The Corporation of the City of Owen Sound. Multi-year Accessibility Plan

Transcription

1 The Corporation of the City of Owen Sound Multi-year Accessibility Plan

2 Table of Contents Part I. Introduction Alternative Formats Purpose Legislative Environment... 6 a. Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, i. Ontario Regulation Accessibility Standards for Customer Service... 7 ii. Ontario Regulation 191/11 Integrated Accessibility Standards (IASR) Corporate Accessibility Team The Accessibility Advisory Committee... 9 Part II. Statement of Commitment... 9 Part III. Multi-year Accessibility Plan Pillars of Accessibility Customer Service General s a. Section 3 - Establishment of Accessibility Policies b. Section 4 - Accessibility Plans c. Section 5 - Procuring or Acquiring Goods, Services or Facilities d. Section 6 - Self-Service Kiosks a. Section 7 - Training Information and Communications Standard a. Section 11 - Feedback b. Section 12 - Accessible Formats and Communication Supports c. Section 13 - Emergency Procedures, Plans or Public Safety Information d. Section 14 - Accessible Websites and Web Content e. Section 19 Public Libraries Employment Standards a. Section 22 - Recruitment General a. Section 23 - Recruitment, Assessment or Selection Process Page 2 of 188

3 b. Section 24 - Notice to Successful Applicants c. Section 25 - Informing Employees of Supports d. Section 26 - Accessible Formats and Communication Supports for Employees e. Section 27 - Workplace Emergency Response Information f. Section 28 - Documented Individual Accommodation Plans g. Section 29 - Return to Work Process h. Section 30 - Performance Management i. Section 31 - Career Development and Advancement j. Section 32 - Redeployment Transportation a. Section 34 - Availability of Information on Accessibility Equipment b. Section 35 - Non-Functioning Accessibility Equipment c. Section 36 - Accessibility Training d. Section 37 - Emergency Preparedness and Response Policies e. Section 38 - Fares, Support Persons f. Section 41 - Accessibility Plans - Conventional Transportation Services g. Section 42 - Accessibility Plans - Specialized Transportation Services h. Section 43 - Accessibility Plans - Conventional & Specialized Transportation Services.. 59 i. Section 44 - General Responsibilities j. Section 46 - Fares k. Section 47 - Transit Stops l. Section 48 - Storage of Mobility Aids and Mobility Assistive Devices m. Section 49 - Courtesy Seating n. Section 50 - Service Disruptions o. Section 51 - Pre-Boarding Announcements p. Section 52 - On-Board Announcements q. Section 53 - Grab Bars, Handholds, Handrails, Stanchions r. Section 54 - Floors and Carpeted Surfaces s. Section 55 - Allocated Mobility Aid Spaces t. Section 56 - Stop Requests and Emergency Response Controls u. Section 57 - Lighting Features v. Section 58 - Signage w. Section 59 - Lifting Devices, Ramps, or Portable Bridge Plates x. Section 60 - Steps y. Section 61 - Indicators and Alarms Page 3 of 188

4 z. Section 63 - Categories of Eligibility aa. Section 64 - Eligibility Application Process bb. Section 65 - Emergency or Compassionate Grounds cc. Section 66 - Fare Parity dd. Section 67 - Visitors ee. Section 68 - Origin to Destination Services ff. Section 69 - Coordinated Service gg. Section 70 - Hours of Service hh. Section 71 - Bookings ii. Section 72 - Trip Restrictions jj. Section 73 - Service Delays kk. Section 74 - Companions and Children ll. Section 78 - Duties of Municipalities General mm. Section 79 Accessible Taxicabs nn. Section 80 Duties of Municipalities Taxicabs Design of Public Spaces a. Section 80 Recreational Trails and Beach Access Routes b. Section Trails c. Section Consultation, recreational trails d. Section Technical requirements for trails, general e. Section Technical requirements for beach access routes, general f. Section Common Technical s, General g. Section Boardwalks h. Section Ramps i. Section Exceptions, limitations j. Section Exceptions, general k. Section Outdoor Public Use Eating Areas l. Section Outdoor Public Use Eating Areas, general requirements m. Section Outdoor Place Spaces, application n. Section Outdoor Place Spaces, consultation requirements o. Section Outdoor Place Spaces, accessibility in design p. Exterior Paths of Travel q. Section Application r. Section General Obligation s. Section Technical s Page 4 of 188

5 t. Section Ramps u. Section Stairs v. Section Curb Ramps w. Section Depressed Curbs x. Section Accessible Pedestrian Signals y. Section Rest Areas z. Accessible Parking aa. Section Application, off-street parking bb. Section Exceptions cc. Section Types dd. Section Access aisles ee. Section Minimum number and type of accessible parking spaces ff. Section Signage gg. Section Exception hh. Section On-street parking spaces ii. Obtaining Services jj. Section Application kk. Section Service Counters ll. Section Fixed Queuing Guides mm. Section Waiting Areas nn. Section Maintenance of Accessible Elements Page 5 of 188

