feedback may be provided in the following ways:
- Feedback form embedded on the Township's Accessibility webpage
or on any page on the Township's website
- Feedback form via Microsoft Word Document available for download
on the Township's Accessibility webpage
- Feedback Form available via printed paper copy available at the
Township Administration Building
- The Township's Contact GB webform and concern portal
Customers can expect to receive a response within three (3) business
days.
The Township is committed to ensuring the feedback process is accessible
to persons with disabilities by providing or arranging accessible formats
and communication supports, upon request.
Integrated Accessibility Standards
Page 8 of 12
7.0
Notice of Availability of Documents
The Township shall notify the public that all documents (where possible)
are available upon request in an accessible format by posting a notice in
the following locations/methods:
- Township of Georgian Bluffs Website
- At the top of all Township produced documents, reports, Council
Agendas and Minutes
- Administration desk at the Township Administration Building
The Township shall require that all consultants preparing documentation for
public view create and provide the documents in an accessible format.
The Township will provide these documents in an accessible format or with
communication support on request. We will consult with the requestor to
determine the suitability of the format or communication support. The
accessible format shall be provided in a timely manner and without cost.
8.0
Self-Service Kiosks
The Township will ensure that all self-service kiosks (iPads/Tablets) have
accessibility features enabled. We will incorporate and consider
accessibility for persons with disabilities when acquiring, procuring, or
designing self-service kiosks.
9.0
Procurement
We incorporate accessibility criteria and features when procuring or
acquiring goods, services, or facilities, including self-service kiosks. In
cases where this is not practical, we will provide an explanation upon
request.
The Township shall require that all precured goods and services comply
with the Township's standards for accessibility and require that they be
trained in requirements of the AODA. This shall include but not be limited to
the requirement that documents provided to the Township shall be in an
accessible format, service providers who will be interacting with the public
take accessible customer service training, training or expertise in the built
environment standard in O.Reg 191/11.
Integrated Accessibility Standards
Page 9 of 12
10.0 Information and Communications
The Township will approach communications with people with disabilities in
ways that consider their disability. They may include:
- Verbal
- Written
- Or in accessible formats such as:
o Large print
o Recorded audio
o Electronic formats compatible with screen readers (Accessible
Word and PDF)
We work with the person with disabilities to determine what method of
communication works best for them.
The Township has a process for receiving and responding to feedback and
the process is accessible to persons with disabilities upon request.
We communicate with people with disabilities in methods that take their
disability into account. When requested, we will provide information about
our organization and its services, including public safety information, in
accessible formats or with communication supports:
a) In a timely manner, considering the person's accessibility needs due
to their disability; and
b) At a cost that is no more than the regular cost charged to other
persons
We will consult with the person making the request in determining the
suitability of an accessible format or communication support. If the
organization determines that information or communications cannot be
made accessible, the organization shall provide the requestor with:
a) An explanation as to why the information or communications cannot
be made accessible; and
b) A summary of the inaccessible information or communications
We notify the public about the availability of accessible formats and
communication supports in accordance with 7.0 of this policy. The
Township is also committed to meeting the internationally recognized Web
Integrated Accessibility Standards
Page 10 of 12
Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.0 Level AA website
requirements in accordance with Ontario's accessibility legislation.
11.0 Employment
The Township notifies employees, job applicants and the public that they
can request an accommodation through any stage of the recruitment
process. This statement is included in all job postings and on the Careers
section of the Township's website. The Township consults with applicants
to arrange for appropriate accommodation.
The Township will notify successful applicants of policies for
accommodating employees, including the Individual Accommodation
Policy, when making offers of employment.
We notify staff that supports are available for those with disabilities as soon
as practicable after they begin their employment. We provide updated
information to employees whenever there is a change to existing policies
on the provision of job accommodation that take into account an
employee's accessibility needs due to a disability.
We will consult with employees when arranging for the provision of suitable
accommodation in a manner that considers their accessibility needs due to
disability. We will consult with the person making the request in determining
the suitability of an accessible format or communication supports
specifically for:
- Information that is needed to perform the employee's job; and
- Information that is generally available to employees in the workplace
Our performance management, career development and redeployment
processes consider the accessibility needs of all employees, as provided
for in the Township's Return to Work and Performance Management
Policies.
12.0 Emergency Response Information
Where needed, we will also provide customized emergency information to
help an employee with a disability during an emergency. With the
employee's consent, we will provide workplace emergency information to a
designated person who is helping that employee during an emergency.
Integrated Accessibility Standards
Page 11 of 12
We will provide the information as soon as practicable after we become
aware of the need for accommodation due to the employee's disability.
We will review the individualized workplace emergency response
information:
- When the employee moves to a different location in the organization;
- When the employee's overall accommodation needs or plans are
reviewed; and
- When the employer reviews its general emergency response policies.
13.0 Design of Public Spaces
The Township will meet accessibility laws when constructing or making
major changes to public spaces. The Township is committed to improving
the accessibility of all public spaces. Public spaces include:
- Recreational trails/beach access pathways
- Outdoor eating areas/picnic areas and rest stops
- Outdoor play spaces (i.e. playgrounds)
- Accessible off-street parking
- Accessible on-street parking
- Service-related elements like service counters and waiting areas
Procedures are in place to prevent service disruptions to the accessible
areas in our public spaces.
14.0 Transportation
Accessible transportation legislation does not apply to the Township of
Georgian Bluffs as it does not operate conventional and/or specialize
transit services. However, the Township is committed to making information
about accessible transit resources in surrounding municipalities accessible
to the public.
15.0 Changes to Existing Policies
Any policies of this organization that do not comply with, respect, or
promote the principles of dignity, independence, integration, and equal
Integrated Accessibility Standards
Page 12 of 12
opportunity for people with disabilities will be modified, replaced, or
repealed.
Monitoring and Review
This policy shall be reviewed bi-annually with any pressing amendments
made by the Clerk's Department as required.
Accessible Feedback Form
Please submit completed forms to: [email protected]
Your Information
Name:
Date:
Email:
Phone Number:
Address:
Your Comments or Questions
Please let us know how we can improve:
Response from the Township of Georgian Bluffs (For Office Use
Only)
Staff Name:
Date:
Response Details:
The Township of Georgian Bluffs is committed to providing accessible and inclusive
services to people of all abilities.