Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA) Policy
The Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA) is a law that sets out a process for developing and enforcing accessibility standards.
Persons with disabilities and industry representatives work together with the government to develop the standards.
Under the AODA, the government is responsible for creating accessibility standards that organizations must follow. Implementing and enforcing these standards will help us work together to make Ontario more accessible and inclusive by 2025.
AODA Integrated Accessibility Standards
The Integrated Accessibility Standards (Regulation 191/11) under the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005 (“AODA“), came into force on July 1, 2011. The Regulation establishes standards to address barriers that persons with Disabilities face in the following areas:
- Information and Communication;
- Employment;
- Design of Public Spaces (Built Environment);
- Transportation; and
- Customer Service
The requirements under these standards are not a replacement or substitute for the requirements of the Ontario Human Rights Code.
The purpose of this AODA Integrated Accessibility Standards Policy (the “Policy”), is to ensure that the Ontario locations of Turner Fleischer Architects Inc (“TF”) comply with the Government of Ontario’s Integrated Accessibility Standards.
Application and Scope
This Policy applies to all of TF’s Ontario employees and students.
Statement of Commitment
TF is committed to creating an inclusive culture across the organization by reducing and, where possible, removing barriers for persons with Disabilities, including employees, clients, and third parties. Where it is not possible to remove barriers, TF will make efforts to accommodate persons with disabilities in a timely, effective and suitable manner.
TF supports the principles of the AODA and the Integrated Accessibility Standards Regulation.
Definitions
The following definitions, some of which are provided in the AODA and the Integrated Accessibility Standards Regulation, apply for the purposes of this Policy:
“Accessible Formats” may include, but are not limited to, large print, recorded audio and electronic formats, braille and other formats usable by persons with disabilities;
“Barrier” means anything that prevents a person with a disability from fully participating in all aspects of society because of his or her disability, including a physical barrier, an architectural barrier, an information or communications barrier, an attitudinal barrier, a technological barrier, a policy or a practice;
“Communication Supports” may include, but are not limited to, captioning, alternative and augmentative communication supports, plain language, sign language and other supports that facilitate effective communications;
“Disability” means,
- any degree of physical disability, infirmity, malformation or disfigurement that is caused by bodily injury, birth defect or illness and, without limitation, includes diabetes mellitus, epilepsy, a brain injury, any degree of paralysis, amputation, lack of physical co-ordination, blindness or visual impediment, deafness or hearing impediment, muteness or speech impediment, or physical reliance on a guide dog or other animal, or on a wheelchair or other remedial appliance or device,
- a condition of mental impairment or a developmental disability,
- a learning disability, or a dysfunction in one or more of the processes involved in understanding or using symbols or spoken language,
- a mental disorder, or
- an injury or disability for which benefits were claimed or received under the insurance plan established under the Workplace Safety and Insurance Act, 1997.
“Feedback” means any comments, compliments, suggestions or complaints provided to TF by clients or third parties;
“Internet Website” means a collection of related web pages, images, videos or other digital assets that are addressed relative to a common Uniform Resource Identifier and are accessible to the public;
“New Internet Website” means either an Internet Website with a new domain name or an Internet Website with an existing domain name which has undergone a significant refresh;
“Mobility Aid” means a device used to facilitate the transport, in a seated posture, of a person with a disability; and
“Mobility Assistive Device” means a cane, walker or similar aid.
Individualized Emergency Response Plans for Employees
TF will provide individualized workplace emergency response plans to employees who have a disability, if the disability is such that the individualized plan is necessary and TF is aware of an accommodation need due to the disability. For such an employee, TF will, with the employee’s consent, provide the workplace emergency response plan to a person or persons designated by TF to provide assistance to the employee in the event of an emergency. TF will provide the workplace emergency response plan as soon as practicable after becoming aware of the need for accommodation due to the disability.
TF will review the individualized workplace emergency response plan on a regular basis to ensure its ongoing relevance and/or appropriateness.