6 Part I. Introduction 1. Alternative Formats This document is available in alternative formats upon request, such as: print; electronic; audio; large font; text only; or as a plain language summary. Requests for other formats are considered on a case-by-case basis. Additionally, communications supports are also available upon request. Please make your request know to the City Clerk s department. City Clerks Department Owen Sound City Hall nd Avenue East Owen Sound, Ontario N4K 2H cityadmin@owensound.ca 2. Purpose This plan has been prepared to assist the City of Owen Sound ( City ) in removing barriers for people with disabilities and to satisfy the legislative directives of the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005 ( AODA ) which includes the requirement for municipalities to establish, implement, maintain and document a Multi-year Accessibility Plan 1. The City s Multi-Year Accessibility Plan outlines the ways the City will identify, prevent and remove barriers for people with disabilities. The plan describes the actions the City will be working towards for to achieve these goals. 3. Legislative Environment There are currently two active pieces of legislation in Ontario that specifically address accessibility: the Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2001 ( ODA ) and AODA. Ontarians with Disabilities Act, Section 4 of the Integrated Accessibility Standards Regulation, O.Reg. 191/11 Page 6 of 188

7 The ODA was passed by the Province of Ontario in 2001 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 ODA requires organizations within the public sector (the provincial government, municipalities, hospitals, educational institutions and public transportation providers) to undertake activities aimed at reducing and eliminating barriers to people with disabilities. It also requires municipalities with populations of over 10,000 to appoint accessibility advisory committees ( AAC ), develop annual accessibility plans and seek the advice of AACs on certain matters. The ODA remains in force and effect alongside the AODA. The Provincial government has indicated that the ODA will be likely be repealed, however, no definitive timeframe has been provided. As a result, municipalities are still obligated to adhere to the requirements of the ODA. a. Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005 The Province of Ontario passed the AODA in The AODA is a provincial law that recognizes the history of discrimination against persons with disabilities in Ontario and requires the development, implementation and enforcement of standards for accessibility to goods, services, facilities, employment, accommodation, and buildings for persons with disabilities. The AODA also reiterates many municipal requirements first legislated in the ODA, notably, all requirements specific to AACs. The AODA requires the development of accessibility standards in a number of areas. Five committees were established by the Provincial government to develop accessibility standards in the following areas: customer service; information and communications; employment; transportation and the built environment. The committees included people with disabilities and representatives of sectors and industries that would be impacted by the standards. There have been two regulations enacted under the AODA: Ontario Regulation 429/07 Accessibility Standards for Customer Service and Ontario Regulation 191/11 Integrated Accessibility Standards ( IASR ) i. Ontario Regulation Accessibility Standards for Customer Service The first Regulation enacted under the AODA was Ontario Regulation 429/07 Accessibility Standards for Customer Service. Designated public sector organizations, including municipalities, were to be in compliance by January 1, 2010 and submit a compliance report to the Provincial government by March 31, Page 7 of 188

8 The Accessibility Standard for Customer Service (O. Reg 429/07) was the first of 5 standards to become law. ii. Ontario Regulation 191/11 Integrated Accessibility Standards (IASR) The IASR became effective July 1, It includes a number of general and specific accessibility requirements in the areas of information and communications, employment, transportation and design of public spaces. The requirements have compliance dates ranging from when the IASR was enacted (July 2011) to the year The requirements apply to the public, private and not-for-profit sectors. The Accessibility Standard for the Built Environment, which applies to new construction and extensive renovation, was added to the IASR effective January 1, The standard is designed to help remove barriers in buildings and outdoor spaces for people with disabilities. Through these regulations to the AODA the province now has accessibility standards in the following five areas: customer service employment information and communications transportation design of public spaces 4. Corporate Accessibility Team On January 27, 2014, City Council approved a Corporate Accessibility Team to oversee compliance with the AODA. The Corporate Accessibility team consists of the Director of Community Services, the City Clerk and the Manager of Information Technology. The first steps for this team were to develop: the City s Statement of Commitment, Accessibility Policy and Multi-Year Accessibility Plan. The Corporate Accessibility Team has developed the AODA Lead Plan for City staff, the City s AAC and City Council. This Lead Plan identifies a staff lead in each of the areas. This Multi-Year Accessibility Plan breaks down the regulation into its component parts, called pillars, and subcomponents of each pillar. Each subcomponent has been assigned to a City staff member who will assume responsibility for compliance with that subcomponent under the leadership of the Corporate Accessibility Team. Page 8 of 188

