Chatham-Kent Health Alliance Accessibility Plan Chatham & Wallaceburg Sites

Transcription

1 Chatham-Kent Health Alliance Accessibility Plan Chatham & Wallaceburg Sites An Exceptional Community Hospital Setting Standards - Exceeding Expectations

2 Contents Overview of the Plan... 3 Our Commitment to Accessibility Planning... 3 The Accessibility Advisory Council... 4 Barriers to Accessibility Plan to Achieve Accessibility for All... 6 Plan Review and Monitoring Process... 9 Communication and Public Access to the Plan... 9 Appendix A The Council s Terms of Reference Appendix B The Council s Annual Work Plan... 13

3 Overview of the Plan Chatham-Kent Health Alliance is committed to accessibility for all persons. This plan provides a framework for CKHA to, at a minimum, comply with the Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2001 (ODA) and the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005 (AODA), under which Ontario Regulation 429/07, Accessibility Standards for Customer Service and Ontario Regulation 191/11, Integrated Accessibility Standards were passed. This plan describes: The mandate of the Accessibility Advisory Council and the organization s commitment to accessibility Key barriers and the methodology used to identify them CKHA s objectives to remove or reduce barriers to achieving accessibility for all persons over the next five years The review and monitoring process to evaluate CKHA s progress and successes A communication strategy to update the CKHA community and broader public about the plan and the organization s ability to deliver on its objectives over the duration of the plan Our Commitment to Accessibility Planning Chatham-Kent Health Alliance is committed to: Ongoing improvement of access to facilities and services for patients and their family members, staff, health-care practitioners and members of the community. Inclusion of persons with disabilities in the development and review of accessibility plans. Ensuring all policies and practices are consistent with the principles of accessibility. The continued operation of the Accessibility Advisory Council.

4 The Accessibility Advisory Council Chatham-Kent Health Alliance is an organization dedicated to providing quality, accessible healthcare to all members of the community. The hospital fully supports the proclamation of the Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2001 (ODA) by the Minister of Citizenship. Furthermore, the organization aims to, at a minimum, comply with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005 (OADA) and the subsequent Ontario Regulation 429/07, Accessibility Standards for Customer Service and Ontario Regulation 191/11, Integrated Accessibility Standards apply In 2017, the previous Accessibility Planning Committee transitioned into the Accessibility Advisory Council (AAC) in recognition of the critical role patient experience advisor and interdisciplinary team member play in achieving the organization accessibility goals. The AAC s role is to recommend strategies to remove and/or prevent barriers to accessibility at CKHA, when and where it is technically and financially feasible to do so. The Council s work supported by three Working Groups: - Capital Investments - Education and Training - Technology The Councils Terms of Reference are found in Appendix A. Barriers to Accessibility Leveraging the Ontario Hospital Associations Toolkit for Accessibility Planning, the following methodologies are used to identify existing barriers. Methodology to Identify Barriers Site Audits Complaints, comments received Survey hospital staff Description Members of the Council conduct site audits at the Grand Avenue West Site (Chatham) and Margaret Street Site (Wallaceburg). Community organizations and members with disabilities are also invited to audit the facility. Review Quality Management reports referring to accessibility issues; refer individual issues to appropriate departments for follow up Review OH&S Incident reports and complaints received from workers; refer individual issues to appropriate departments for follow up. Staff identify areas of concern noted while caring for patients with disabilities, forward comments from family members with disabilities. Department managers, requested to identify any barriers, improvements, complaints, and policies in place and plans for improvements. OH&S Members, during monthly departmental tours, identify areas of concern. Departmental issues are referred to the appropriate departments for follow up.

5 Methodology to Identify Barriers Resource Tool Kit and Web sites Include Persons with Disabilities in the planning and ongoing review Meetings with Architects Description Information and resources are obtained from various Internet sites regarding accessibility. Audits completed prior to construction include patient experience advisors to inform final plans. Partner with other local accessibility committees to assist in the identifying barriers Engage key stakeholders, such as Rehab Services and members from the MS Society and March of Dimes, to complete a review of public spaces including entrances, washrooms and cafeteria. Review proposed new construction/renovation plans for compliance with accessibility standards Tour newly developed spaces to identify any potential accessibilities issues that can be resolved prior to opening the space to patients/public The Council is committed to regularly reviewing the methodology and outcomes of the identification process. Based on the results of the methodology exercise, barriers are categorized into four main types: 1. Physical, Architectural: For example, door access, entryway and hallway obstructions, counter heights and washroom access. 2. Information, Communication: For example, signage, large print text, braille, alternate format communication. 3. Technological: For example, Website design, telephones and TTY devices. 4. Policies and Procedures, Attitudes: For example, complaint process, staff lack of knowledge regarding disabilities. The five-year plan aligns objectives to these barriers.

