Multi Year Accessibility Plan 2023-2028

DEFINITIONS

AODA – Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005.

Assistive Device - is a tool, technology or other mechanism that enables a person with a disability to do everyday tasks and activities.

Barrier – any policy, practice or procedure, or part of the built environment, that prevents someone with a disability from participating fully in any programs or services provided by the Corporation of the Township of Nipigon because of his/her disability.

Disability – defined by the AODA as “a disability can include: a) physical disability, infirmity, malformation, or disfigurement, b) mental impairment or developmental disability, c) learning disability, d) mental disorder, and e) an injury or disability for which government benefits are received.

Reasonable Efforts – the Customer Service Standard requires organizations to make reasonable efforts to meet the needs of people with disabilities.  The Corporation of the Township of Nipigon defines reasonable efforts as providing the best possible service within the context of:  available resources, balancing the needs of people with disabilities with others who may encounter barriers to access and with the community at large, the health and safety of the Corporation of the Township of Nipigon staff, the security of the Township staff and existing laws and contracts.

Township – The Corporation of the Township of Nipigon

POLICY OBJECTIVE

This policy has been put in place by the Corporation of the Township of Nipigon to ensure that the Township meets and exceeds the standards put forward by the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005 and its regulations.

The Corporation of the Township of Nipigon understands that obligations under the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005 (AODA) and its accessibility standards do not substitute or limit its obligations under the Ontario Human Rights Code or obligations to people with disabilities under any other law.

The Corporation of the Township of Nipigon is committed to complying with both the Ontario Human Rights Code and the AODA.

POLICY STATEMENT

The Corporation of the Township of Nipigon is committed to excellence in serving all customers including people with disabilities and encourages individuals with disabilities to take advantage of the many services made available by the Township of Nipigon.

The Corporation of the Township of Nipigon will provide access to all the services that are available to people with disabilities in a way that respects their rights to dignity, independence and integration.

The above statement is consistent with the Township’s mission to deliver services in a welcoming and supportive environment within all of our facilities.

SCOPE

This policy applies to the delivery of all services, operations and programs that are provided by the Corporation of the Township of Nipigon.

SECTION 1 – CORPORATION OF THE TOWNSHIP OF NIPIGON POLICIES

The Corporation of the Township of Nipigon policies will be applied in such a way that considers the needs of people with disabilities and also respects the principles of dignity, independence and integration.

SECTION 2 –COMMUNICATION

The Corporation of the Township of Nipigon employees, staff and volunteers will communicate with people with disabilities in ways that take into account their disability, and if needed; work with them on an individual basis to determine what method of communication works for them.

SECTION 3 – TRAINING

All employees, staff and volunteers will be trained to meet the requirements in the AODA and its regulations as related to their duties and on the Human Rights Code as it pertains to persons with disabilities. Training is provided as soon as practicable and on ongoing basis to all staff and volunteers, all persons responsible to developing policies and all persons who provide goods, services and facilities on behalf of your organization.

The Corporation of the Township of Nipigon will maintain written records of all training done to meet the accessibility requirements that apply to our organization. Training will be delivered in different formats such as online training modules, or as handouts or a presentation at an orientation session or staff meeting.

SECTION 4 – FEEDBACK PROCESS

The Corporation of the Township of Nipigon will make information available to all customers on how to provide feedback regarding the policies that are in place to assist people with disabilities.  Staff and employees will also be available to assist all residents, including people with disabilities, in providing feedback, and feedback will be accepted in any format.

SECTION 5 – REQUESTS FOR ACCOMMODATION UNDER THE ONTARIO HUMAN RIGHTS CODE

The Corporation of the Township of Nipigon will continue to meet the standards set by the Ontario Human Rights Code.  Where a request for accommodation is made, the Township will strive to provide accommodation in a way that respects the dignity of the individual to the fullest.  The Township recognizes that individuals with disabilities may require individualized accommodation and that each individual’s needs may be unique.  Accommodation will be provided unless the Township experiences “undue hardship” as defined in the Ontario Human Rights Code.

SECTION 6 – SPECIFIC DIRECTIVES FOR CUSTOMER SERVICE

The following directives address the requirements established by the Accessibility Standards for Customer Service, Ontario Regulation 429/07.

6.1 - PROVISION OF SERVICES

The Corporation of the Township of Nipigon will provide services in a manner that respects the dignity and independence of people with disabilities and provides them with an equal opportunity to learn about, use or benefit from any service, program or operation provided by the Township. 

6.2 - INTEGRATE SERVICES FOR PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES

The Corporation of the Township of Nipigon understands that equitable access sometimes requires different treatment including separate or specialized services.  Such services will be offered in a way that respects the dignity and full participation of people with disabilities.

SECTION 7 – ANIMAL SERVICES

The Corporation of the Township of Nipigon will continue to welcome service animals that are needed to assist people with disabilities. Service animals are allowed on the parts of our premises that are open to the public. When we cannot easily identify that an animal is a service animal, our staff may ask a person to provide documentation (template, letter or form) from a regulated health professional that confirms the person needs the service animal for reasons relating to their disability.

SECTION 8 – SUPPORT PEOPLE

The Corporation of the Township of Nipigon welcomes people with disabilities and accompanying support workers.  If an admission fee is charged for any service or program offered by the Township, the admission fee will be waived for support people.  Advanced notice will be given of any admission fees that support people must pay.

SECTION 9 – ASSISTIVE DEVICES

The Corporation of the Township of Nipigon will make reasonable effort to permit the use of assistive devices that enable people with disabilities to use the Township’s services and programs.  The Township also recognizes that accessibility can be achieved and provided in different ways.

In cases where the assistive device presents a significant and unavoidable health or safety concern or may not be permitted for other reasons, other measures will be used to ensure the person with a disability can access our goods, services or facilities.

SECTION 10 – NOTICE OF TEMPORARY SERVICE DISRUPTION

The Township will provide notice of service disruptions which include the reason for the disruption, the length of disruption, and a list of available alternatives to the service or program that is being disrupted, if available.  In the event of an unplanned or emergency disruption, notice will be provided as soon as possible.

SECTION 11 – INFORMATION AND DOCUMENTATION ON ACCESSIBLE CUSTOMER SERVICE

The Township will document all its policies, practices and procedures as required by the Customer Service Standard. A copy will be posted on their website at https://nipigon.net and members of the public will be notified of the availability of this documentation. The Township will provide this document in an accessible format or with communication support, on request. We will consult with the person making the request to determine the suitability of the format or communication support. We will provide the accessible format in a timely manner and, at no additional cost. and/or provide a copy to any person who requests one.

SECTION 12 - EMPLOYMENT STANDARDS

The Corporation of the Nipigon Township shall set up processes to address employee accommodation needs at all stages of their employment and develop a written process to document an employee's accommodation needs in an individual accommodation plan helping to ensure that all the necessary people are involved, the right steps are taken and the best possible solutions are considered and put in place.

SECTION 13 - PROCUREMENT

The Corporation of the Nipigon Township shall incorporate accessibility criteria and features when procuring or acquiring goods, services or facilities, except where it is not practicable to do so.