9 Staff members assigned to be responsible for subcomponents will provide the Corporate Accessibility Team with work plans showing mechanisms of compliance and/or a roadmap to achieve compliance in their area. The Corporate Accessibility Team will continue to supervise and monitor compliance, develop policy and report to Council. 5. The Accessibility Advisory Committee Since 2003, the City has had an Accessibility Advisory Committee that is comprised of Council members and persons with disabilities in accordance with the legislation. This Committee has provided valuable input to City Council and will continue to be consulted on key areas as required in the IASR. The City s AAC will continue to review and monitor accessibility issues by: Providing input to City Council as prescribed by legislation including: the creation of the Multi Year Accessible Plan, Transit and Specialized Transit Accessibility Plans including regarding development of accessible design criteria for bus stops and shelters; Reviewing development projects (i.e. site plan approval and plans of subdivision) and major capital works to be undertaken by the City to provide input to Council; Reporting annually on the success of the City in meeting its obligations set out in the Multi Year Accessibility Plan. Part II. Statement of Commitment The City of Owen Sound is committed to ensuring that City Council and all levels of City staff plan, implement and evaluate strategies and opportunities that sustain and maintain the rights of persons with disabilities and their families to barrier-free programs, services and opportunities. In so doing, the City adheres to the Human Rights Code and the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005 including the regulated standards for: Customer Service, Information and Communications, Employment, Transportation, and Design of Public Spaces. The City of Owen Sound is committed to providing customer service to persons with disabilities in a manner that: respects their dignity and independence; is integrated as fully as practicable into the method of service delivery; ensures reasonable efforts are made to provide equitable opportunities to accessing goods and services; allows persons with disabilities to benefit from the same services, programs and opportunities in ways that are based on their own needs and self-determination. Page 9 of 188

10 Part III. Multi-year Accessibility Plan This multi-year plan provides a broad overview of the steps the City of Owen Sound will take to support the Government of Ontario s goal of a fully accessible Ontario by 2025 by meeting the standards set out in the AODA and IASR. The goal of this Multi-Year Accessibility Plan is to set out the City s strategies for identifying, addressing and preventing barriers that prevent persons with disabilities from fully participating in society. 6. Pillars of Accessibility The province now has accessibility standards in five areas: customer service employment information and communications transportation design of public spaces City staff refers to these as the Pillars of Accessibility. There are also general requirements that apply across the pillars. Each pillar is detailed in this Multi-year Accessibility Plan with a brief description, where consultation with the public, persons with disability or AAC is required, the compliance date as established by Regulation and information that is specific to the City on the lead staff person and timing toward compliance. Page 10 of 188

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12 7. Customer Service The City continues to meet the requirements of the Accessible Customer Service Standard and continues to seek and implement best practices in to delivering programs and services in an inclusive and accessible manner. September 14 th, 2009, City Council passed policy CrS-HR6, Accessible Customer Service Standards under the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act Legislation. Page 12 of 188

13 8. General s The General s are those regulatory requirements that apply across all four standards in this regulation Information and Communications, Employment, Transportation and Design of Public Spaces. Development of integrated accessibility standards policies; Development of a multi-year accessibility plan; Annual reporting on the progress of the multi-year accessibility plan; Training staff and volunteers on the requirements of the Regulation and the Ontario Human Rights Code, as it pertains to people with disabilities; and, Ensuring that accessibility considerations and features are reflected in procurement processes. a. Section 3 - Establishment of Accessibility Policies The City will establish policies on how it will meet their obligations under the Integrated Accessibility Standards Regulation. Regulatory 3 (1) Every obligated organization shall develop, implement and maintain policies governing how the organization achieves or will achieve accessibility through meeting its requirements under the accessibility standards referred to in this Regulation. 3 (2) Obligated organizations, other than small organizations, shall include a statement of organizational commitment to meet the accessibility needs of persons with disabilities in a timely manner in their policies. January 1, 2013 January 1, 2013 Action to Be Taken The City will develop and maintain policies governing its actions to ensure its requirements under the accessibility standards are met A statement of commitment needs to be created and incorporated into the Multi-Year Accessibility Plan and all other accessibility policies. It will also be posted Action Owner Corporate Accessibility Team Corporate Accessibility Team Completion Date July 1, 2014 May 1, 2014 Status Page 13 of 188

14 on the City website accessibility pages. 3 (3) The Government of Ontario, the Legislative Assembly, every designated public sector organization and large organizations shall, a) prepare one or more written documents describing its policies; and b) make the documents publicly available, and shall provide them in an accessible format upon request. January 1, 2013 The City will create a document detailing its accessibility policies and documents. This document and the related policies will be made available on the City s website and will be provided in an alternate format as requested. Corporate Accessibility Team September 1, 2014 b. Section 4 - Accessibility Plans The City will develop a multi-year accessibility plan, outlining its strategies to prevent and remove barriers to accessibility. Once developed, the City will maintain their accessibility plan. Regulatory Action to Be Taken 4 (1) The Government of Ontario, A Multi-Year Accessibility Legislative Assembly, designated Plan will be developed public sector organizations and large outlining the City s organizations shall,a) establish, strategy to prevent and implement, maintain and document January 1, 2014 remove barriers. This a multi-year accessibility plan, which plan will be reviewed outlines the organization s strategy regularly and maintained. to prevent and remove barriers and The MYAP will be posted meet its requirements under this on the City website, and Regulation; b) post the accessibility will be available in an Action Owner Corporate Accessibility Team Completion Date July 1, 2014 Status Page 14 of 188

