Accessibility Plan

Transcription

1 Plan mohawkcollege.ca Alternative formats available upon request

2 Mohawk College s Commitment to Mohawk College strives at all times to provide educational services in a way that respects the dignity, independence, integration and equal opportunity for people with disabilities. Mohawk is committed to continually improving access, both physical and attitudinal, to facilities, programs, information resources, goods and services, and employment. Both as a legislative requirement and organizational priority, the goal of Mohawk s multiyear Plan (hereafter referred to as the Plan) is to identify, prevent, and remove barriers to inclusion. The Plan will advance Mohawk s mission to create new realities by opening endless opportunities. Anchored in our values of creating a welcoming and supportive environment for all, the Plan is a strategic road map for building and sustaining an inclusive and diverse organization with the vision of supporting prosperous communities and transforming lives. Introduction The Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2001 (ODA) requires institutions to review their policies, programs and services as they relate to persons with disabilities, and to develop accessibility plans to address the associated needs of its constituent groups 1. In 2005, the for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA) was passed. AODA does not alter obligations under the ODA but it does provide standards to meet in the upcoming years in relation to customer service, information and communication, employment, transportation and the build environment. The purpose of the AODA is to develop, implement and enforce accessibility standards in order to improve opportunities and accessibility for persons with disabilities, thus guaranteeing their full participation in society. The goal of AODA is to achieve accessibility for Ontarians with disabilities on or before January 1, The Standards for Customer Service Regulation 429/07 (CSR) is the first of five standards released under the AODA and became law January 1, Mohawk College is in compliance with the requirements set out in this standard 3. The Province adopted the new Integrated Standards Regulation 191/11 (IASR) in June The IASR sets out requirements for the next three standards: Employment, Information and Communication, and Transportation in one integrated compliance timeline. It also contains general requirements that apply to all areas, such as developing accessibility policies and plans, training employees and volunteers, and considering accessibility when purchasing goods and services 4. The Design of Public Spaces Standards ( Standards for the Build Environment), applies to public spaces that are newly constructed or redeveloped. This is the fifth and final Standard under AODA and was released January 01, laws.gov.on.ca/html/statutes/english/elaws_statutes_01o32_e.htm 2 laws.gov.on.ca/html/source/regs/english/2011/elaws_src_regs_r11191_e.htm 3 laws.gov.on.ca/html/regs/english/elaws_regs_070429_e.htm 4 laws.gov.on.ca/html/source/regs/english/2011/elaws_src_regs_r11191_e.htm 5 laws.gov.on.ca/html/regs/english/elaws_regs_110191_e.htm#bk92 1

3 Mohawk s Plan addresses a broad range of accessibility issues, taking into account the full definition of disability under the AODA and the Ontario Human Rights Code. The purpose of the Plan is to educate and assist Mohawk College staff in the identification, removal and prevention of barriers, both physical and attitudinal, to facilities, programs, information resources, goods and services, and employment. Throughout the implementation of this Plan, Mohawk will consult with people who have experienced barriers and will make a copy of the Plan available to the public. Mohawk College introduced its first accessibility plan in compliance with the Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2001 in , and the for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005 (AODA) in The Plan outlined a number of accomplishments the College achieved over the last several years in terms of barrier removal, and the steps taken to prevent barriers. Leading up to the establishment of a multiyear plan, Mohawk has engaged in numerous activities to ensure compliance with AODA and to create a more accessible organization: Achievements 1. Hired AODA : Mohawk College demonstrated its commitment to accessibility and the AODA by developing a new temporary full- time position of AODA. 2. Elevators and Garavanta Lifts: Full refurbishment of two elevators in E- wing and A- wing (including dual stroke chimes, floor bypass and car call registration buzzers, car operating panel now includes a STAR lobby designation, tactile plates, correct mounting height of panels to comply with elevator requirements for persons with physical disabilities, voice annunciation system, and reflective surface on rear walls opposite the doors, to assist wheelchair passengers when backing out from the cabin interior); to provide service to our community members during elevator service outages, the College purchased and installed Garavanta Lifts in the A wing, B wing and E wing main stairwells to facilitate a safe exit when service cannot be restored in a timely manner. Relevant staff was provided with comprehensive training to ensure safe operation of these new devices. 3. Transportation process for individuals with disabilities has been written and added as a process under the accommodation policy. 4. Reached out to other Colleges: To facilitate collaboration between Ontario colleges and share resources to support the unique compliance challenges of the college sector, Mohawk participates on a province- wide AODA committee. A joint venture, sponsored by the Directorate of Ontario and Colleges Ontario, has developed an on- line customer service training application. 5. Incorporated the AODA Workplace Emergency Response Information requirements for staff to self- identify for the purposes of individualized emergency planning within the Departmental Lockdown Planning Guidelines, Emergency Safety & Security Procedures Booklet (hard and soft copies) and the OHS Website related to Evacuating People with Disabilities and Emergency Evacuation. 2

