Accessibility

Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act

MFRC AODA Policy

1.0 Statement of Commitment

Malvern Family Resource Centre as a social service agency strives to be sensitive to the different and changing needs of the diverse communities we serve including people with disabilities. One of our key organizational and service delivery goals is to be equitable, fair and inclusive. It is our commitment to implement the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA, 2005) to ensure people with disabilities have equal access to all programs and services offered at Malvern Family Resource Centre.

2.0 Mission Statement

Malvern Family Resource Centre is committed to strengthening families and residents through inclusive, innovative and effective programs and services in North East Scarborough.

Malvern Family Resource Centre is committed to developing policies, practices and procedures that respect and promote the dignity and independence of people with disabilities, as well as integration and equality of opportunity.

3.0 AODA Standards

The Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA, 2005) provides province-wide standards to improve accessibility for people with disabilities. Malvern Family Resource Centre will be pro-active in continuously reviewing our practices and policies and will ensure compliance through the development and implementation of all AODA standards which include:

· Customer Service

· Transportation

· Employment, Information & Communications

· Built Environment

4.0 Providing Programs and Services for People with Disabilities

MFRC is committed to developing programs and maintaining service standards that are respectful and inclusive for people with disabilities. The key to accessibility is the ability to plan and deliver programs and services that not only allow people with disabilities to participate meaningfully and benefit equally but also to create a social service environment that is welcoming, inclusive and respects the dignity of people with disabilities.

5.0 Notice of Temporary Disruption

MFRC will provide reasonable notice to participants in the event of a planned or unexpected disruption in programs and services (e.g., parking, pathways, snow removal, construction, etc.) usually, or likely to be used by a person or participant with a disability. The notice will be placed at all public entrances and posted on our website. Where practical and in the event of an emergency disruption, efforts will be taken to contact participants/people with disabilities to advise.

5.1 In case of an emergency during programs, evacuation procedures will be provided to participant(s) with disability.

6.0 Monitoring and Evaluation

Malvern Family Resource Centre is committed to developing AODA policies, practices and procedures that respect and promote the dignity and independence of people with disabilities, as well as integration and equality of opportunity. All policies of Malvern Family Resource Centre are available in alternative formats upon request. Malvern Family Resource Centre will monitor the implementation of the policy and evaluate the application of all standards across the agency on a periodic basis.

7.0 Modifications to Policies

Malvern Family Resource Centre is committed to developing customer service policies that respect and promote the dignity and independence of people with disabilities. Malvern Family Resource Centre develops and updates policies, procedures and practices in such a manner as to respect and promote the dignity and independence of people with disabilities, as well as integration and equality of opportunity. All policies of Malvern Family Resource Centre are available in alternative formats upon request.

8.0 Documentation

Malvern Family Resource Centre is committed to documenting all processes for the purpose of reporting.

8.1 All policies, practices and procedures for providing accessible programs and services will be documented in writing and will be made available in alternate format upon request taking into account the person’s disability.

8.2 All AODA meeting minutes will be documented and stored in a central location.

8.3 Training activities for all staff will also be recorded.

9.0 Training

AODA training will be integrated into Malvern Family Resource Centre’s orientation training and provided within the first four weeks of employment /service and be available in multiple formats. This will apply to new staff, volunteer including board member and placement student, and contractor perceived as MFRC’s employee.

We will provide training throughout the year to build staff knowledge and skill to improve access, remove barriers and provide effective programs and services for people with disabilities. This training will give staff the capacity to work more effectively with people with disabilities guided by the principles of independence, dignity, integration and equal opportunity.

All staff will also receive additional and continuous training on policies, practices and procedures relating to the AODA standards and accessibility.

12.0 AODA Committee

The AODA Committee will continue beyond the January 1st, 2012 implementation date for the Customer Service Standard and will establish and post a meeting schedule in January of each year. The Committee will maintain its responsibility for corporate oversight of, and compliance with, the AODA and ensure that minutes and reports are available to staff and volunteers.

13.0 Consultation with Agencies serving people with disabilities

We will commit to consulting with agencies supporting and serving people with disabilities where appropriate for the purpose of policy development, accommodation, training, etc.