15 plan on their website, if any, and provide the plan in an accessible format upon request; and c) review and update the accessibility plan at least once every five years. alternative accessible format upon request. The plan will be updated at least every five years. (2) The Government of Ontario, Legislative Assembly and designated public sector organizations shall establish, review and update their accessibility plans in consultation with persons with disabilities and, if they have established an accessibility advisory committee, they shall consult with the committee. The Multi-Year Accessibility Plan review process will include January 1, 2014 consultation with the Accessibility advisory committee. Corporate Accessibility Team December 1, 2014 (3) The Government of Ontario, Legislative Assembly and designated public sector organizations shall, a) prepare an annual status report on the progress of measures taken to implement the strategy referenced in clause (1)(a); and b) post the status report on their website, if any, and provide the report in an accessible format upon request. A status report will be prepared annual detailing the progress of measures taken to implement the Multi-Year Accessibility January 1, 2014 Plan. This report will be published on the City s web site and will be available in alternative accessible formats upon request. Corporate Accessibility Team December 1, 2014 Page 15 of 188

16 c. Section 5 - Procuring or Acquiring Goods, Services or Facilities The City will incorporate accessibility criteria and features into its procurement practices so that goods, services, and facilities are more accessible to people with disabilities, unless it is not practicable to do so. Regulatory 5(1) The Government of Ontario, Legislative Assembly and designated public sector organizations shall incorporate accessibility criteria and features when procuring or acquiring goods, services or facilities, except where it is not practicable to do so. January 1, 2013 Action to Be Taken Create Accessibility Language in Procurement Document and incorporate into bid/proposal documents Action Owner Completion Date Purchasing Agent August 15, 2014 Status 2) If the Government of Ontario, Legislative Assembly or a designated public sector organization determines that it is not practicable to incorporate accessibility criteria and features when procuring or acquiring goods, services or facilities, it shall January 1, 2013 Page 16 of 188

17 provide, upon request, an explanation. d. Section 6 - Self-Service Kiosks If the City offers services and/or products through self-service kiosks, it will take steps to make them accessible, on a go forward-basis, to people with disabilities so they can be used independently and securely. Regulatory 6(1) Without limiting the generality of section 5, the Government of Ontario, Legislative Assembly and designated public sector organizations shall incorporate accessibility features when designing, procuring or acquiring self-service kiosks. Action to Be Taken Action Owner January 1, 2014 Any existing selfservice kiosks need to be identified and incorporate accessibility features into their design. Any new self-service kiosks shall incorporate accessibility features Facilities Completion Date December 2014 Status Page 17 of 188

18 a. Section 7 - Training The City will train employees, volunteers, all those who participate in developing the organization s policies, and all others who provide goods or services on behalf of the City, about the requirements in the Integrated Accessibility Standards Regulation, as well as the Ontario Human Rights Code as it relates to people with disabilities. Regulatory 7(1) Every obligated organization shall ensure that training is provided on the requirements of the accessibility standards referred to in the Regulation and on the Human Rights Code as it pertains to persons with disabilities a) all employees and volunteers; b) all persons who participate in developing the organization's policies; c) all other persons who provide goods, services January 1,2014 Action to Be Taken 1. Identify the target groups: City staff; volunteers; Council & management; third party providers i.e. Transit 2. Compile listing of third party City service providers & assign responsibility for third party providers 3. Find a third party provider or develop a training curriculum that addresses each job group Page 18 of 188 Action Owner Completion Date HR June 1,2014 HR June 1,2014 Status Completed September 15, 2014 Completed September 15, Will Utilize Ontario Government approved IASR e-learning modules for training. -Will Utilize Ontario Human Rights

19 or facilities on behalf go the organization (2) The training on the requirements of the Accessibility standards and on the HR Code referred to in (1) shall be appropriate to the duties of the employee, volunteers, and other persons January 1,2014 Job specific training need to determine job groups i.e. 1. Public works employees & fire fighters; Identify training components for each group; for full training: March 31, 2015 An annual review of the legislation is required to determine changes to the legislation that need to be reflected in training curriculum. Each employee will have their own record of training completed on Great Plains software. Paper back-up information will be placed in employee personnel files Page 19 of 188 HR HR HR March 31, 2015 Commission e- learning module for training. -Will Develop alternate training formats for those employees without computer access. Completed September 15, 2014 Completed September 15, 2014 HR Annually On-going HR Completed January 2014 and ongoing