4 6. New way- finding signage: Mohawk College's Way- finding Committee worked with Kramer Design Associates to develop a Way- finding System in The system was installed at the Fennell Campus in academic year. elements included: clearer visual signage and low volume message, tactile messaging and braille identification of locations (i.e. washrooms, rooms, stairs and elevators), a standard mounting height, ramp access signage, introduction of universal pictogram system and additions to the Fennell Campus map to provide more information such as accessibility access entrances, ramps and parking. Future Way- finding Systems will be introduced to other campus locations; internal and external. 7. Increased accessibility features around the college include: welcome desk height; accessible door openers installed on several doors across the campuses (including Room J119, Snoezelen Lab, Media Studies academic labs, J- Wing Coop Offices and entrance to Co- op Interview rooms); ramps and other accessibility features installed in the Media F wing at the Fennell Campus; fully accessible residence room; doubled wheelchair accessible seating in the McIntyre Performing Arts Centre; Campus Store accessible counter; addition of a new elevator in C- wing; media department layout changes. 8. Infrastructure improvements: Facilities established a corridor to the Media studios on the lower level of F wing through the old storage cages area; added automatic door operators for access to the studios and to the exterior exit; built new ramps in Media Studies main floor corridor to allow access to faculty offices; installed new accessible washroom fixtures in a washroom in the lower level of F wing corridor; and rebuilt washrooms in Student Centre for full accessibility; construction of ramps in the south lobby area to provide wheelchair access to The Square; construction of a ramp at the C- Wing east entrance/exit to the Fennell Campus to provide wheelchair access to the first floor of C- Wing. 9. Updates to website include introducing accessible navigation tools as well as overall site layout (i.e. table to CSS layout), consultation with community participant, continued use of proper headings and subheadings for ease of use with screen readers, awareness of proper contrast, multiple ways to access content, established a consistent navigation layout, and staff education on meeting AODA requirements (through CNIB, RGD & T- base.) 10. Refined Customer Service feedback process: and response times were enhanced through increased communication and documentation of the process. Key Performance Indicators are offered in multiple formats (large print surveys, braille surveys, telephone (audio) surveys and online survey options). These are offered upon request and arranged with the Alternative Testing Centre. Programs, where enrolment of special needs holds majority, are aligned with a KPI administrator familiar with providing accommodations. 11. Facilities Communications: Developed an enhanced website for communicating facility and service disruptions to the public. Mohawk s Security Alert Messenger (SAM) service is now part of Mohawk College s commitment to maintaining a safe and secure environment for students and staff. SAM s primary role is to warn students and staff when there is a direct threat to their safety on campus. However, the service will also be used to relay important information such as closures due to inclement weather and service disruptions. 12. Established an AODA Steering Committee to provide leadership regarding implementing, reviewing and updating the Plan. 3

5 Mohawk s Advisory Committee and AODA Steering Committee In recognition of Mohawk s commitment to accessibility and to ensure the thoughts and opinions of our community are heard as we plan for an increasingly accessible and inclusive environment, both physical and learning, a new AODA Steering Committee has been established to be guided by the Advisory Committee. The Advisory Committee is a voluntary advisory body established to provide input to the / AODA Steering Committee with regards to the preparation and implementation of Mohawk s multi- year accessibility plans. The Advisory Committee is comprised of representatives from the community and a variety of departments and strives to represent a cross- section of our campuses. The Committee includes students, alumni, staff and faculty. Mohawk College strives to be recognized provincially, nationally and internationally as a leader in postsecondary education. Mohawk will continue to be responsive to the needs of all students, staff and visitors Plan Mohawk College has established a multiyear Plan in compliance with the AODA, Integrated Standards Regulation. The timelines within the Plan adhere to the compliance timelines set out by the IASR and identifies how each section of the regulation will be addressed. The objective of the Plan is to create a road map for Mohawk to increase accessibility and put Mohawk s commitment to accessibility into action. Implementation of these initiatives will ensure universal accessibility to Mohawk s facilities, programs, information resources, goods and services, and employment on or before January 1, Mohawk will consult persons with disabilities, the Advisory Committee, and internal working groups regarding implementing, reviewing and updating the Plan. We are committed to building an inclusive community that includes accessible learning and working environments. Mohawk will prepare an annual status report on the progress of measures taken to implement the Plan, post the status report on Mohawk s website and will make the status report available in an accessible format upon request. Regular updates will inform the Senior Leadership Team and Board of Governors on the status of the Plan. The Plan will be made available on the intranet, public website or upon request from and Student Services. The plan will be made available in alternative formats, such as: CD, mp3, in large print, or in Braille, upon request. 4