Confidentiality of Personal Information
Information about an employee’s disability is sensitive personal information and, as such, will be managed in a manner that is consistent with TF’s policies regarding the confidentiality of employee personal information. Where the accommodation process requires the release of confidential information to a third party (such as an external resource group), the third party, and any person or department delegated by that third party, will be required to ensure that confidentiality is protected, and that the information obtained is kept in a secure location and used solely for the purpose that the release was required.
Accessibility Policies
Through this AODA Integrated Accessibility Standards Policy, the Client Service Standard Policy and the Multi-Year Plan, TF confirms its commitment to meet the needs of persons with disabilities in a manner that is consistent with legislative requirements.
TF will make these documents available upon request and will provide them in an Accessible Format upon request.
To remain compliant, this Policy will be reviewed at least annually and may be reviewed and/or revised more frequently in order to respond to business needs or legislative requirements.
Accessibility Plan
TF will maintain a multi-year accessibility plan and review and update it once every five (5) years. The Plan will be available to the public and will be provided in an Accessible Format, upon request.
Exceptions
There are no exceptions to this Policy. Any questions regarding this Policy, its purpose, meaning or application should be directed to your immediate manager or the People + Culture team.
AODA Integrated Accessibility Standards Multi-Year Plan
Turner Fleischer Architect Inc. (“TF”)’s Multi-Year Accessibility Plan (the “Plan”) is designed to support the principles and requirements outlined in the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005 (“AODA“), and Ontario Regulation 191/11 – ‘Integrated Accessibility Standards Regulation’ (“IASR”). This Plan, which is to be read together with the Integrated Accessibility Standards Policy, outlines the strategy of the Ontario locations of TF over the next 5 years to prevent and remove barriers to accessibility.
Application and Scope
This Plan applies to all of TF’s Ontario employees and students who deal with clients and/or third parties on behalf of the company. TF will review and update this accessibility Plan at least once every 5 years.
Accessibility Commitment
TF is committed to creating an inclusive culture across the organization by preventing and removing barriers for persons with disabilities. Where it is not possible to remove barriers, TF will make efforts to accommodate persons with disabilities in a timely, effective and suitable manner.
TF supports the principles of the AODA and IASR.
Plan Availability
This Plan and any corresponding policies will be made available to any person upon request. TF also shall post notice of the availability of these documents at reception and, upon request, may make them available in various accessible formats. If you would like to receive a copy of the Plan in an alternate accessible format, please contact John Chow.
Definitions
The following definitions, some of which are provided in the AODA and the IASR, apply for the purposes of this Plan:
“Accessible Formats” may include, but are not limited to, large print, recorded audio and electronic formats, braille and other formats usable by persons with disabilities.
“Barrier” means anything that prevents a person with a disability from fully participating in all aspects of society because of his or her disability, including a physical barrier, an architectural barrier, an information or communications barrier, an attitudinal barrier, a technological barrier, a policy or a practice.
“Communication Supports” may include, but are not limited to, captioning, alternative and augmentative communication supports, plain language, sign language and other supports that facilitate effective communications.
“Disability” means,
- any degree of physical disability, infirmity, malformation or disfigurement that is caused by bodily injury, birth defect or illness and, without limitation, includes diabetes mellitus, epilepsy, a brain injury, any degree of paralysis, amputation, lack of physical co-ordination, blindness or visual impediment, deafness or hearing impediment, muteness or speech impediment, or physical reliance on a guide dog or other animal or on a wheelchair or other remedial appliance or device;
- a condition of mental impairment or a developmental disability;
- a learning disability, or a dysfunction in one or more of the processes involved in understanding or using symbols or spoken language;
- a mental disorder; or
- an injury or disability for which benefits were claimed or received under the insurance plan established under the Workplace Safety and Insurance Act, 1997.
“Feedback” means any comments, compliments, suggestions or complaints provided to TF by its clients.
“Internet Website” means a collection of related web pages, images, videos or other digital assets that are addressed relative to a common Uniform Resource Identifier and is accessible to the public.