20 (3) Every person referred to in subsection (1) shall be trained as soon as practicable January 1, Volunteer records will be maintained on Excel HR Completed January 2014 and on-going (4) Every obligated organization shall prove training in respect of any changes to the policies described in section 3 on an ongoing basis. January 1,2014 HR Completed January 2014 and ongoing Page 20 of 188

21 (5) The Government of Ontario, the Legislative Assembly, every designated public sector organization and every large organization shall keep a record of the training provided under this section, including the dates on which the training is provided and the number of individuals to whom it is provided January 1, 2014 Maintain Training Records HR Completed January Page 21 of 188

22 9. Information and Communications Standard The Information and Communications Standard outlines requirements for organizations to create, provide and receive information and communications in ways that are accessible for people with disabilities. This should help people with disabilities access sources of information and communications that many of us rely on every day. This section reflects requirements for organizations to create, provide and receive information and communications in ways that are accessible to people with disabilities. The specific requirements include the following: Ensuring that feedback processes are accessible, upon request; Providing accessible formats and communication supports, upon request; Providing publicly available emergency procedure, plans or public safety information in accessible formats, upon request Improving the accessibility of websites and web content. Page 22 of 188

23 a. Section 11 - Feedback All processes for receiving and responding to feedback will be made available to people with disabilities in accessible formats or with appropriate communication supports, on request. Regulatory Action to Be Taken Action Owner Completion Date Status 11(1) Every obligated organization that has processes for receiving and responding to feedback shall ensure that the processes are accessible to persons with disabilities by providing or arranging for accessible formats and communications supports, upon request. January 1, 2014 determine all feedback methods create new feedback processes train City staff on new processes implement new feedback process publish feedback process to public update MYAP Jamie Walpole Jamie Walpole Jamie Walpole Jamie Walpole Jamie Walpole Jamie Walpole Sept 30, 2014 Oct 31, 2014 Nov 17, 2014 Nov 28, 2014 Dec 12, 2014 Dec 19, 2014 Page 23 of 188

24 b. Section 12 - Accessible Formats and Communication Supports The City will provide information and communicate in an accessible manner about its goods, services or facilities to people with disabilities, on request. The information must be provided in a timely manner and at a cost that is no more than the regular price charged to others. The City is not required to make products and/or product labels accessible. Regulatory Action to Be Taken Action Owner Completion Date Status 12(1) Except as otherwise provided, every obligated organization shall upon request provide or arrange for the provision of accessible formats and communication supports for persons with disabilities, a) in a timely manner that takes into account the person s accessibility needs due to disability; and b) at a cost that is no more than the regular cost January 1, 2015 The City must examine common alternate format options and create an alternate format list that it can provide. create process for responding to alternate format request create process for requesting document in alternate formats purchase required hardware and software provide necessary hardware and software to create alternate format documents provide training to staff on preparing documents in the alternate formats Jamie Walpole Jamie Walpole Jamie Walpole Jamie Walpole Jamie Walpole Jamie Walpole Sept 30, 2014 November 1st, 2014 November 1st, 2014 November 15, 2014 November 30, 2014 December 19, 2104 Page 24 of 188

25 charged to other persons. (2) The obligated organization shall consult with the person making the request in determining the suitability of an accessible format or communication support. (3) Every obligated organization shall notify the public about the availability of accessible formats and communication supports. January 1, 2015 January 1, 2015 determine consultation requirements create consultation process train staff create a document detailing the availability of accessible formats and communication supports post document on the City website provide information via social media channels post information on City premises where the public may request information Jamie Walpole Jamie Walpole Jamie Walpole Jamie Walpole Jamie Walpole Jamie Walpole Jamie Walpole November 1, 2014 November 30, 2014 December 19, 2104 November 17, 2014 December 19, 2104 December 19, 2104 December 19, 2104 Page 25 of 188

26 c. Section 13 - Emergency Procedures, Plans or Public Safety Information The City will make sure that publicly available emergency and public safety information is provided in an accessible format or with appropriate communication supports, on request. Regulatory 13(1) In addition to its obligations under section 12, if an obligated organization prepares emergency procedures, plans or public safety information and makes the information available to the public, the obligated organization shall provide the information in an accessible format or with appropriate communication supports, as soon as practicable, upon request. January 1, 2012 Action to Be Taken Attend training in the reformatting of our current documents pertaining to emergency procedures, plans and public safety information. These documents are currently accessible on the City s web site, however not in the proper format. Re-format and ensure all documents are accessible friendly Review the accessibility of the documents annually. The Emergency Response Plan is reviewed annually and the accessibility component could certainly be rolled into that review along with any other Public Safety Information provided. Action Owner Deputy Chief Martina / IT Division Deputy Chief Martina CEMC Completion Date April 1, 2014 April 30, 2014 Annually Status Page 26 of 188