6 Integrated Standards Regulations 191/11 Activities AODA Standards / Regulation Reference O. Reg. 191/11 Current Status Next Steps Responsibility General Requirements (compliance deadline by January 1, 2013) s.3 Establishment of Policies s.4 Establishment of a Multi- year Plan s.5 Procuring or Acquiring Goods, Services or Facilities: Incorporate accessibility criteria and features into purchasing policies and processes, and provide explanation if impracticable s.6 Self- Serve Kiosks: Incorporate Features Develop, implement and maintain an accessibility policy and subsequent procedures. (Original Policy developed in 2008 and updated in 2010, currently revised to meet IASR obligations and waiting to go to the policy committee for approval) Establish, implement, maintain and document a multiyear accessibility plan to include IASR obligations. All new tender (RFX) documents contain the AODA Laws & Regulations statement. A representative from Mohawk has been delegated to sit on the HHRC- AODA Procurement Subcommittee. ATM s are AODA compliant, cash service desk in the Campus store cash AODA supportive, Library computer pod supportive. Information and Communication (compliance by January 1, 2013) s.13 Emergency Posted on- line for college Procedure Plans & committee and available in Public Safety alternative format upon request. Information: Make Updated to include most recent Make the document publically available, post on Mohawk s website. Provide it in an accessible format upon request. Make the document publically available, post on Mohawk s website. Provide it in an accessible format upon request and submit the Annual Status Report. AODA Laws & Regulations statement will be added to the Mohawk Procurement Directive. Incorporate criteria into processes. Assess Q- Nomy Kiosks for accessibility features (adjusted height, braille keypads, voice activated controls, etc.) Provide more robust information to managers and employees regarding / Steering Committee/ Committee / Steering Committee / Committee Business Development & Retail Purchasing Services with support from IT Health & Safety has updated Emergency Procedure Plans 5

7 emergency procedure and public safety information accessible upon request. s.15 Provide accessible educational training resources or materials in an accessible format. Provide program information and student records in accessible format. s.16 Provide accessibility awareness training to educators and keep a record of the training provided, including dates and number of people trained. AODA version of the lockdown planning document. Currently available upon request. AODA compliant software in libraries; being incorporated into Library digital services. Closed captioning available upon request through CTL. Sector- wide training material developed in December 2012 to address the Standards for Customer Service. Sector- wide training material developed and presented for Educator Awareness training. individual planning; establish regular process of reminders to update information. Establish a process and implementation plan for receiving and converting resources in a timely manner. Share available resources and provide training to areas which create material. Implement training for all educators. Develop a tracking system to ensure compliance. and Public Safety Information. to establish communication criteria /Chief Innovation Officer / Dean of Students / Steering Committee / / Chief Innovation Officer Integrated Standards Regulation Activities 191/11 AODA Standards / Regulation Reference O. Reg. 191/11 Current Status Responsibility General Requirements (compliance deadline by January 1, 2014) s.7 Provide training on accessibility standards and Human Rights Code and keep a record of the training provided, including dates and number of people trained. HHRC- AODA committee has completed online Ontario Human Rights Code / IASR training module through Wired School House, will be available online during Winter 2014 Semester. / Human Resources Track compliance through LMS. Information and Communication (compliance deadline by January 1, 2014) s.11 Ensure feedback processes are accessible Review feedback process and revise if necessary 6 / Steering

8 s.14 Ensure websites and web content conform to World Wide Web Consortium Web Content Guidelines (WCAG) 2.0 at a Level A. Employment (compliance deadline by January 1, 2014) s.22 Notify about the availability of accommodation in the recruitment process. s.23 Notify applicants selected that accommodations are available upon request. Provide suitable accommodation upon request. s.24 When making offers of employment, notify the successful applicant of accommodation policy. s.25 Inform employees of Mohawk s policies used to support employees with disabilities. Provide information and any new changes to all employees. s.26 Provide accessible formats and communications support for job or workplace information. s.28 Develop written process for documented individual accommodation plans. Assessing available training so that AODA regulations can be incorporated into new projects going forward. Staff member participating on sector committee. RFP for strategic guidance of web overhaul being developed. AODA knowledge and guidance will be part of the RFP requirement. Analyze site and develop implementation plans. Implement the plan and develop processes on- site maintenance. Job postings will be revised to include an accommodation statement. correspondence with applicants selected will be revised to include an accommodation statement. Will update the hiring package and correspondence to include information on Mohawk s Employment Accommodation Procedure. New accessibility policy and procedures being developed that will inform employees of Employment Accommodation Procedure and their right to support. Will include information for new hires during the orientation sessions and part of the onboarding process. Will establish a point of contact for employees within HR and inform all employees of how to access support. Finalize and communicate policy and process. Committee Chief Marketing & Recruitment / Chief Information Officer / 7