“Kiosk” means an interactive electronic terminal, including a point of sale device, intended for public use.
“New Internet Website” means either an Internet Website with a new domain name or an Internet Website with an existing domain name which has undergone a significant refresh.
“Mobility Aid” means a device used to facilitate the transport, in a seated posture, of a person with a disability.
“Mobility Assistive Device” means a cane, walker or similar aid.
- Client Service Standard
TF will continue to strive to provide all clients with the same excellent client service experience, regardless of disability.
Action Plan
TF will:
- Provide new Ontario employees who work in positions that have contact with third parties with training on providing accessible client service to people with disabilities, as soon as it is practicable to do so after commencing their duties;
- Provide updated training to Ontario employees when there are changes to the accessibility policies, when business needs require such training and/or when legislative requirements change;
- Provide training as soon as it is practicable for employees on the requirements of the Regulation, as well as Human Rights Code related obligations;
- Be mindful to ensure training is appropriate to the job duties performed; and
- Keep a written record, including dates and number of participants, of the training provided and to provide annual updates to government in respect of same.
Timeframe: Ongoing
Information and Communications Requirements
TF is committed to meeting the communication needs of people with disabilities as follows:
- Make Feedback Accessible
- TF will make Feedback accessible by ensuring that it has a process for receiving and responding to Feedback that is accessible to clients, members of the public and/or employees who have a Disability.
- Make Information Accessible to the Public
- TF will make publicly available information accessible to the public, upon request. TF will consult with the person making the request for accessible formats or communication supports and will provide the information at a cost that is no more than the regular cost charged to others.
- Employment Requirements
- TF is committed to maintaining employment practices, including recruitment and selection, that are accessible and inclusive, enabling persons with disabilities to fully participate in accordance with and to the extent of its statutory obligations. Accordingly, TF will:
- Notify the public and employees that TF will accommodate people with disabilities during the selection process;
- Tell staff about policies for supporting employees with disabilities;
- Make information accessible to employees who have a disability;
- Develop individualized emergency response plans for employees with disabilities;
- Develop individual accommodation plans for employees with disabilities;
- Help employees with disabilities return to work; and
- Make performance management, career development and job changes accessible to employees with disabilities.
Accessibility Status Reports
TF will prepare and file reports on our progress to implement the accessibility strategies outlined in this Multi-Year Accessibility Plan in accordance with its statutory obligations.
Client Service Standard Policy
The Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005 (“AODA”) was introduced to achieve accessibility for Ontarians with disabilities with respect to goods, services, facilities, accommodation, employment, buildings, structures and premises. Under the AODA, Ontario is introducing mandatory accessibility standards.
The purpose of the policy is to govern Turner Fleischer Architect Inc. (“TF”)’s compliance with the accessibility standards introduced under the AODA. It provides guidelines for delivering goods and services to people with disabilities in compliance with the Integrated Accessibility Standards (Regulation 191/11) regulation under the AODA.
The term “client” used throughout this policy has the same meaning as the term “customer” as it is used in the AODA and its regulations.
Scope
This policy applies to all TF staff, students, and any persons who participate in developing TF’s policies and/or who provide goods, services or facilities on behalf of TF.
Definitions
Disability, as defined by the AODA, means,
- Any degree of physical disability, infirmity, malformation or disfigurement that is caused by bodily injury, birth defect or illness and, without limiting the generality of the foregoing, includes diabetes mellitus, epilepsy, a brain injury, any degree of paralysis, amputation, lack of physical co-ordination, blindness or visual impediment, deafness or hearing impediment, muteness or speech impediment, or physical reliance on a guide dog or other animal or on a wheelchair or other remedial appliance or device,
- a condition of mental impairment or a developmental disability,
- a learning disability or a dysfunction in one or more of the processes involved in understanding or using symbols or spoken language,
- a mental disorder, or
- an injury or disability for which benefits were claimed or received under the insurance plan established under the Workplace Safety and Insurance Act, 1997.