27 d. Section 14 - Accessible Websites and Web Content The City will make its websites accessible to people with disabilities by conforming to international standards for website accessibility. Regulatory New internet websites and web content on those sites must conform with WCAG 2.0 Level A. All internet websites and web content must conform with WCAG 2.0 Level AA, January 1, 2014 January 1, 2021 Action to Be Taken The City's websites are to be reconstructed in They will meet a minimum of WCAG 2.0 Level AA The City's websites are to be reconstructed in They will meet a minimum of WCAG 2.0 Level AA Action Owner Jamie Walpole Jamie Walpole Completion Date December 19, 2014 Status Page 27 of 188

28 e. Section 19 Public Libraries When requested, public libraries provide access to accessible library materials, where they exist. Regulatory 19. (1) Every obligated organization that is a library board shall provide access to or arrange for the provision of access to accessible materials where they exist. January 1, 2013 Action to Be Taken The Library supports accessibility through the provision of a variety of formats including large print, books on CD, Daisy books and readers, ebooks and eaudiobooks. All formats are catalogued through the Library's online catalogue. Physical accessibility features include adaptive technologies such as ZoomText screen reading software, large print keyboards, and Big Track balltrack mouse. In addition aisles have been widened, and the height of shelves lowered. A Merlin magnifer machine is available as well as several pairs of various strength reading glasses and magnifying sheets. Customers are offered interlibrary loan when material is not readily available. The Libary provides a delivery program to those unable to get to the Library. Staff are trained in the Action Owner Lacy Russell, Nadia Danyluk, Chris Carmichael, Beth Hall, and Library CEO as per area of responsibility Completion Date Ongoing. As new formats and physical technologies and features become available they will be investigated and implemented as feasible. Status Complete and ongoing with a focus to continue to increase the size of accessible format collections Page 28 of 188

29 provision of accessible formats. (2) Obligated organizations that are library boards shall make information about the availability of accessible materials publicly available and shall provide the information in accessible format or with appropriate communication supports, upon request. (3) Obligated organizations that are library boards may provide accessible formats for archival materials, special collections, rare books and donations. January 1, 2013 January 1, 2013 The Library informs the public that accessible formats are available through its webpage on accessibility. To increase awareness notices will soon be available on the in house display screens. Accessible formats are provided upon request with support when required. As grants and staff resources become available investigation into the feasibiltiy of digitizing select areas of the Local History Collection will be completed. Currently staff would offer to photocopy sections of material expanding the size of the print or provide space and staff support to have articles read to customer. Chris Carmichael, Beth Hall Library CEO and appropriate member of Library Senior Management Team depending on funding received Display Screens - April 2014; Review of information on website April 2014 TBD dependent on funding availability Complete and ongoing. Complete as per obligations at the current time. Plans to expand service when feasible. Page 29 of 188

30 10. Employment Standards This section of the IASR requires employers to provide for accessibility across all stages of the employment cycle and integrate accessibility into regular workplace processes. The specific requirements include the following: Notifying employees and the public of the availability of accommodation for applicants with disabilities in recruitment and assessment processes; Notifying successful applicants of the availability of accommodations; Informing employees of policies to provide support to employees with disabilities; Providing accessible formats and communication supports for employees with disabilities; Providing work place emergency response information to employees with disabilities; Establishing processes to develop documented individual accommodation plans; Developing a return to work process for employees who have been absent from work due to a disability or who require disability-related accommodations to return to work; and, Considering the accessibility needs of employees with disabilities and accommodation plans in performance management processes, when Providing career development opportunities or when considering redeployment. The Employment Standard, under the Integrated Accessibility Standards Regulation, requires employers to provide for accessibility across all stages of the employment life cycle. By pro-actively removing barriers across the employment life cycle, employers can help to create workplaces that are accessible and which allow employees to reach their full potential. The Employment Standard applies to paid employees. This includes, but is not limited to, full-time, part-time, paid apprenticeships and seasonal employment. As good business practice, employers may apply the Standard to unpaid staff, volunteers and other forms of unpaid work. The Employment Standard is a framework for integrating accessibility into regular workplace processes. Page 30 of 188

31 a. Section 22 - Recruitment General The City will notify internal and external job applicants that, where needed, accommodations for disabilities will be provided, on request, to support their participation in all aspects of the recruitment process. Regulatory 22. Every employer shall notify its employees and the public about the availability of accommodation for applicants with disabilities in its recruitment processes. January 1,2014 Action to Be Taken 1) Create Employment Standards Policy outlining employer commitment to the Employment Standards of the IASR. 2) change job advertisements to include Accommodation 3) notify applicant during interview process Action Owner HR HR HR Completion Date September 2014 September 2014 September 2014 Status Completed September 26, 2014 Completed July Completed August 2014 Page 31 of 188