9 s.29 Develop a documented return- to- work process. s.30 Include accessibility considerations in performance management processes. s.31 Include accessibility considerations in career development and advancement processes. Finalize and communicate policy and process Will revise forms and supports to reference accessibility. Will review Mohawk s career development and advancement processes for possible barriers. Integrated Standards Regulation Activities 191/11 AODA Standards / Regulation Reference O. Reg. 191/11 Current Status Responsibility Information and Communication (compliance deadline by January 1, 2015) s.12 Provide accessible formats and communication supports. Consult with the person requesting. Notify public of availability. s.17 Provide accessible format or conversion ready textbooks. s.18 Provide accessible or conversion ready resources on request. Currently available upon request. AODA compliant software in libraries; being incorporated into Library Digital services. Identify possible formats and supports required. Inform public of availability. Review and develop implementation plan. Review and develop Chief Innovation Officer / Dean of Students / Dean of Students / Chief Innovation Officer / Dean of Students / Chief Innovation Officer / Chief Marketing and Recruitment / Integrated Standards Regulation Activities 191/11 AODA Standards / Regulation Reference O. Reg. 413/12 Current Status Responsibility DESIGN OF PUBLIC SPACES STANDARDS (ACCESSIBILITY STANDARDS FOR THE BUILT ENVIRONMENT) (compliance deadline by January 1, 2016) s.6 Outdoor public use eating areas will have 20% accessible tables, accessible ground 8 Review and develop implementation plan. Chief Building Facilities Officer

10 surfaces and forward approach access for persons using mobility aid. s.6 Exterior paths of travel will meet accessibility requirements. s.6 Off- street accessible parking will meet all accessibility requirements, aisle space, signage and percentage requirements. s. 6 Obtaining services apply to all newly constructed service counters and fixed queuing guides and waiting areas. s. 6 Procedures for preventative and emergency maintenance of accessible elements and dealing with temporary disruptions will be created. Review and develop implementation plan. Constructing new or redeveloping off- street parking will be reviewed to meet guidelines. Constructing new or redeveloping service spaces all minimum accessibility requirements will be met. Review and develop. Chief Building Facilities Officer Chief Building Facilities Officer Chief Building Facilities Officer Chief Building Facilities Officer Integrated Standards Regulation Activities 191/11 AODA Standards / Regulation Reference O. Reg. 191/11 Current Status Responsibility Information and Communication (compliance deadline by January 1, 2020) s.17 Provide accessible format or conversion ready print- based educational or training learning resources. Review and develop implementation plan. Dean of Students / Chief Innovation Officer / Integrated Standards Regulation Activities 191/11 AODA Standards / Regulation Reference O. Reg. 191/11 Current Status Responsibility Information and Communication (compliance deadline by January 1, 2021) s.14 Ensure websites and web content conform to World Wide Web Consortium Web Content Guidelines (WCAG) 2.0 at a Level AA. Analyze site and develop implementation plans. Implement the plan and develop processes on- site maintenance. Chief Marketing & Recruitment / Chief Information Officer 9

11 From Planning to Action Mohawk recognizes that making successful learning and employment outcomes accessible to students and employees, respectively, is a shared responsibility and commitment on the part of the students and staff. Part of Mohawk s pledge to moving the agenda of accessibility forward, is in the commitment of a staff member responsible for accessibility. This role serves to work across departments and with a variety of stakeholders to facilitate the removal of barriers and the implementation of innovative solutions. This plan will be revised annually in consultation with the AODA Steering Committee and the Advisory Committee to reflect the progress and priorities of the community. Communication This plan will be available on Mohawk College s website and information about its release will be communicated through Mohawk Matters, Mohawk s online newsletter, as well as MoCoMotion and ELearn, Mohawk s online learning management system for students. This plan is supplemented by annual reports. For more information about this plan and related reports contact or visit Mohawk College s Plans: plans.html 10