6 Status Plan to Achieve Accessibility for All Objective Enhance Accessibility Policies Invest in Accessible Spaces Identify and Optimize Technology Solutions Rationale Maintaining and enhancing policies governing how the organization will achieve and sustain accessibility provides a strong foundation for a culture of accessibility for all Creating a barrier free physical environment is a key aspect of creating a welcoming and respectful organization Incorporating accessible technology in designing, procuring or acquiring products accelerates the organization s ability to remove barriers for individuals with varying needs Barrier Physical/architectural; Information/Communication; Technological; Policies, Procedures & Attitudes Policies, procedures & attitudes to Achieve Target Year Responsible Measure of Achievement Research best practices in hospital accessibility practices on an annual basis Develop, review and update current policies and procedures Physical & Architectural Create a Working Group for Capital Investments related to accessibility to: conduct an annual site audit to identify and evaluate investments made at both sites; identify current needs for Council consideration; develop a list of capital investments in priority order for consideration as part of the hospital s annual capital planning process. Work with finance to establish a mechanism to track and report accessibility related investments across the hospital on an annual basis Technological Research existing and emerging technology solutions that enhance accessibility for Council discussion Work with TransForm to evaluate procurement process for opportunities to incorporate accessibility features from the outset Identify the Council as the forum for accessibility feedback on patient-facing solutions, such as kiosks and develop a process which clearly involves the Council s patient experience advisors voice prior to implementation Annually Annually By year 3 of plan Annually Accessibility Advisory Council Accessibility Advisory Council Engineering/Proje ct Management Finance Accessibility Advisory Council Transform All policies reviewed and updated Tours completed. Report created and submitted for consideration Annual report of investments made; trend in financial investments over duration of the plan Accessibility features are considered for any and all technologies that are being contemplated at CKHA # of technologies implemented with accessible features

7 Status Plan to Achieve Accessibility for All Objective Improve Training on Accessibility Ensure Accessible Public Facing Tools Develop Accessible Education and Training Resources Rationale Developing a robust yet practical approach to training ensures the CKHA community is aware of the barriers to access, the standards the organization must meet and their individual and collective role in supporting the legislation and individual needs Ensuring that communication tools used to reach the public are accessible reflects a commitment to accessibility which extends beyond the physical environment of the hospital. Providing educational/ training materials in accessible formats reflects and considers the accessibility needs due to the disability of the individual Barrier Physical/architectural; Information/Communication; Technological; Policies, Procedures & Attitudes Policies, procedures & attitudes Information & Communication Policies, procedures & attitudes to Achieve Target Year Responsible Measure of Achievement Create a Working Group focused on education and training Review current training and revise content as required Roll out training to employees, physicians, volunteers, 3rd party who provide goods/service Fully implement a comprehensive approach to training and education for accessibility Liaise with Communications on an annual basis to review internet and intranet functionality and conformance with guidelines Identify and report to Communications opportunities to enhance the accessibility of existing communication vehicles, such as maps and pamphlets Work with Patient Experience Council on patientfocused documentation as needed Review best practice of educational institutions Proactively address accessibility by developing a toolkit or set of templates for education and training material development Establish process that identifies and leverages the Council as a resource for review of the accessibility of materials in accessible formats as required Annually Year 5 Annually Annually Accessibility Advisory Council Organizational Development Accessibility Advisory Council Communications Department Accessibility Advisory Council Organizational Development Training on any changes to policies and procedures is provided. % of target completed (e.g. 100% of all new staff) Total number of individuals trained Review and recommendation report is completed and submitted to Communications # and type of tools requested and accessed Training on any changes to policies and procedures is provided. Record of the number of people trained

8 Status Plan to Achieve Accessibility for All Objective Be an Employer of Choice Rationale Demonstrating an ongoing commitment to comply or exceed the requirements set out in employment section of the legislation signals an accessible workplace from recruitment to retirement. Barrier Physical/architectural; Information/Communication; Technological; Policies, Procedures & Attitudes Policies, procedures & attitudes to Achieve Target Year Responsible Measure of Achievement Review/Revise Current policies and processes. Inform and educated employees and public Annually Human Resources Occupational Health & Safety # of requests from HR and OHS for input or feedback into materials Receive an annual report from HR and OHS on employerrelated accessibility compliance and initiatives

9 Plan Review and Monitoring Process Tracking of the overall five-year plan is supplemented by an annual work plan for the Council that guides the specific areas of focus and activities in support of achieving an accessible CKHA. The work plan, along with associated action plans, will address the Council s top priorities and measure the organization s outcomes on an annual basis. The Council reports to CKHA s Senior Leadership Team. In addition to minutes going to the Senior Team, a summary report on the Council s work will be submitted on an annual basis. Communication and Public Access to the Plan The Accessibility Plan is posted on CKHA s website and intranet. Hard copies are available upon request and can be provided in a format that best suits the needs of the person making the request. Additions and revisions to the plan may be made on an annual basis and/or in response to new and emerging information. If you are aware of a barrier, physical, technical, communication, attitudinal or other please contact: Vanessa McFadden Chair, Accessibility Advisory Council Chatham-Kent Health Alliance ext vmcfadden@ckha.on.ca