32 a. Section 23 - Recruitment, Assessment or Selection Process The City will notify job applicants who have been invited to participate in a recruitment, assessment or selection process that, where needed, accommodations for disabilities are available, on request, to support their participation in the process. In addition, employers are required to consult with job applicants who request accommodations to support them during the process. Regulatory 23.(1) During a recruitment process, an employer shall notify job applicants, when they are individually selected to participate in an assessment or selection process, that accommodations are available upon request in relation to the materials or processes to be used. January 1, 2014 Action to Be Taken Include in Employment Standards Accessibility Policy. Action Owner Completion Date HR September 2014 Status Completed September 26, 2014 and ongoing Page 32 of 188

33 (2) If a selected applicant requests an accommodation, the employer shall consult with the applicant and provide or arrange for the provision of a suitable accommodation in a manner that takes into account the applicant s accessibility needs due to disability. Include in Employment Standards Accessibility Policy. HR September 2014 Completed September 26, 2014 b. Section 24 - Notice to Successful Applicants The City will notify successful applicants of their policies for accommodating employees with disabilities when offering employment. Regulatory 24. Every employer shall, when making offers of employment, notify the successful January 1, 2014 Action to Be Taken Include in Employment Standards Accessibility Policy. Include in Offer of employment template. Action Owner Completion Date HR September 2014 Status Policy Completed September 26, 2014 Offer letter template August Page 33 of 188

34 applicant of its policies for accommodating employees with disabilities. c. Section 25 - Informing Employees of Supports The City will inform new and existing employees of their policies for supporting employees with disabilities, including providing employment-related accommodations for disabilities. Regulatory 25.(1) Every employer shall inform its employees of its policies used to support its 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 disability. January 1,2014 Action to Be Taken Revise Return to Work Policy to include AODA and Human Rights Code accommodation requirements. Create Employment Standards Accessibility Policy. Action Owner Completion Date HR September 2014 Status Completed September 26, Page 34 of 188

35 (2) Employers shall provide the information required under this section to new employees as soon as practicable after they begin their employment. January 1,2014 Notify new employees of Employment Standards Accessibility Policy and provision of job accommodations during new hire orientation. HR October 1, 2014 Completed September 26, 2014 (3)Employers shall provide updated information to its employees whenever there is a change to existing policies on the provision of job accommodations that take into account an employee s accessibility needs due to disability. January 1,2014 Standard protocol for distribution of new and revised policy City Clerk Office Completed and on-going d. Section 26 - Accessible Formats and Communication Supports for Employees The City will consult with their employees who have disabilities in order to provide them with the accessible formats and communications supports they require to do their jobs effectively and to be informed of information that is generally available to all employees in that workplace. Page 35 of 188

36 Regulatory 26.1 In addition to its obligations under section 12, where an employee with a disability so requests it, every employer shall consult with the employee to provide or arrange for the provision of accessible formats and communication supports for, (a) information that is needed in order to perform the employee s job; and (b) information that is generally available to employees in the workplace. O. Reg. 191/11, s. 26 (1). January 1,2014 Action to Be Taken Each employee requiring any accommodation will have an 'Individual Accommodation Plan (IAP)' - this will be added to the Return to work policy - plan will be developed with the employee, any special consultant or medical practitioner that can assist, the manager of the work division, Human Resources and the union (if appropriate). The Individual Accommodation plan will include any specific needs such as accessible formatted material, physical work station set-up, strategies to evacuate during emergencies, Action Owner Completion Date HR September 2014 Status September 26, 2014 Page 36 of 188

37 2. The employer shall consult with the employee making the request in determining the suitability of an accessible format or communication support. January 1,2014 This is addressed in the Employment Standards Accessibility Policy, the updated Return to Work Policy and the IAP. HR September 2014 September 26, 2014 Page 37 of 188

38 e. Section 27 - Workplace Emergency Response Information The City will prepare for the specific needs that employees with disabilities may have in emergency situations. Regulatory 27.(1) Every employer 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 the need for accommodation due to the employee s disability. January 1,2014 Action to Be Taken This is addressed in the Employment Standards Accessibility Policy, the updated Return to Work Policy and the IAP. Action Owner Completion Date HR September 2014 Status September 26, 2014 Page 38 of 188

39 (2) If an employee who receives individualized workplace emergency response information requires assistance and with the employee s consent, the employer shall provide the workplace emergency response information to the person designated by the employer to provide assistance to the employee. January 1,2014 This is addressed in the Employment Standards Accessibility Policy, the updated Return to Work Policy and the IAP. HR September 2014 September 26, 2014 Page 39 of 188