Barrier:
Barrier, as defined by the AODA, means anything that prevents a person with a disability from fully participating in all aspects of society because of his/her disability, including a physical barrier, architectural barrier, information or communication barrier, attitudinal barrier, a policy, procedure or a practice.
Service Animals:
In the majority of cases, though not all cases, service animals will be dogs. Service animals offer a variety of assistance including acting as a travel guide, carrying cargo, fetching products, opening doors, ringing doorbells, activating elevator buttons, pulling wheelchairs, providing additional support to avoid falls, warning the client of an impending seizure or needed medication, protecting the client in medical situations, calling 911, turning on lights, getting help and reducing panic and fear. Typically guide dogs, service animals or service dogs will be wearing a marked harness or vest.
Support Persons:
A support person can be a paid worker, volunteer, family member or friend. A support person does not necessarily require any special training or certification to offer support. Support persons offers a wide range of assistance including interpretation, speaking on behalf of the client, note taking, reading, guiding or directing the client, transportation, personal care and communication.
Assistive Devices:
Assistive devices enable a client to do everyday tasks such as moving, communicating, reading or lifting by eliminating barriers. A few examples of devices that could be used include: wheelchairs, walkers, listening devices, portable oxygen tanks, laptops with screen-reading software and communication programs, canes, hand held devices and hearing aids.
Policy
TF is committed to excellence in providing products and services to all clients including people with disabilities in a way that respects their dignity and independence and is committed to ensuring that people with disabilities have the same opportunity to access and benefit from our services.
TF will carry out its functions and responsibilities by:
- Communicating with people with disabilities in ways that take their disability into account;
- Training employees, students, and any persons who participate in developing TF’s policies and/or provide services or facilities on behalf of TF, on the requirements of the accessibility standards referred to in the Integrated Accessibility Standards Regulation and on the Human Rights Code as it pertains to persons with disabilities;
- Training employees, students and any persons who provide services or facilities on behalf of TF on how to interact and communicate with people with various types of disabilities and the use of assistive devices
- Welcoming service animals on the parts of our premises that are open to the public;
- Welcoming support persons who accompany people with disabilities; and
- Providing clients with notice of temporary disruption in the event of a planned or unexpected disruption in the facilities or services that are usually used by people with disabilities in order to obtain, use or benefit from TF services or facilities.
Guidelines
Guide Dogs, Service Animals and Service Dogs
Clients with a disability who are accompanied by a guide dog, service animal or service dog will be allowed access to premises that are open to the public unless otherwise excluded by law.
Support Persons
Clients with disabilities, who are accompanied by a support person, will be allowed to enter the premises with that support person, and the client will not otherwise be prevented from having access to the support person.
Notice of temporary disruptions
TF will provide clients with notice in the event of a planned or unexpected disruption in the facilities or services usually used by people with disabilities in order to obtain, use or benefit from TF’s services or facilities. The notice will include information about the reason for the disruption, its anticipated duration, and a description of alternate facilities or services, if available. The notice will be placed on our website.
Training
TF will provide appropriate training to all employees, students and any persons who participate in developing TF’s policies and/or provide services or facilities on behalf of TF, on how to interact and communicate with people with various types of disabilities and the use of assistive devices. The training is mandatory and is included as part of the new employee orientation training program for TF staff. The training includes:
- Introduction of AODA and the Code and their purposes.
- How to interact and communicate with people with various types of disabilities.
- How to interact with people with disabilities who use assistive devices or require the assistance of a guide dog or other service animal or the assistance of a support person.
- How to use equipment or devices available on TF’s premises or otherwise provided by TF that may help with the provision of goods or services to a person with a disability.
- What to do if a person with a particular type of disability is having difficulty accessing TF’s services.
TF will maintain a training record including the dates on which the training is provided and the names of the participants.
Feedback process for providers of goods or services
Comments on our services are welcome and appreciated. Feedback regarding the way TF provides goods and services to people with disabilities can be made by email or verbally. All feedback will be directed to John Chow. Clients can expect to hear back from TF regarding their comments within five (5) business days.