10 Appendix A The Council s Terms of Reference

11 Accessibility Advisory Council Terms of Reference Purpose: The Accessibility Advisory Council aims to make Chatham-Kent Health Alliance accessible for all. Furthermore, the Council is responsible for ensuring CKHA complies with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005 and any subsequent accessibility standards. Objectives of the Council Membership Conduct ongoing environmental scanning in support of CKHA s compliance with legislation and proactive approach to accessibility planning Recommend strategies and priorities to remove and/or prevent barriers at CKHA, when and where it is technically and financially possible to do so, for inclusion in CKHA s five-year Accessibility plan Develop and monitor an annual work plan to achieve the objectives within the five-year plan and in alignment with the strategic plan Review and revise the plans as necessary to meet changes within the Act and/or recommend new strategies to address subsequent standards arising from the Act Act as a strategic resource to review and advise on physical plant designs, projects or new tools/processes, as applicable, from an accessibility lens Conduct an annual site audit, reviewing investments in accessibility and areas for improvement Recommend a list of capital purchases, in order of priority, to leadership as part of the annual capital planning process Drive awareness of legislation and CKHA s expectations related to accessibility within the internal CKHA community Director, Chief Strategy and Privacy Officer Director, Support Services Director, Occupational Health and Safety Manager, Nutrition & Porter Services, Chair Patient Relations Specialist Manager, Housekeeping Services Manager, Allied Health Services Patient Experience Advisors, representing Ontarians with disabilities (2) Manager, Recruitment Outpatient Rehabilitation Services Staff Member Therapy Services Staff Member Emergency Department Staff Member Registration Staff Member Ad hoc membership shall consist of, but is not limited to staff members of: Human Resources Communications & Community Relations Infection Prevention and Control

12 Duties and Responsibilities Council Members Accessibility Advisory Council Terms of Reference 1. Attend meetings of the Council and actively participate in facilitating the overall goals. 2. Adhere to CKHA s values and practice the supporting behaviors expected of all members of the CKHA community. 3. Come prepared, having reviewed the meeting package in advance. 4. Contribute to advancing CKHA s vision of being accessible to all by sharing feedback and insights on the materials provided in advance or presented to the Council at the meeting. 5. Act as champions for accessibility within CKHA and as educators of efforts/investments made to improve accessibility more broadly. Team Process and Decision Making Meeting is structured as a formal business meeting. The Council will follow a structured work plan of when certain activities will occur, monitoring progress of key objectives, metrics and responsibilities (and their alignment with the strategic plan). Decision-making will occur through discussion and consensus whenever possible and will be data-driven. Should the Council be unable to reach consensus, the Chair will make the decision. Time-limited task forces, working groups or project teams may be struck to deal with specific issues as required. Agenda Management Each proposed agenda item and its complete documentation will be submitted to the Chair no later than 12 pm noon 8 days in advance of the meeting. Record of Activities All decisions and action items will be recorded by the minute taker. Minutes and action log will be circulated to all members. Reporting Structure: This council reports to the Senior Leadership Team Meeting Frequency: Quarterly or at the call of the Chair. Evaluation The council will evaluate the effectiveness of meetings verbally at every meeting. The Terms of Reference will be reviewed annually in September.

13 Appendix B The Council s Annual Work Plan

14 Accessibility Advisory Council 2018 WORK PLAN To accomplish Council goals AT EACH MEETING, the Council will: Identify emerging trends, risks and risk mitigation Evaluate the committee meeting In addition, for 2018, the following items and/or activities will be scheduled. January 2018 Working Group Review all accessibility policies Make recommendations on education if changes are made February 2018 Working Group Develop education plan March 2018 Full Council Approve the 2017 Council Report on its work plan and achievements for submission to SLT Review 5-year Plan April 2018 Working Group Conduct site tour of Wallaceburg Site May 2018 Working Group Conduct site tour of Chatham Site Page 1 of 2

15 Accessibility Advisory Council 2018 WORK PLAN June 2018 Full Council Review the environmental scan findings and recommend any considerations for current Review patient/public complaints and comments as well as a summary of departmental inspection results related to accessibility to inform Council s future work plans September 2018 Full Council Site Audit report received. Capital list reviewed and prioritized Terms of Reference reviewed Review staff and patient survey results related to accessibility to inform the Council s planning October 2018 Working Group Review of technologies currently in use at CKHA Research and recommend new technologies November 2018 Working Group Meet with communications team to review accessibility of website and intranet Review all communication strategies December 2018 Full Council Receive report on Education/awareness activities in 2018 Approve work plan for 2019 Page 2 of 2