40 (3) Employers shall provide the information required under this section as soon as practicable after the employer becomes aware of the need for accommodation due to the employee s disability. January 1,2014 This is addressed in the Employment Standards Accessibility Policy, the updated Return to Work Policy and the IAP. HR Completed and On-going Page 40 of 188

41 f. Section 28 - Documented Individual Accommodation Plans The City will develop written individual accommodation plans for employees with disabilities. Regulatory 28.(1) Employers, other than employers that are small organizations, shall develop and have in place a written process for the development of documented individual accommodation plans for employees with disabilities. (2) The process for the development of documented individual accommodation plans shall include the following elements: 1. The manner in which an employee requesting accommodation can participate in the development of the individual accommodation plan. 2. The means by which the employee is assessed on an individual basis. 3. The manner in which the employer can request an evaluation by an January 1, 2014 January 1, 2014 Action to Be Taken This is addressed in the Employment Standards Accessibility Policy, the updated Return to Work Policy and the IAP. This is addressed in the Employment Standards Accessibility Policy, the updated Return to Work Policy and the IAP. Action Owner HR HR Completion Date September 2014 September 2014 Status Completed and ongoing September 26, 2014 Completed and ongoing September 26, 2014 Page 41 of 188

42 outside medical or other expert, at the employer s expense, to determine if and how accommodation can be achieved. 4. The manner in which the employee can request the participation of a representative from their bargaining agent, where the employee is represented by a bargaining agent, or other representative from the workplace, where the employee is not represented by a bargaining agent, in the development of the accommodation plan. 5. The steps taken to protect the privacy of the employee s personal information. 6. The frequency with which the individual accommodation plan will be reviewed and updated and the manner in which it will be done. 7. If an individual accommodation plan is denied, the manner in which the reasons for the denial will be provided to Page 42 of 188

43 the employee. 8. The means of providing the individual accommodation plan in a format that takes into account the employee s accessibility needs due to disability. (3) Individual accommodation plans shall, (a) if requested, include any information regarding accessible formats and communications supports provided, as described in section 26; (b) if required, include individualized workplace emergency response information, as described in section 27; and (c) identify any other accommodation that is to be provided. January 1, 2014 This is addressed in the Employment Standards Accessibility Policy, the updated Return to Work Policy and the IAP. HR September 2014 Completed and ongoing September 26, 2014 Page 43 of 188

44 g. Section 29 - Return to Work Process The City will have in place a documented process for supporting employees who return to work after being away for reasons related to their disabilities. If an individual s illness or injury is covered by the return to work provisions of the Workplace Safety and Insurance Act, then that Act s return to work process would apply. Regulatory 29.(1) Every employer, other than an employer that is a small organization, (a) shall develop and have in place a return to work process for its employees who have been absent from work due to a disability and require disabilityrelated accommodations in order to return to work; and (b) shall document the process. Action to Be Taken Action Owner January 1, 2014 This is addressed in the Employment Standards Accessibility Policy, the updated Return to Work Policy and the IAP. HR Completion Date September 2014 Status Completed and ongoing September 26, 2014 Page 44 of 188

45 (2) The return to work process shall, (a) outline the steps the employer will take to facilitate the return to work of employees who were absent because their disability required them to be away from work; and (b) use individual documented accommodation plans, as described in section 28, as part of the process. January 1, 2014 This is addressed in the Employment Standards Accessibility Policy, the updated Return to Work Policy and the IAP. HR September 2014 Completed and ongoing September 26, 2014 (3) The return to work process referenced in this section does not replace or override any other return to work process created by or under any other statute. January 1, 2014 HR Ongoing Page 45 of 188

46 h. Section 30 - Performance Management The City will take into account the accessibility needs of employees with disabilities in the performance management process. Regulatory 30.(1) An employer that uses performance management in respect of its employees shall take into account the accessibility needs of employees with disabilities, as well as individual accommodation plans, when using its performance management process in respect of employees with disabilities. January 1,2014 Action to Be Taken This is addressed in the Employment Standards Accessibility Policy. Update Performance Management & Staff development guidelines to include IAP review as part of process. Action Owner HR HR Completion Date Status September 2014 September 26, 2014 December 31, 2014 Page 46 of 188

47 i. Section 31 - Career Development and Advancement The City will take into account the accessibility needs of their employees who have disabilities when providing career development and advancement opportunities. This may provide employees with disabilities with the opportunities to advance within their organizations. Regulatory Action to Be Taken Action Owner 31.(1) An employer that provides career development and advancement to its employees shall take into account the accessibility Update Performance needs of its employees Management & Staff with disabilities as well as January 1, 2014 development guidelines HR any individual to include IAP review as accommodation plans, part of process. when providing career development and advancement to its employees with disabilities. Completion Date December 31, 2014 Status Page 47 of 188